(5) Install instrument panel lower silencer (Fig.
221).
(6) Connect battery negative cable.
(7) Verify proper shift interlock system operation.
(Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTO-
MATIC - 31TH/SHIFT INTERLOCK SOLENOID -
OPERATION)
SOLENOID - TCC
DESCRIPTION
The torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid is fas-
tened to the transaxle valve body, and its connector
protrudes through the transaxle case (Fig. 222).
OPERATION
The torque converter clutch solenoid is responsible
for controlling application of the torque converter
clutch. It is controlled by the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM), which determines when conditions
are acceptable for torque converter lock-up.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove valve body from transaxle. (Refer to 21
- TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC -
31TH/VALVE BODY - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove three (3) torque converter clutch sole-
noid-to-valve body screws (Fig. 223).
(3) Remove torque converter clutch solenoid (Fig.
223). Note orientation of plug and spring.
Fig. 221 Instrument Panel Lower Silencer
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL LOWER SILENCER
Fig. 222 Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid
1 - TCC SOLENOID WIRING CONNECTOR
RS31TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21 - 119
SHIFT INTERLOCK SOLENOID (Continued)
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DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CLUTCH AIR
PRESSURE TESTS
Inoperative clutches can be located using a series
of tests by substituting air pressure for fluid pressure
(Fig. 5) (Fig. 6). The clutches may be tested by apply-
ing air pressure to their respective passages. The
valve body must be removed and Tool 6056 installed.
To make air pressure tests, proceed as follows:
NOTE: The compressed air supply must be free of
all dirt and moisture. Use a pressure of 30 psi.
Remove oil pan and valve body. See Valve body
removal.
OVERDRIVE CLUTCH
Apply air pressure to the overdrive clutch apply
passage and watch for the push/pull piston to move
forward. The piston should return to its starting
position when the air pressure is removed.
REVERSE CLUTCH
Apply air pressure to the reverse clutch apply pas-
sage and watch for the push/pull piston to move rear-
ward. The piston should return to its starting
position when the air pressure is removed.
2/4 CLUTCH
Apply air pressure to the feed hole located on the
2/4 clutch retainer. Look in the area where the 2/4
piston contacts the first separator plate and watch
carefully for the 2/4 piston to move rearward. The
piston should return to its original position after the
air pressure is removed.
LOW/REVERSE CLUTCH
Apply air pressure to the low/reverse clutch feed
hole (rear of case, between 2 bolt holes). Then, look
in the area where the low/reverse piston contacts the
first separator plate. Watch carefully for the piston to
move forward. The piston should return to its origi-
nal position after the air pressure is removed.
UNDERDRIVE CLUTCH
Because this clutch piston cannot be seen, its oper-
ation is checked by function. Air pressure is applied
to the low/reverse and the 2/4 clutches. This locks the
output shaft. Use a piece of rubber hose wrapped
around the input shaft and a pair of clamp-on pliers
to turn the input shaft. Next apply air pressure to
the underdrive clutch. The input shaft should not
rotate with hand torque. Release the air pressure
and confirm that the input shaft will rotate.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TORQUE
CONVERTER HOUSING FLUID LEAKAGE
When diagnosing converter housing fluid leaks,
three actions must be taken before repair:
(1) Verify proper transmission fluid level.
(2) Verify that the leak originates from the con-
verter housing area and is transmission fluid.
(3) Determine the true source of the leak.
Fluid leakage at or around the torque converter
area may originate from an engine oil leak (Fig. 7).
The area should be examined closely. Factory fill
fluid is red and, therefore, can be distinguished from
engine oil.
Some suspected converter housing fluid leaks may
not be leaks at all. They may only be the result of
residual fluid in the converter housing, or excess
fluid spilled during factory fill, or fill after repair.
Fig. 5 Air Pressure Test Plate
1 - TOOL 6056
2 - ACCUMULATORS
Fig. 6 Testing Reverse Clutch
1 - TOOL 6056
2 - AIR NOZZLE
21 - 168 41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERS
41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE (Continued)
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ACCUMULATOR
DESCRIPTION
The 41te underdrive, overdrive, low/reverse, and
2/4 clutch hydraulic circuits each contain an accumu-
lator. An accumulator typically consists of a piston,
seals, return spring(s), and a cover or plug. The over-
drive and underdrive accumulators are located
within the transaxle case, and are retained by the
valve body (Fig. 169) .
The low reverse accumulator (Fig. 170) is also
located within the transaxle case, but the assembly is
retained by a cover and a snap-ring.
The 2/4 accumulator is located in the valve body. It
is retained by a cover and retaining screws (Fig. 171)
.
OPERATION
The function of an accumulator is to cushion the
application of a frictional clutch element. When pres-
surized fluid is applied to a clutch circuit, the appli-
cation force is dampened by fluid collecting in the
respective accumulator chamber against the piston
and spring(s). The intended result is a smooth, firm
clutch application.
Fig. 169 Underdrive and Overdrive Accumulators
1 - RETURN SPRING
2 - UNDERDRIVE CLUTCH ACCUMULATOR
3 - SEAL RING (2)
4 - OVERDRIVE CLUTCH ACCUMULATOR
Fig. 170 Low/Reverse Accumulator Assembly
1 - ACCUMULATOR PISTON
2 - SEAL RINGS
3 - RETURN SPRINGS
4 - (NOTE NOTCH)
Fig. 171 2/4 Accumulator Assembly
1 - VALVE BODY
2 - RETAINER PLATE
3 - DETENT SPRING
4 - SPRINGS
5 - SEALS
6 - PISTON
21 - 236 41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERS
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AUTOSTICK SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
Autostick is a driver-interactive transaxle feature
that offers manual gear shifting capability. The con-
trol switch is part of the transaxle gear shift lever as
shown in (Fig. 172). It can only be serviced by replac-
ing the gearshift lever assembly. (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN/GEAR SHIFT LEVER -
REMOVAL)
OPERATION
When the shift lever is moved into the Autostick
position (as indicated by the Shift Lever Position
Indicator in the cluster), the transaxle remains in
whatever gear it was using before Autostick was acti-
vated. The TCM sends a 5 volt signal through the
switch and then monitors the signal for voltage drop.
Each switch state (driver command) results in a spe-
cific voltage reading sensed by the TCM. The TCM
then determines transaxle operation (upshift/down-
shift/OD Lockout) based on their corresponding volt-
age. Refer to the following chart for corresponding
switch states and voltage readings:
Switch State Voltage Reading
Autostick DOWN
depressed0.3V-1.6V
Autostick UP depressed 1.6V-2.8V
Overdrive OFF9Lockout9
depressed2.8V-3.8V
All switches open 3.8V-4.8V
-Voltage values <.3V and >4.8V are considered
INVALID and will result in a DTC
Moving the switch up causes an upshift and mov-
ing the switch down causes a downshift. The instru-
ment cluster will illuminate the selected gear. The
vehicle can be launched in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd gear while
in the Autostick mode. The speed control is operablein 3rd and 4th gear Autostick mode. Speed control
will be deactivated if the transaxle is shifted to 2nd
gear. Shifting into OD position cancels the Autostick
mode, and the transaxle resumes the OD shift sched-
ule.
DRIVING CLUTCHES
DESCRIPTION
Three hydraulically applied input clutches are used
to drive planetary components. The underdrive, over-
drive, and reverse clutches are considered input
clutches and are contained within the input clutch
assembly (Fig. 173). The input clutch assembly also
contains:
²Input shaft
²Input hub
²Clutch retainer
²Underdrive piston
²Overdrive/reverse piston
²Overdrive hub
²Underdrive hub
Fig. 172 Autostick Switch Location (if equipped)
Fig. 173 Input Clutch Assembly
1 - INPUT SHAFT
2 - UNDERDRIVE CLUTCH
3 - OVERDRIVE CLUTCH
4 - REVERSE CLUTCH
5 - OVERDRIVE SHAFT
6 - UNDERDRIVE SHAFT
RS41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21 - 237
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OPERATION
The three input clutches are responsible for driving
different components of the planetary geartrain.
NOTE: Refer to the ªElements In Useº chart in Diag-
nosis and Testing for a collective view of which
clutch elements are applied at each position of the
selector lever.
UNDERDRIVE CLUTCH
The underdrive clutch is hydraulically applied in
first, second, and third (direct) gears by pressurized
fluid against the underdrive piston. When the under-
drive clutch is applied, the underdrive hub drives the
rear sun gear.
OVERDRIVE CLUTCH
The overdrive clutch is hydraulically applied in
third (direct) and overdrive gears by pressurized fluid
against the overdrive/reverse piston. When the over-
drive clutch is applied, the overdrive hub drives the
front planet carrier.
REVERSE CLUTCH
The reverse clutch is hydraulically applied in
reverse gear only by pressurized fluid against the
overdrive/reverse piston. When the reverse clutch is
applied, the front sun gear assembly is driven.
FINAL DRIVE
DISASSEMBLY
NOTE: The differential is serviced as an assembly.
Differential service is limited to bearing cups and
cones. Any other differential component failure
must be remedied by differential assembly and
transfer shaft replacement.
The transfer shaft should be removed for differen-
tial repair and bearing turning torque checking.
(1) Remove the differential cover and bolts (Fig.
174) (Fig. 175).
(2) Remove the differential bearing retainer and
bolts (Fig. 176) (Fig. 177).
(3) Using a plastic hammer, remove extension
housing/adapter plate on the right side of the trans-
axle.
WARNING: HOLD ONTO DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY
TO PREVENT IT FROM ROLLING OUT OF HOUSING.
(4) Use Miller Special Tool 5048, 5048-3 Collets,
and L-4539-2 Button to remove the differential bear-
ing cone on the extension housing side.
Fig. 174 Differential Cover Bolts
1 - DIFFERENTIAL COVER BOLTS
2 - DIFFERENTIAL COVER
Fig. 175 Remove Differential Cover
1 - DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY
2 - DIFFERENTIAL COVER
Fig. 176 Differential Retainer Bolts
1 - DIFFERENTIAL RETAINER BOLTS
21 - 238 41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERS
DRIVING CLUTCHES (Continued)
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A conventional mechanical interlock system is also
used. This system manually prohibits shifter move-
ment when the ignition switch is in the LOCK or
ACC positions. Solenoid operation is not required in
these key positions.
For intended BTSI system operation, refer to the
following chart:
ACTION EXPECTED RESPONSE
1. Turn key to the9OFF9
position.1. Shifter CAN be shifted
out of park with brake
pedal applied.
2. Turn key to the
9ON/RUN9position.2. Shifter CANNOT be
shifted out of park.
3. Turn key to the
9ON/RUN9position and
depress the brake pedal.3. Shifter CAN be shifted
out of park.
4. Leave shifter in any
gear and try to return key
to the9LOCK9or9ACC9
position.4. Key cannot be
returned to the9LOCK9or
9ACC9position.
5. Return shifter to
9PARK9and try to remove
the key.5. Key can be removed
(after returning to9LOCK9
position).
6. With the key removed,
try to shift out of9PARK9.6. Shifter cannot be
shifted out of9PARK9.
NOTE: Any failure to meet these expected
responses requires system adjustment or repair.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BRAKE/
TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK SOLENOID
For intended BTSI system operation, refer to the
following chart:
ACTION EXPECTED RESPONSE
1. Turn key to the9OFF9
position.1. Shifter CAN be shifted
out of park with brake
pedal applied.
2. Turn key to the
9ON/RUN9position.2. Shifter CANNOT be
shifted out of park.
3. Turn key to the
9ON/RUN9position and
depress the brake pedal.3. Shifter CAN be shifted
out of park.
4. Leave shifter in any
gear and try to return key
to the9LOCK9or9ACC9
position.4. Key cannot be
returned to the9LOCK9or
9ACC9position.
5. Return shifter to
9PARK9and try to remove
the key.5. Key can be removed
(after returning to9LOCK9
position).
ACTION EXPECTED RESPONSE
6. With the key removed,
try to shift out of9PARK9.6. Shifter cannot be
shifted out of9PARK9.
NOTE: Any failure to meet these expected
responses requires system repair. Refer to the
appropriate Diagnostic Information.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Remove instrument panel lower shroud (Fig.
305).
(3) Remove knee bolster (Fig. 306).
Fig. 305 Instrument Panel Lower Silencer
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL LOWER SILENCER
Fig. 306 Knee Bolster
1 - KNEE BOLSTER
RS41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21 - 277
SHIFT INTERLOCK SOLENOID (Continued)
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is requested when the TCM pulses this signal to
ground. The PCM recognizes this request and
responds by retarding ignition timing, killing fuel
injectors, etc. The PCM sends a confirmation of the
request to the TCM via the communication bus.
Torque reduction is not noticable by the driver, and
usually lasts for a very short period of time.
If the confirmation signal is not received by the
TCM after two sequential request messages, a diag-
nostic trouble code will be set.
VALVE BODY
DESCRIPTION
The valve body assembly consists of a cast alumi-
num valve body, a separator plate, and transfer
plate. The valve body contains valves and check balls
that control fluid delivery to the torque converter
clutch, solenoid/pressure switch assembly, and fric-
tional clutches. The valve body contains the following
components (Fig. 340):
²Regulator valve
²Solenoid switch valve
²Manual valve²Converter clutch switch valve
²Converter clutch control valve
²Torque converter regulator valve
²Low/Reverse switch valve
In addition, the valve body also contains the ther-
mal valve, #2,3&4 check balls, the #5 (overdrive)
check valve and the 2/4 accumulator assembly. (Refer
to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC
- 41TE/VALVE BODY - DISASSEMBLY)
OPERATION
NOTE: Refer to the Hydraulic Schematics for a
visual aid in determining valve location, operation
and design.
REGULATOR VALVE
The regulator valve controls hydraulic pressure in
the transaxle. It receives unregulated pressure from
the pump, which works against spring tension to
maintain oil at specific pressures. A system of sleeves
and ports allows the regulator valve to work at one of
three predetermined pressure levels. Regulated oil
pressure is also referred to as ªline pressure.º
Fig. 340 Valve Body Assembly
1 - VALVE BODY 5 - MANUAL VALVE
2 - T/C REGULATOR VALVE 6 - CONVERTER CLUTCH SWITCH VALVE
3 - L/R SWITCH VALVE 7 - SOLENOID SWITCH VALVE
4 - CONVERTER CLUTCH CONTROL VALVE 8 - REGULATOR VALVE
RS41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21 - 293
TRD LINK (Continued)
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SOLENOID SWITCH VALVE
The solenoid switch valve controls line pressure
from the LR/CC solenoid. In one position, it allows
the low/reverse clutch to be pressurized. In the other,
it directs line pressure to the converter control and
converter clutch valves.
MANUAL VALVE
The manual valve is operated by the mechanical
shift linkage. Its primary responsibility is to send
line pressure to the appropriate hydraulic circuits
and solenoids. The valve has three operating ranges
or positions.
CONVERTER CLUTCH SWITCH VALVE
The main responsibility of the converter clutch switch
valve is to control hydraulic pressure applied to the front
(off) side of the converter clutch piston. Line pressure
from the regulator valve is fed to the torque converter
regulator valve, where it passes through the valve, and is
slightly regulated. The pressure is then directed to the
converter clutch switch valve and to the front side of the
converter clutch piston. This pressure pushes the piston
back and disengages the converter clutch.
CONVERTER CLUTCH CONTROL VALVE
The converter clutch control valve controls the
back (on) side of the torque converter clutch. When
the TCM energizes or modulates the LR/CC solenoid
to apply the converter clutch piston, both the con-
verter clutch control valve and the converter control
valve move, allowing pressure to be applied to the
back side of the clutch.
T/C REGULATOR VALVE
The torque converter regulator valve slightly regu-
lates the flow of fluid to the torque converter.
LOW/REVERSE SWITCH VALVE
The low/reverse clutch is applied from different
sources, depending on whether low (1st) gear or
reverse is selected. The low/reverse switch valve
alternates positions depending on from which direc-
tion fluid pressure is applied. By design, when the
valve is shifted by fluid pressure from one channel,
the opposing channel is blocked. The switch valve
alienates the possibility of a sticking ball check, thus
providing consistent application of the low/reverse
clutch under all operating conditions.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL
NOTE: If valve body is replaced or reconditioned,
the TCM Quick Learn Procedure must be per-formed. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC
CONTROL MODULES/TRANSMISSION CONTROL
MODULE - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Disconnect gearshift cable from manual valve
lever.
(3) Remove manual valve lever from manual shaft.
(4) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(5) Remove oil pan bolts (Fig. 341).
(6) Remove oil pan (Fig. 342).
Fig. 341 Oil Pan Bolts
1 - OIL PAN BOLTS (USE RTV UNDER BOLT HEADS)
Fig. 342 Oil Pan
1 - OIL PAN
2 - 1/8 INCH BEAD OF RTV SEALANT
3 - OIL FILTER
21 - 294 41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERS
VALVE BODY (Continued)
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