Chevrolet Trax: Transmission general description

The Hydra-matic 6T40/45/50 is a fully automatic, 6-speed, front-wheel drive, electronic-controlled transmission. It consists primarily of a 4-element torque converter, a compound planetary gear set, friction and mechanical clutch assemblies, and a hydraulic pressurization and control system. There are 2 variants of the transmission, based on torque capacity. Architecture is common between the variants, and component differences are primarily related to size.

The 4-element torque converter contains a pump, a turbine, a pressure plate splined to the turbine, and a stator assembly. The torque converter acts as a fluid coupling to smoothly transmit power from the engine to the transmission. It also hydraulically provides additional torque multiplication when required. The pressure plate, when applied, provides a mechanical direct drive coupling of the engine to the transmission.

The planetary gear sets provide the 6 forward gear ratios and reverse. Changing gear ratios is fully automatic and is accomplished through the use of a transmission control module (TCM) located inside the transmission.

The TCM receives and monitors various electronic sensor inputs and uses this information to shift the transmission at the optimum time.

The TCM commands shift solenoids and variable bleed pressure control solenoids to control shift timing and feel. The TCM also controls the apply and release of the torque converter clutch which allows the engine to deliver the maximum fuel efficiency without sacrificing vehicle performance. All the solenoids, including the TCM, are packaged into a self-contained control solenoid valve assembly.

The hydraulic system primarily consists of a gear-type pump, a control valve body assembly and case. The pump maintains the working pressures needed to stroke the clutch pistons that apply or release the friction components. These friction components, when applied or released, support the automatic shifting qualities of the transmission.

The friction components used in this transmission consist of 5 multiple disc clutches. The multiple disc clutches combine with one way clutch to deliver 7 different gear ratios, 6 forward and one reverse, through the gear sets.

The gear sets then transfer torque through the transfer drive gear, transfer driven gear and differential assembly.

The transmission may be operated in any of the following gear ranges:

PARK (P)

This position locks the front wheels and prevents the vehicle from rolling either forward or backward.

PARK is the best position to use when starting the vehicle. Because the transmission utilizes a shift lock control system, it is necessary to fully depress the brake pedal before shifting out of PARK. For safety reasons, use the parking brake in addition to the PARK position.

REVERSE (R)

This position allows the vehicle to be operated in a rearward direction.

NEUTRAL (N)

This position allows the engine to be started and operated while driving the vehicle. If necessary, you may select this position in order to restart the engine with the vehicle moving. This position should also be used when towing the vehicle.

DRIVE (D)

Drive range should be used for all normal driving conditions for maximum efficiency and fuel economy.

Drive range allows the transmission to operate in each of the 6 forward gear ratios. Downshifts to a lower gear, or higher gear ratio, are available for safe passing by depressing the accelerator or by manually selecting a lower gear in the manual mode range.

Driver Shift Control (DSC) or Electronic Range Selection (ERS)

This position (M-Manual / L-Low) allows the driver to utilize the DSC/ERS system. When the shift selector lever is moved to this position, the driver may select upshifts or downshifts by using the paddle switches located on the steering wheel/shifter. An upshift is requested by pushing either + button. Refer to the vehicle owner's manual for more specific DSC/ERS information.

TRANSMISSION COMPONENT AND SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

The mechanical components of the 6T40/45/50 are as follows:

• A torque converter with an electronically controlled capacity clutch (ECCC)
• Gear-type fluid pump assembly
• 1-2-3-4 and low and reverse clutch housing assembly
• 4-5-6 and 3-5 reverse clutch housing assembly
• 2-6 clutch assembly
• Low and reverse clutch (one way clutch) assembly
• Control valve body assembly
• Drive sprocket, driven sprocket and link assembly
• Front differential carrier assembly
• Input Carrier Assembly
• Reaction Carrier Assembly
• Output Carrier Assembly

The electrical components of the 6T40/45/50 are as follows:

• Output speed sensor assembly
• Input speed sensor assembly
• Manual shift shaft with internal mode switch
• Control solenoid valve assembly, which contains the following components:

• Transmission control module (TCM)
• 5 variable bleed line pressure control (PC) solenoids
• Transmission fluid pressure (TFP) switch assembly
• Torque converter clutch (TCC) pressure control solenoid shift solenoid
• Transmission fluid temperature sensor

For more information, refer to Electronic Component Description.

TRANSMISSION ADAPTIVE FUNCTIONS

The 6T30/40/45/50 transmission utilizes a line pressure control system during upshifts to compensate for the normal wear of transmission components. As the apply components within the transmission wear or change over time, shift time (the time required to apply a clutch) increase or decreases. In order to compensate for these changes, the transmission control module (TCM) adjusts the pressure commands to the various PC solenoids, to maintain the originally calibrated shift timing. The automatic adjusting process is referred to as "adaptive learning" and it is used to ensure consistent shift feel plus increase transmission durability. The TCM monitors the A/T input speed sensor (ISS) and the A/T output speed sensor (OSS) during commanded shifts to determine if a shift is occurring too fast (harsh) or too slow (soft) and adjusts the corresponding pressure control (PC) solenoid signal to maintain the set shift feel.

The purpose of the adapt function is to automatically compensate the shift quality for the various vehicle shift control systems. The adapt function is a continuous process that will help to maintain optimal shift quality throughout the life of the vehicle.

TRANSMISSION INDICATORS AND MESSAGES

The following transmission-related indicators and messages may be displayed on the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC). For a complete listing and description of all vehicle indicators and messages, refer to Indicator/Warning Message Description and Operation

"TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE ENGINE"

This message is displayed when the TCM detects a transmission fluid temperature (TFT) equal to or greater than 132ºC (270ºF) for 5 seconds.

"SERVICE TRANSMISSION"

This message displays when there is a problem with the transmission.

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