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.
Electrical Modules And Components - Design And Function - 5 Of 5: Transmission: Overview
HINT: The shape of the transmission casing differs depending on which engine is included in the driveline.
TF-80SC (TF-80SC AWD) is an electronically controlled 6-speed automatic transmission with Geartronic.
The Geartronic function combines two transmissions in one. One adaptive 6-gear automatic transmission which enables relaxed driving, and a "manually" shifted transmission which enables more active driving with manual shifting. In case of manual shifting, the gear selector is pushed forward to upshift to a higher gear and it's pulled back to downshift to a lower gear. However, in certain situations the Transmission control module (TCM) assumes the gearshifting decisions.
TF-80SC has a lock-up-function on all forward gears except 1st gear. The torque converter has a locked and slipping lock-up-function.
Gearshifts are controlled by an hydraulic operating system. Gearshifts take place without freewheeling and completely automatically in terms of load and speed.
TF-80SC has two planetary train units, a front and a rear, whose shifts are controlled by a number of clutches and brakes. The rear planetary train is of the Ravigneaux type.
The oil level is checked by level pipe (the transmission does not have a conventional dipstick).
The transmission has a total of 8 solenoids that control the hydraulic flow. 6 of these solenoids control the shift process, 1 solenoid controls the torque converter's lock-up function and 1 solenoid controls the system pressure.
The gear selector sensor is integrated in the Transmission control module (TCM). The Transmission control module (TCM) is integrated in the transmission.
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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.