Page 2097 of 2895
IMPELLER
The impeller (Fig. 250) is an integral part of the
converter housing. The impeller consists of curved
blades placed radially along the inside of the housing
on the transmission side of the converter. As the con-
verter housing is rotated by the engine, so is the
impeller, because they are one and the same and are
the driving members of the system.
Fig. 250 Impeller
1 - ENGINE FLEXPLATE 4 - ENGINE ROTATION
2 - OIL FLOW FROM IMPELLER SECTION INTO TURBINE
SECTION5 - ENGINE ROTATION
3 - IMPELLER VANES AND COVER ARE INTEGRAL
21 - 258 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46REDR
TORQUE CONVERTER (Continued)
Page 2098 of 2895
TURBINE
The turbine (Fig. 251) is the output, or driven,
member of the converter. The turbine is mounted
within the housing opposite the impeller, but is not
attached to the housing. The input shaft is inserted
through the center of the impeller and splined into
the turbine. The design of the turbine is similar to
the impeller, except the blades of the turbine are
curved in the opposite direction.
Fig. 251 Turbine
1 - TURBINE VANE 4 - PORTION OF TORQUE CONVERTER COVER
2 - ENGINE ROTATION 5 - ENGINE ROTATION
3 - INPUT SHAFT 6 - OIL FLOW WITHIN TURBINE SECTION
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46RE 21 - 259
TORQUE CONVERTER (Continued)
Page 2099 of 2895

STATOR
The stator assembly (Fig. 252) is mounted on a sta-
tionary shaft which is an integral part of the oil
pump. The stator is located between the impeller and
turbine within the torque converter case (Fig. 253).
The stator contains an over-running clutch, which
allows the stator to rotate only in a clockwise direc-
tion. When the stator is locked against the over-run-
ning clutch, the torque multiplication feature of the
torque converter is operational.
TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH (TCC)
The TCC (Fig. 254) was installed to improve the
efficiency of the torque converter that is lost to the
slippage of the fluid coupling. Although the fluid cou-
pling provides smooth, shock-free power transfer, it is
natural for all fluid couplings to slip. If the impeller
and turbine were mechanically locked together, a
zero slippage condition could be obtained. A hydraulic
piston was added to the turbine, and a friction mate-
rial was added to the inside of the front cover to pro-
vide this mechanical lock-up.
Fig. 252 Stator Components
1 - CAM (OUTER RACE)
2 - ROLLER
3 - SPRING
4 - INNER RACE
Fig. 253 Stator Location
1-STATOR
2 - IMPELLER
3 - FLUID FLOW
4 - TURBINE
Fig. 254 Torque Converter Clutch (TCC)
1 - IMPELLER FRONT COVER
2 - THRUST WASHER ASSEMBLY
3 - IMPELLER
4-STATOR
5 - TURBINE
6 - PISTON
7 - FRICTION DISC
21 - 260 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46REDR
TORQUE CONVERTER (Continued)
Page 2100 of 2895

OPERATION
The converter impeller (Fig. 255) (driving member),
which is integral to the converter housing and bolted
to the engine drive plate, rotates at engine speed.
The converter turbine (driven member), which reacts
from fluid pressure generated by the impeller, rotates
and turns the transmission input shaft.
TURBINE
As the fluid that was put into motion by the impel-
ler blades strikes the blades of the turbine, some of
the energy and rotational force is transferred into the
turbine and the input shaft. This causes both of them
(turbine and input shaft) to rotate in a clockwise
direction following the impeller. As the fluid is leav-
ing the trailing edges of the turbine's blades it con-
tinues in a ªhinderingº direction back toward the
impeller. If the fluid is not redirected before it strikes
the impeller, it will strike the impeller in such a
direction that it would tend to slow it down.
STATOR
Torque multiplication is achieved by locking the
stator's over-running clutch to its shaft (Fig. 256).
Under stall conditions (the turbine is stationary), the
oil leaving the turbine blades strikes the face of the
stator blades and tries to rotate them in a counter-
clockwise direction. When this happens the overrun-ning clutch of the stator locks and holds the stator
from rotating. With the stator locked, the oil strikes
the stator blades and is redirected into a ªhelpingº
direction before it enters the impeller. This circula-
tion of oil from impeller to turbine, turbine to stator,
and stator to impeller, can produce a maximum
torque multiplication of about 2.4:1. As the turbine
begins to match the speed of the impeller, the fluid
that was hitting the stator in such as way as to
cause it to lock-up is no longer doing so. In this con-
dition of operation, the stator begins to free wheel
and the converter acts as a fluid coupling.
TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH (TCC)
The torque converter clutch is hydraulically
applied and is released when fluid is vented from the
hydraulic circuit by the torque converter control
(TCC) solenoid on the valve body. The torque con-
verter clutch is controlled by the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM). The torque converter clutch engages
in fourth gear, and in third gear under various con-
ditions, such as when the O/D switch is OFF, when
the vehicle is cruising on a level surface after the
vehicle has warmed up. The torque converter clutch
will disengage momentarily when an increase in
engine load is sensed by the PCM, such as when the
vehicle begins to go uphill or the throttle pressure is
increased.
Fig. 255 Torque Converter Fluid Operation
1 - APPLY PRESSURE 3 - RELEASE PRESSURE
2 - THE PISTON MOVES SLIGHTLY FORWARD 4 - THE PISTON MOVES SLIGHTLY REARWARD
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46RE 21 - 261
TORQUE CONVERTER (Continued)
Page 2101 of 2895

REMOVAL
(1) Remove transmission and torque converter
from vehicle.
(2) Place a suitable drain pan under the converter
housing end of the transmission.
CAUTION: Verify that transmission is secure on the
lifting device or work surface, the center of gravity
of the transmission will shift when the torque con-
verter is removed creating an unstable condition.
The torque converter is a heavy unit. Use caution
when separating the torque converter from the
transmission.
(3) Pull the torque converter forward until the cen-
ter hub clears the oil pump seal.
(4) Separate the torque converter from the trans-
mission.
INSTALLATION
Check converter hub and drive notches for sharp
edges, burrs, scratches, or nicks. Polish the hub and
notches with 320/400 grit paper or crocus cloth if nec-
essary. The hub must be smooth to avoid damaging
the pump seal at installation.
(1) Lubricate oil pump seal lip with transmission
fluid.
(2) Place torque converter in position on transmis-
sion.
CAUTION: Do not damage oil pump seal or bushing
while inserting torque converter into the front of the
transmission.
(3)
Align torque converter to oil pump seal opening.
(4) Insert torque converter hub into oil pump.
(5) While pushing torque converter inward, rotate
converter until converter is fully seated in the oil
pump gears.
(6) Check converter seating with a scale and
straightedge (Fig. 257). Surface of converter lugs
should be 1/2 in. to rear of straightedge when con-
verter is fully seated.
(7) If necessary, temporarily secure converter with
C-clamp attached to the converter housing.
(8) Install the transmission in the vehicle.
(9)
Fill the transmission with the recommended fluid.
TORQUE CONVERTER
DRAINBACK VALVE
DESCRIPTION
The drainback valve is located in the transmission
cooler outlet (pressure) line.
OPERATION
The valve prevents fluid from draining from the
converter into the cooler and lines when the vehicle
is shut down for lengthy periods. Production valves
have a hose nipple at one end, while the opposite end
is threaded for a flare fitting. All valves have an
arrow (or similar mark) to indicate direction of flow
through the valve.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TORQUE
CONVERTER DRAINBACK VALVE
The converter drainback check valve is located in
the cooler outlet (pressure) line near the radiator
Fig. 256 Stator Operation
1 - DIRECTION STATOR WILL FREE WHEEL DUE TO OIL
PUSHING ON BACKSIDE OF VANES
2 - FRONT OF ENGINE
3 - INCREASED ANGLE AS OIL STRIKES VANES
4 - DIRECTION STATOR IS LOCKED UP DUE TO OIL PUSHING
AGAINST STATOR VANES
Fig. 257 Checking Torque Converter Seating - Typical
1 - SCALE
2 - STRAIGHTEDGE
21 - 262 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46REDR
TORQUE CONVERTER (Continued)
Page 2102 of 2895

tank. The valve prevents fluid drainback when the
vehicle is parked for lengthy periods. The valve check
ball is spring loaded and has an opening pressure of
approximately 2 psi.
The valve is serviced as an assembly; it is not repair-
able. Do not clean the valve if restricted, or contami-
nated by sludge, or debris. If the valve fails, or if a
transmission malfunction occurs that generates signifi-
cant amounts of sludge and/or clutch particles and
metal shavings, the valve must be replaced.
If the valve is restricted, installed backwards, or in
the wrong line, it will cause an overheating condition
and possible transmission failure.
CAUTION: The drainback valve is a one-way flow
device. It must be properly oriented in terms of flow
direction for the cooler to function properly. The
valve must be installed in the pressure line. Other-
wise flow will be blocked and would cause an over-
heating condition and eventual transmission failure.
TRANSMISSION RANGE
SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) (Fig. 258)
has 3 primary functions:
²Provide a PARK/NEUTRAL start signal to the
engine controller and the starter relay.
²Turn the Back-up lamps on when the transmis-
sion is in REVERSE and the engine (ignition) is on.
²Provide a transmission range signal to the
instrument cluster.
The sensor is mounted in the transmission housing
near the valve body, just above the pan rail. It's in the
same position as the Park/Neutral switch on other
transmissions. The TRS contacts a cammed surface on
the manual valve lever. The cammed surface translates
the rotational motion of the manual lever into the linear
motion of the sensor. The cammed surface on the man-
ual lever is comprised of two parts controlling the TRS
signal: The insulator portion contacts the switch poppet
when the manual lever is not in PARK or NEUTRAL.
The manual lever itself contacts the poppet when the
lever is in PARK or NEUTRAL; providing a ground for
the signal from the starter relay and the JTEC engine
controller.
OPERATION
As the switch moves through its linear motion (Fig.
259) contacts slide across a circuit board which changes
the resistance between the range sensing pins of the
switch. A power supply on the instrument cluster pro-
vides a regulated voltage signal to the switch. The
return signal is decoded by the cluster, which then con-
trols the PRNDL display to correspond with the correct
transmission range. A bus message of transmission
range is also sent by the cluster. In REVERSE range a
second contact set closes the circuit providing power to
the reverse lamps.
Fig. 258 Transmission Range Sensor
Fig. 259 Transmission Range Sensor
Linear Movement
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46RE 21 - 263
TORQUE CONVERTER DRAINBACK VALVE (Continued)
Page 2103 of 2895

Mechanical State Electronic Display
(Ignition Unlocked)Electronic Display
(Ignition On)
Indicated Gear Position Transmission
StatusColumn Shifter
Position
P P P Vehicle is in PARK
with the pawl
engaged.In the PARK gate.
R The PARK pawl is
disengaged and the
vehicle is free to
roll, but REVERSE
is not engaged.Between the PARK
and REVERSE
gates.
R R R The transmission is
hydraulically in
REVERSE.In the REVERSE
gate.
N The transmission is
transitioning
between REVERSE
and NEUTRAL.Between the
REVERSE and
NEUTRAL gates.
N N N The vehicle is in
NEUTRAL.In the NEUTRAL
gate.
N The transmission is
transitioning
between NEUTRAL
and DRIVE, but is
not in DRIVE.Between the
NEUTRAL and
DRIVE gates.
D D D The transmission is
hydraulically in
DRIVE.In the DRIVE gate,
2 2 2 The transmission is
hydraulically in
Manual SECOND.In the SECOND
gate.
1 1 1 The transmission is
hydraulically in
Manual FIRST.In the FIRST gate.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TRANSMISSION
RANGE SENSOR (TRS)
NOTE: For all circuit identification in the following
steps, Refer to the appropriate Wiring Information.
(1) Raise vehicle on suitable hoist.
(2) Disconnect the vehicle's shift cable from the
manual lever.
(3) With the manual lever in the PARK position
(the PARK position is with the manual lever moved
to the full rearward position), measure the resistance
between the Park/Neutral Position Sense pin of the
TRS and the transmission case. The resistance
should be less than 5 ohms.(4) With the manual lever in the NEUTRAL posi-
tion (the NEUTRAL position is with the manual
lever moved two detents forward of the full rearward
position), measure the resistance between the Park/
Neutral Position Sense pin of the TRS and the trans-
mission case. The resistance should be less than 5
ohms.
(5) If the resistance is greater than 5 ohms in
either of the previous steps, check for a dirty contact
between the tip of the TRS rod and the valve body
manual lever. If the contact is OK, replace the TRS.
(6) With the manual lever in the REVERSE posi-
tion (the REVERSE position is with the manual lever
moved one detent forward of the full rearward posi-
tion), measure the resistance between the Fused
Ignition Switch Output and the Back-up Lamp feed
pins of the TRS. The resistance should be less than 5
21 - 264 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46REDR
TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (Continued)
Page 2104 of 2895

ohms. If the resistance is greater than 5 ohms,
replace the TRS.
(7) With the manual lever in the PARK position
(the PARK position is with the manual lever moved
to the full rearward position), measure the resistance
between the Transmission Range Sensor MUX and
the Transmission Range Sensor 5V Supply pins of
the TRS. The resistance should be 522.2 ohms. If the
resistance is not correct, replace the TRS.
(8) With the manual lever in the REVERSE posi-
tion (the REVERSE position is with the manual lever
moved one detent forward of the full rearward posi-
tion), measure the resistance between the Transmis-
sion Range Sensor MUX and the Transmission Range
Sensor 5V Supply pins of the TRS. The resistance
should be 206.2 ohms. If the resistance is not correct,
replace the TRS.
(9) With the manual lever in the NEUTRAL posi-
tion (the NEUTRAL position is with the manual
lever moved two detents forward of the full rearward
position), measure the resistance between the Trans-
mission Range Sensor MUX and the Transmission
Range Sensor 5V Supply pins of the TRS. The resis-
tance should be 108.6 ohms. If the resistance is not
correct, replace the TRS.
(10) With the manual lever in the DRIVE position
(the DRIVE position is with the manual lever moved
three detents forward of the full rearward position),
measure the resistance between the Transmission
Range Sensor MUX and the Transmission Range
Sensor 5V Supply pins of the TRS. The resistance
should be 59.9 ohms. If the resistance is not correct,
replace the TRS.
(11) With the manual lever in the SECOND posi-
tion (the SECOND position is with the manual lever
moved one detent rearward of the full forward posi-
tion), measure the resistance between the Transmis-
sion Range Sensor MUX and the Back-up Lamp feed
pins of the TRS. The resistance should be 31.9 ohms.
If the resistance is not correct, replace the TRS.
(12) With the manual lever in the LOW position
(the LOW position is with the manual lever moved to
the full forward position), measure the resistance
between the Transmission Range Sensor MUX and
the Back-up Lamp feed pins of the TRS. The resis-
tance should be 13.7 ohms. If the resistance is not
correct, replace the TRS.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle and position drain pan under the
transmission range sensor (TRS).
(2) Move the transmission manual lever to the
manual LOW position. The manual LOW position is
with the manual lever in the forward-most detent.
(3) Disengage the wiring connector from the TRS.(4) Remove the two screws holding the TRS to the
TRS mounting bracket.
(5) Remove the TRS (Fig. 260) from the TRS
mounting bracket by pulling it straight out of the
bracket.
(6) Loosen the TRS mounting bracket in the trans-
mission case using Adapter 8581 (Fig. 261).
Fig. 260 Remove Transmission Range Sensor
1 - SOLENOID CASE CONNECTOR
2 - TRS MOUNTING BRACKET
3 - TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR
Fig. 261 Loosen the TRS Mounting Bracket
1 - SOLENOID CASE CONNECTOR
2 - TRS MOUNTING BRACKET
3 - ADAPTER 8581
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46RE 21 - 265
TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (Continued)