Chart C-8 Trans/Transaxle Converter Clutch

Chart C-8 - Transaxle Converter Clutch Check:

Wiring Diagram for Chart C-8 - Transaxle Converter Clutch Check:

CHART C-8 - TRANSAXLE CONVERTER CLUTCH CHECK

Circuit Description:

The purpose of the transaxle converter clutch feature is to eliminate the power loss of the torque converter when the vehicle is in a cruise condition. This allows the convenience of the automatic transaxle and the fuel economy of a manual transaxle. The heart of the system is a solenoid located inside the transaxle which is controlled by the ECM.

When the solenoid coil is activated ("ON"), the transaxle converter clutch is applied which results in a straight through mechanical coupling from the engine to transaxle. When the transaxle solenoid is deactivated, the transaxle converter clutch is released which allows the transaxle converter to operate in the conventional manner (fluidic coupling between engine and transmission).

The TCC will engage on a warm engine under given road load.

Note: 3rd Gear Switch is not used in "E" Car.




Test Description: The following numbered steps correspond with the step numbers on the diagnostic chart.

1. "LO" display confirms that fourth gear switch is closed.

2. At 45 mph the transaxle 4th gear switch should open resulting in CRT displaying "HI".

3. Entering ECM diagnostics output EO02 should cause the solenoid to cycle "ON" and "OFF" at three second intervals. This test checks the capability of the ECM to control the solenoid driver circuit.

4. Solenoids are turned "ON" or "OFF by the ECM internal electronic switches called "drivers". Each driver is part of a group of four called "Quad-Drivers". Failure of one can damage any other driver within the set. Solenoid coil resistance must measure more than 20 ohms. Less resistance will cause early failure of the ECM "Driver". Using an ohmmeter, check the solenoid coil resistance of the TCC solenoid before installing a replacement ECM.