Section 2

U-Series Transaxles

Lesson Objectives 1. Explain the unique difference between the U−series planetary gear
set and the Simpson planetary gear set.
2. Describe the primary difference in power flow between the U−240
and U−341 transaxles.
3. Given the Clutch/Brake Designation Chart, differentiate the
names for clutches based on the transmission model.
4. Given the Clutch Application Chart and the power flow model,
identify the planetary gear components held for each gear range.

Automatic Transmission Diagnosis - Course 273

Section 2

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 U-Series Transaxles

Transaxle The U−Series automatic transaxles are compact, lightweight,

Overview electronically controlled, four speed transmissions introduced in model
year 2000 Echos and Celicas. The counter drive gear assembly is
located in front of the planetary gear sets rather than behind them as
in the earlier transaxle models which contributes to the compact,
lightweight design.

The transmission’s planetary gear design is a unique departure from

the familiar Simpson planetary gear design used in all previous Toyota
transmissions. The Simpson planetary gear design uses two planetary
gear sets with a common single sun gear for first, second, third and
reverse gears. The U−series departs from this design with two
planetary gear sets with separate sun gears.

U-341E The U−341E gets four forward gears and one reverse gear from this
compact design. Additionally, ring gears and planetary carriers of the
two planetaries are connected.

U-341E
Planetary Gear Unit
The U-Series transaxles
has two planetary gear
sets and separate sun
gears. Additionally, ring
gears and planetary
carriers of the two
planetaries are
connected.

The front planetary ring gear is connected to the rear planetary carrier.
They are held to the case in the counterclockwise direction by the No. 2
one−way clutch (F2) and held in both directions by the 1st and reverse
brake (B3). The rear planetary carrier can be driven by the
intermediate shaft through the direct clutch (C2)

The front planetary carrier is connected to the rear planetary ring gear.
The carrier is also connected to the counter drive gear providing output
torque. The rear sun gear is connected to the intermediate shaft
through the reverse clutch (C3) or to the transmission case through the
O/D & 2nd brake (B1) or 2nd brake (B2) and No. 1 one−way clutch (F1).

Automatic Transmission Diagnosis - Course 273

Section 2

U-341E
Power Flow Model
The front planetary ring
gear is connected to the
rear planetary carrier. The
front planetary carrier is
connected to the rear
planetary ring gear.

U-240E The U−240E has a similar planetary gear configuration to the U−341E
which provides three forward gears and reverse gear. But similar to the
A−240 transmission, it provides an additional planetary gear set on the
counter shaft which operates in an underdrive mode until 4th gear,
when it provides direct drive.

U-240E
Planetary Gear Unit
The U-240E transaxle
provides an additional
planetary gear set on the
counter shaft which
operates in an
underdrive mode

The front planetary ring gear and the rear planetary carrier are held to
the case in the counterclockwise direction by the No. 1 one−way clutch
(F1) and held in both directions by the 1st and reverse brake (B2). The

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 U-Series Transaxles

rear sun gear can be driven by the intermediate shaft through the
direct clutch (C2)

The front planetary carrier and the rear planetary ring gear are
connected to the counter drive gear providing output torque. The rear
sun gear is connected to the intermediate shaft through the direct
clutch (C2) or to the transmission case through the 2nd brake (B1).

U-240E
Power Flow Model
The front planetary ring
gear is connected to the
rear planetary carrier.
The front planetary
carrier is connected to
the rear planetary ring
gear.

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Section 2

Clutch/Brake Designation The alphanumeric clutch designations (i.e. C1, B1, F1, etc.) have shared
a common identifying name and function throughout the transmission
model lines for many years. However, the U−series transaxles changed
the identifying name as indicated in the shaded boxes in the chart
below. For example, B2 has been known as the 2nd brake, but is called
1st and reverse brake in the U−240E and 2nd brake in the U−341E.

Clutch/Brake Designation
The shaded cells in the chart
below indicate departures from the
familiar designations.

Clutch/Brake Function The clutches and brakes hold specific components of the planetary gear
sets. The chart on the following page identifies the specific components
for each of the U−series transmissions. Using this chart, the clutch
application chart and the planetary gear model will assist you in
understanding power flow through the transaxles.

Clutch Application Charts Although the U−240 and the U−341 planetary gear configuration is
similar, control of planetary components by the holding devices is
different as reflected by the clutch application charts. As stated earlier,
the clutch application charts and the planetary gear models are your
key to diagnosis and pinpointing the problem component.

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 U-Series Transaxles

Clutch/Brake Function
The chart identifies the specific
components that each holding device
connects to for each of the U-series
transmissions.

ÁÁÁÁ
ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ
ÁÁÁÁ
ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ
ÁÁÁÁ
ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ
Clutch Name (U-240/U-341) U-240 ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ
ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ
U-341

ÁÁÁÁ
C1
ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ
ÁÁÁÁ
Forward Clutch

ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ
Connects input shaft and
front planetary sun gear. ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ
Connects intermediate shaft and

ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ
front sun gear.

ÁÁÁÁ
C2
ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ
ÁÁÁÁ
Direct Clutch

ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ
Connects intermediate shaft
and rear planetary sun gear. ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ
Connects intermediate shaft and

ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ
rear planetary carrier.

ÁÁÁÁ
ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ
Connects U/D sun gear and Connects intermediate shaft and
C3 U/D Direct Clutch/Reverse Clutch

ÁÁÁÁ
ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ
U/D planetary carrier. rear sungear.

ÁÁÁÁ
ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ
Prevents rear planetary sun Prevents rear planetary sun gear

ÁÁÁÁ
ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ
B1 2nd Brake/O/D & 2nd Brake gear from turning either from turning either clockwise or
clockwise or counterclockwise. counterclockwise.

ÁÁÁÁ
ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ
ÁÁÁÁ
ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ
Prevents rear planetary carrier ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ
Prevents outer race of F1 from

ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ
turning either clockwise or

ÁÁÁÁ
ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ
and front planetary ring gear
B2 1st and Reverse Brake/2nd Brake
from turning either clockwise
counterclockwise thus

ÁÁÁÁ
ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ
preventing the rear sun gear
or counterclockwise.
turning counter- clockwise.

ÁÁÁÁ
ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ
ÁÁÁÁ
ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ
Prevents U/D sun gear from ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ
ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ
Prevents rear planetary carrier
and front planetary ring gear

ÁÁÁÁ
ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ
B3 U/D Brake/1st and Reverse Brake turning either clockwise or
from turning either clockwise or
counterclockwise.

ÁÁÁÁ
ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ
counterclockwise.

ÁÁÁÁ
ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ
Prevents rear planetary carrier When B2 is operating, this clutch

ÁÁÁÁ
ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ
F1 No. 1 One-Way Clutch and front ring gear from turning prevents rear sun gear from
counterclockwise. turning counterclockwise.

ÁÁÁÁ
F2ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ
ÁÁÁÁ
ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ
U/D One-Way Clutch/No. 2 Prevents U/D planetary sun ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ
ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ
Prevents rear planetary carrier
and front planetary ring gear

ÁÁÁÁ
ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ
One-Way Clutch gear from turning clockwise.
from turning counterclockwise.

Automatic Transmission Diagnosis - Course 273

Section 2

U-Series Clutch
Application Charts
Control of planetary components by the
holding devices differs as reflected by
these clutch application charts.

U-341E The U−341E transaxle power flow will introduce you to the U−series
Transaxle planetary gear operation.

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 U-Series Transaxles

D-Range First gear uses the front planetary gear set only. The forward clutch
First Gear (C1) is applied in all forward gears except overdrive. It connects the
intermediate shaft to the front planetary sun gear. The No. 2 one−way
clutch (F2) prevents the front planetary ring gear from rotating
counterclockwise by holding it to the transmission case. When the ring
gear is held and the sun gear is driven, it causes the planetary gears to
rotate at a reduced speed in the same direction as the sun gear. The
front planetary carrier is connected to the counter drive gear which
drives the differential ring gear through the counter driven gear.

To provide engine braking on deceleration, the 1st and reverse brake

(B3) is applied when the gear selector is placed in the L position. B3 is
a parallel holding device to F2 and prevents the planetary carrier from
turning either clockwise or counterclockwise . So if slippage occurs in
drive first gear, but holds in low, F2 is likely slipping.

U-341E First
Gear Power Flow
The forward clutch (C1)
is applied in all forward
gears except overdrive
and connects the
intermediate shaft to the
front planetary sun gear.

Automatic Transmission Diagnosis - Course 273

Section 2

D-Range Second gear uses both the front and rear planetary gear sets. Since
Second Gear second gear builds on first gear, it will help to check out the dynamics
of the rear planetary gear set in first gear. In first gear the front sun
gear drives the planetary gears against a stationary ring gear, causing
the planetary carrier to drive the counter drive gear. The front
planetary carrier is connected to the rear ring gear causing the
planetary gears to rotate and drive the sun gear, but since it is not held
or connected to another member, it idles.

When second brake is applied for second gear, the rear sun gear (which
had been idling) is held, causing the rear planetary carrier, driven by
the rear ring gear, to drive the front ring gear. As the front ring gear is
driven clockwise, the front planetary carrier rotates at a faster speed
than first gear.

U-341E Second
Gear Power Flow
When B2 is applied for
second gear, the rear
sun gear (which had
been idling) is held,
causing the rear planetary
carrier, driven by the
rear ring gear, to drive
the front ring gear. The
front planetary carrier,
rotates at a faster speed
than first gear.

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 U-Series Transaxles

To provide engine braking on deceleration, the overdrive and 2nd brake

(B1) is applied when the gear selector is placed in the 2−range position.
B1 is a parallel holding device to F1 and B2 and prevents the planetary
carrier from turning either clockwise or counterclockwise. So if
slippage occurs or the transmission remains in first gear in an
automatic upshift to second gear, but holds in 2−range, F1 or B2 is
likely slipping.

D-Range Third Third gear uses both the front and rear planetary gear sets to provide a
Gear direct drive. The forward clutch (C1) is connected to the front planetary
sun gear and intermediate shaft. When the upshift to third gear occurs,
the direct clutch (C2) is applied, connecting the intermediate shaft to
the rear planetary carrier. Both planetary gear sets rotate as a unit
driving the counter drive gear. The No. 1 one−way clutch (F1) releases
the rear sun gear as the unit begins to rotate.

U-341E Third
Gear Power Flow
When the upshift to third
gear occurs, the direct
clutch (C2) is applied
connecting the
intermediate shaft to the
rear planetary carrier.

Automatic Transmission Diagnosis - Course 273

Section 2

D-Range Fourth gear uses the rear planetary gear set only. The overdrive and
Fourth Gear 2nd brake (B1) is applied as the forward clutch (C1) is released. When
C1 releases, the front sun gear is released but the direct clutch (C2)
continues to connect the intermediate shaft and the rear planetary
carrier. The overdrive and 2nd brake (B1) holds the rear sun gear to
the transmission case. The planetary carrier causes the pinions to walk
around the sun gear and causes the rear ring gear to turn at an
overdrive speed. The rear ring gear is attached to the front planetary
carrier and drives the counter drive gear.

Since B1 holds the rear sun gear from rotating clockwise or

counterclockwise, this gear position should also have engine braking on
deceleration. If B1 slips, allowing the rear sun gear to rotate clockwise,
the carrier would not drive the ring gear and engine speed will flare.

U-341E Fourth
Gear Power Flow
When fourth gear is
applied the overdrive and
2nd brake (B1) is
applied as the forward
clutch (C1)
is released.

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 U-Series Transaxles

Reverse Gear Reverse gear uses the rear planetary gear set only. The 1st and reverse
brake (B3) connects the rear planetary carrier to the transmission case.
The reverse clutch (C3) connects the intermediate shaft to the rear sun
gear. With the input torque delivered to the sun gear and the planetary
carrier being held stationary, the planetary gears change the direction
of input torque and drives the ring gear in the opposite direction of the
sun gear. The rear ring gear connects to the front planetary carrier and
drives the counter drive gear.

Since C3 is applied in reverse only, if slippage occurs, placing the

transmission in low gear to apply B3. If no slippage occurs while
decelerating in low, C3 is faulty.

U-341E Reverse
Gear Power Flow
The 1st and reverse
brake (B3) connects the
rear planetary carrier to
the case while the
reverse clutch (C3)
connects the intermediate
shaft to the rear sun
gear.

Automatic Transmission Diagnosis - Course 273

Section 2

U-240E The U−240E uses the same basic planetary gear design as the U−341E,
Transaxle however, holding devices are different and fourth gear or overdrive is
accomplished through a third planetary gear set. The third planetary
gear set operates in an underdrive mode until fourth gear, when it
operates as a direct drive.

The following section will deal with the power flow, identifying holding
devices, component operation and diagnosing certain holding device
operations. Since the third planetary gear set operates in underdrive in
first, second, third, and reverse it will be covered in first gear only.

D-Range First gear uses the front planetary gear only. The forward clutch (C1)
First Gear is applied in all forward gears including overdrive. It connects the
intermediate shaft to the front planetary sun gear. The No. 1 one−way
clutch (F1) prevents the front planetary ring gear from rotating
counterclockwise. When the ring gear is held and the sun gear is
driven, it causes the planetary carrier to rotate at a reduced speed in
the same direction as the sun gear. The planetary carrier is connected
to the counter drive gear which provides turning torque to the
underdrive planetary gear set.

Underdrive The ring gear of the underdrive planetary gear set receives input
Operation torque from the counter driven gear. The output shaft is connected to
the planetary carrier and drives the differential drive pinion and ring
gear. In first, second, and third gear the underdrive brake (B3) and the
underdrive one−way clutch (F2) hold the sun gear to the transmission
case. With the sun gear held, and the ring gear driven, the planetary
carrier rotates at a lower speed than the ring gear.

Low Range To provide engine braking on deceleration, the 1st and reverse brake
First Gear (B2) is applied when the gear selector is placed in the L position. B2 is
a parallel holding device to F1 and prevents the planetary carrier from
turning either clockwise or counterclockwise. If slippage occurs in drive
first gear, but holds in low, F1 is likely slipping. If slippage occurs in
reverse, check for engine braking in low to verify if B2 is functioning
properly.

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 U-Series Transaxles

U-240E First
Gear Power Flow
When the front ring
gear is held and the
sun gear is driven, it
causes the planetary
gear to rotate at a
reduced speed in
the same direction as
the sun gear.

D-Range Second gear uses both the front and rear planetary gear sets. Since
Second Gear second gear builds on first gear, it will help to check out the dynamics
of the rear planetary gear set in first gear. In first gear the front sun
gear drives the front planetary gears against a stationary front ring
gear, causing the planetary carrier to drive the counter drive gear. The
front planetary carrier is connected to the rear ring gear causing the
rear planetary gears to rotate and drive the rear sun gear. Since the
sun gear is not held or connected to another member, it idles.

When the 2nd brake (B1) is applied for second gear, the rear sun gear is
held causing the rear planetary carrier, driven by the rear ring gear, to
drive the front ring gear. As the front ring gear is driven clockwise, the
front planetary carrier rotates at a faster speed than first gear. The
underdrive planetary gear set remains in underdrive just like first gear.

Automatic Transmission Diagnosis - Course 273

Section 2

Engine braking on deceleration is accomplished whenever B1 is applied

as it holds the sun gear directly and prevents it from turning either
clockwise or counterclockwise. If slippage occurs or the transmission
remains in first gear in an automatic upshift to second gear, B1 is
likely slipping.

U-240E Second
Gear Power Flow
When B1 is applied for
second gear, the rear
sun gear (which had
been idling) is held,
causing the rear
planetary carrier, driven
by the rear ring gear, to
drive the front ring gear.
The front planetary
carrier rotates at a
faster speed than first
gear.

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 U-Series Transaxles

D-Range Third gear uses both the front and rear planetary gear sets to provide a
Third Gear direct drive. The forward clutch (C1) is connected to the front planetary
sun gear and input shaft. When the upshift to third gear occurs, the
2nd brake (B1) releases as the direct clutch (C2) is applied connecting
the intermediate shaft to the rear sun gear. Because the two planetary
gear sets are connected through the planetary carriers and ring gears,
both planetary gear sets rotate as a unit driving the counter drive gear.
The underdrive planetary gear set remains in underdrive just like first
and second gears.

B1 is applied during second gear and is released when the upshift to

third gear occurs. Because B1 releases, the transmission does not
remain in second if C2 does not apply. Instead, slippage and engine
flare will occur if C2 fails.

U-240E Third
Gear Power Flow
When the upshift to third
gear occurs, the 2nd
brake (B1) releases as
the direct clutch (C2) is
applied connecting the
intermediate shaft to the
rear sun gear.

Automatic Transmission Diagnosis - Course 273

Section 2

D-Range The upshift from third gear to fourth gear occurs in the underdrive
Fourth Gear unit which operates in underdrive in all gears except fourth. The
upshift occurs when the underdrive unit shifts into direct drive. In
fourth gear the forward clutch (C1) connects the front planetary sun
gear and intermediate shaft. The direct clutch (C2) is applied,
connecting the intermediate shaft to the rear sun gear and both
planetary gear sets rotate as a unit driving the counter drive gear. The
counter driven gear drives the underdrive planetary ring gear. When
the upshift occurs, the underdrive brake (B3) releases the sun gear as
the underdrive clutch (C3) applies connecting the sun gear to the
planetary carrier. When two components of a planetary gear set are
connected, the result is direct drive.

U-240E Fourth
Gear Power Flow
The upshift to fourth
occurs when the
underdrive unit shifts
into direct drive.

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 U-Series Transaxles

Reverse Gear Reverse gear uses the rear planetary gear set only. The 1st and reverse
brake (B2) connects the rear planetary carrier to the transmission case.
The direct clutch (C2) connects the intermediate shaft to the rear sun
gear. With the input torque delivered to the sun gear and the planetary
carrier being held stationary, the planetary gears change the direction
of input torque and drives the ring gear in the opposite direction of the
sun gear. The rear ring gear connects to the front planetary carrier and
drives the counter drive gear.

If slippage occurs in reverse, place the transmission in low gear to

apply B2. If no slippage occurs while decelerating in low, C2 is likely at
fault. Although C2 is applied in 3rd and O/D, slippage is less likely to
be detected as the vehicle is in motion when the upshifts occur. In
reverse, the engine must overcome the inertia of a vehicle at rest with
a high amount of torque. If slippage occurs in reverse and there is no
engine braking in low, B3 is the likely fault.

U-240E Reverse
Gear Power Flow
The 1st and reverse
brake (B2) connects the
rear planetary carrier to
the case. The direct
clutch (C2) connects the
intermediate shaft to the
rear sun gear driving the
ring gear in the opposite
direction.

Automatic Transmission Diagnosis - Course 273

Section 2

TOYOTA Technical Training