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CH41 Electronic Automatic Transmissions STUDENT VERSION Rev

Electronic automatic transmissions (EATs) use electronic control modules and solenoids to regulate fluid pressure and control shifting. Sensors provide inputs like throttle position, temperature, and speed to determine shift scheduling. Solenoids control shift timing and pressure to clutches and torque converter clutch. EATs can be tested by checking sensors and wiring, monitoring shifts with a scan tool, and testing solenoids and actuators with an ohmmeter or lab scope. Proper diagnosis requires evaluating both transmission and engine systems.
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
65 views27 pages

CH41 Electronic Automatic Transmissions STUDENT VERSION Rev

Electronic automatic transmissions (EATs) use electronic control modules and solenoids to regulate fluid pressure and control shifting. Sensors provide inputs like throttle position, temperature, and speed to determine shift scheduling. Solenoids control shift timing and pressure to clutches and torque converter clutch. EATs can be tested by checking sensors and wiring, monitoring shifts with a scan tool, and testing solenoids and actuators with an ohmmeter or lab scope. Proper diagnosis requires evaluating both transmission and engine systems.
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Chapter 41

Electronic
Automatic Transmissions
Electronic Automatic
Transmissions (EATs)
• Electronic transmission control provides
better shift timing, shift quality, improved
fuel economy, and reduced emissions.
• A control module activates solenoids that
control fluid pressure to the clutches and
bands.
Inputs
• May be directly from a sensor or via a
multiplexed system.
• Typical inputs for the transmission control
module (TCM):
– TP sensor MAP sensor
– MAF sensor IAT sensor
– BARO sensor ECT sensor
– CKP sensor
Throttle Position (TP) Sensor
• Informs TCM of driver intent.
• Used in place of hydraulic throttle pressure
linkage.
• Important for shift scheduling, electronic
pressure control and TCC control.
• Low TP voltage will cause early upshifts.
Temperature Sensors
• Shift schedules influenced by engine
temperature.
• May delay shifts to increase engine
temperature.
• High engine temperatures may cause earlier
shifts or TCC in second or third gear.
Engine Speed
• Used to determine shift timing, wide-open
throttle (WOT) shift control, TCC control,
and EPC pressure.
• Also used to prevent the engine from
running at too high an RPM by
commanding an upshift.
Transmission Fluid Temperature
(TFT) Sensor
• Normally located in the valve body.
• Used to control shift timing, shift feel, and
TCC engagement.
Shift Solenoids
• Regulate shift timing and feel.
• Controls the delivery of fluid.
• Solenoids are normally on/off and are off in
the open position.
• A four speed transmission typically has two
shift solenoids.
Pressure Control Solenoids
• Replaces the throttle valve cable.
• Controls hydraulic pressure to clutches.
• Usually called the electronic pressure
control (EPC) solenoid.
• Most are variable force or pulse width
modulated.
TCC Solenoid
• Controls the application, modulation, and
release of the TCC.
• When the solenoid is off, fluid is exhausted
and the clutch is released.
• Modulating the pressure allows for smooth
engagement and disengagement.
Limp-In Mode
• Also called fail-safe or default mode.
• Allows for limited driving ability.
• Designed to prevent further damage.
• May lock the transmission in a particular
gear or only allow park, neutral, reverse and
two gears.
Manual Shifting
• Allows the driver to manually shift without
a clutch .
• The driver moves the gear selector or a
button to change gears.
• Still an automatic transmission.
CVT Controls
• Pulley ratios are controlled by the TCM.
• The start clutch is designed to slip just
enough to get the vehicle moving.
• Pulley ratios are changed to reduce engine
speed and maintain ideal engine
temperatures.
Hybrid Transmissions
• May be fitted with
electric motors to
propel the vehicle
and provide a
constantly variable
ratio.
GM Two-Mode Transmission
Basic EAT Testing
• Determine if problem is with the transmission
or the electronics.
• Perform a preliminary inspection and checks.
• Connect a scan tool to check for codes.
• Manually activate solenoids.
• Remember engine problems can and will
cause the transmission to act abnormally.
Preliminary EAT Checks
• Road test with scan tool.
• Monitor gear changes and inputs such as:
– Engine speed - Vehicle speed
– Manifold vacuum - Operating gear
– Time required to shift gears
Guidelines for Diagnosing EATs
• Battery has at least 12.6 volts
• Check all fuses
• Check all sensors and wiring
• Use a high impedance test light or DMM
• Check power, ground, and signal return wiring
• Check solenoids before computer replacement
• Check computer harness routings
Detailed Testing of Inputs
• Testing Switches
– Can be checked with an ohmmeter or test light
– Pressure switches can be air pressure checked
• TP Sensor
– Can be checked with an ohmmeter or voltmeter
– Lab scope will easily show glitches
Speed Sensor Outputs
Testing Actuators with
a Lab Scope
• Testing with a lab scope allows you to
watch the electrical activity of the circuit.
• Some actuators are pulse-width modulated,
some frequency controlled, or by voltage
levels.
Pulse-Width Modulated
Solenoid Signal
Testing Actuators
with an Ohmmeter
• Solenoids can be checked for resistance and
opens.
• The circuit can be tested for shorts to
ground and high resistance.

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