Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Transaxle Description: Notes
The automatic transmission used in the vehicle is a new development.
It is a fully automatic, electronically controlled 5-speed transmission designed for front-wheel drive vehicles.
Its abbreviated designation FNR5 means:
- FN - front-wheel drive
- R - Model designation
- 5 - 5-speed transmission
The individual ratios are achieved through 2 planetary gear sets, connected one behind the other.
The individual components of the planetary gear sets are driven or held by means of 3 multi-plate clutches, a multi-plate brake, a brake band and a roller one-way clutch.
The torque is transmitted to the final drive assembly through an intermediate gear stage.
FNR5 Automatic Transmission Fluid is the fluid specified for the FNR5 transaxle. The fluid is changed as directed by the Scheduled Maintenance Guide that is supplied with the vehicle.
The manual selector lever gives the driver a choice of P, R, N, D and L.
The default gear for this transaxle is 3rd gear.
To minimize fuel consumption, the torque converter lock-up clutch is closed by the transmission control module (TCM) in 3rd, 4th and 5th gears depending on the throttle position and vehicle speed.
The transmission has electronic synchronous shift control (ESSC), which guarantees extremely smooth gear shifting over the entire life of the transmission.
A hydraulic emergency operating program maintains limited operation in the event of failure of important electrical components.
The transmission can be tested using a scan tool through the data link connector (DLC) in the passenger compartment.
| Gear Ratio (Typical shown, ratios are model dependent) | |
|---|---|
| 1st | 3.61:1 |
| 2nd | 1.92:1 |
| 3rd | 1.28:1 |
| 4th | 0.93:1 |
| 5th | 0.69:1 |
| Reverse | 3.40:1 |
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.