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 4F27E is a fully automatic, electronically controlled 4-speed transaxle designed for Front Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles.
Its abbreviated designation 4F27E means:
- 4 - 4-speed transmission
- F - FWD
- 27 - originally designed for maximum input torque after torque converter: 365 N.m (270 lb-ft)
- E - fully electronically controlled
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 (OWC).
The torque is transmitted to the final drive assembly through an intermediate gear stage.
The selector lever gives the driver a choice of P, R, N, D, 2 and 1.
With the selector lever in D, it is possible to operate an Overdrive (O/D) switch on the selector lever to prevent the transaxle from shifting into 4th gear. The default gear for this transaxle is 3rd gear.
To minimize fuel consumption, the torque converter lock-up clutch is closed by the PCM in 3rd and 4th gears depending on the throttle position and vehicle speed.
The transaxle has electronic synchronous shift control, which guarantees extremely smooth gear shifting over the entire life of the transaxle.
A hydraulic emergency operating program maintains limited operation in the event of failure of important electrical components.
The transaxle 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 | 2.816:1 |
| 2nd | 1.498:1 |
| 3rd | 1.000:1 |
| 4th | 0.726:1 |
| Reverse | 2.649:1 |
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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.