TORQUE CONVERTER
DESCRIPTION
The torque converter (Fig. 297) is a hydraulic
device that couples the engine crankshaft to the
transmission. The torque converter consists of an
outer shell with an internal turbine, a stator, an
overrunning clutch, an impeller and an electronically
applied converter clutch. The converter clutch pro-
vides reduced engine speed and greater fuel economy
when engaged. Clutch engagement also provides
reduced transmission fluid temperatures. The con-
verter clutch engages in third gear. The torque con-
verter hub drives the transmission oil (fluid) pump.
The torque converter is a sealed, welded unit that
is not repairable and is serviced as an assembly.
Fig. 297 Torque Converter Assembly
1 - TURBINE
2 - IMPELLER
3 - HUB
4-STATOR
5 - CONVERTER CLUTCH DISC
6 - DRIVE PLATE
21 - 124 40TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERS
OPERATION
The converter impeller (Fig. 303) (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 impeller
blades strikes the blades of the turbine, some of the
energy and rotational force is transferred into the tur-
bine and the input shaft. This causes both of them (tur-
bine and input shaft) to rotate in a clockwise direction
following the impeller. As the fluid is leaving the trail-
ing edges of the turbine's blades it continues in a ªhin-
deringº 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 sta-
tor's over-running clutch to its shaft (Fig. 304). 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 counterclockwise direction.
When this happens the over±running 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 circulation 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 condition of opera-
tion, the stator begins to free wheel and the converter
acts as a fluid coupling.
Fig. 303 Torque Converter Fluid Operation
1 - APPLY PRESSURE 3 - RELEASE PRESSURE
2 - THE PISTON MOVES SLIGHTLY FORWARD 4 - THE PISTON MOVES SLIGHTLY REARWARD
Fig. 304 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
21 - 128 40TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERS
TORQUE CONVERTER (Continued)
TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH (TCC)
In a standard torque converter, the impeller and
turbine are rotating at about the same speed and the
stator is freewheeling, providing no torque multipli-
cation. By applying the turbine's piston to the front
cover's friction material, a total converter engage-
ment can be obtained. The result of this engagement
is a direct 1:1 mechanical link between the engine
and the transmission.
The engagement and disengagement of the TCC
are automatic and controlled by the Powertrain Con-
trol Module (PCM). The engagement cannot be acti-
vated in the lower gears because it eliminates the
torque multiplication effect of the torque converter
necessary for acceleration. Inputs that determine
clutch engagement are: coolant temperature, vehicle
speed and throttle position. The torque converter
clutch is engaged by the clutch solenoid on the valve
body. The clutch will engage at approximately 56
km/h (35 mph) with light throttle, after the shift to
third gear.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove transmission and torque converter
from vehicle. (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANS-
AXLE/AUTOMATIC - 41TE - REMOVAL)
(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 converter hub and 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 open-
ing.
(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. 305). 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. (Refer
to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC
- 41TE - INSTALLATION)
(9) Fill the transmission with the recommended
fluid. (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/
AUTOMATIC - 41TE/FLUID - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE)
Fig. 305 Checking Torque Converter Seating
1 - SCALE
2 - STRAIGHTEDGE
RS40TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21 - 129
TORQUE CONVERTER (Continued)
OPERATION
The Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) (Fig. 307)
communicates shift lever position (SLP) to the PCM/
TCM as a combination of open and closed switches.
Each shift lever position has an assigned combina-
tion of switch states (open/closed) that the PCM/TCM
receives from four sense circuits. The PCM/TCM
interprets this information and determines the
appropriate transaxle gear position and shift sched-
ule.
Since there are four switches, there are 16 possible
combinations of open and closed switches (codes).
Seven of these codes are related to gear position and
three are recognized as ªbetween gearº codes. This
results in six codes which should never occur. These
are called ªinvalidº codes. An invalid code will result
in a DTC, and the PCM/TCM will then determine the
shift lever position based on pressure switch data.
This allows reasonably normal transmission opera-
tion with a TRS failure.
TRS SWITCH STATES
SLP T42 T41 T3 T1
PCL CL CL OP
RCL OP OP OP
NCL CL OP CL
ODOP OP OP CL
3OP OP CL OP
LCL OP CL CL
TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE SENSOR
The TRS has an integrated thermistor (Fig. 308)
that the PCM/TCM uses to monitor the transmis-
sion's sump temperature. Since fluid temperature
can affect transmission shift quality and convertor
lock up, the PCM/TCM requires this information to
determine which shift schedule to operate in. The
PCM also monitors this temperature data so it can
energize the vehicle cooling fan(s) when a transmis-
sion ªoverheatº condition exists. If the thermistor cir-
cuit fails, the PCM/TCM will revert to calculated oil
temperature usage.
CALCULATED TEMPERATURE
A failure in the temperature sensor or circuit will
result in calculated temperature being substituted for
actual temperature. Calculated temperature is a pre-dicted fluid temperature which is calculated from a
combination of inputs:
²Battery (ambient) temperature
²Engine coolant temperature
²In-gear run time since start-up
REMOVAL
(1) Remove valve body assembly from transaxle.
(Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTO-
MATIC - 41TE/VALVE BODY - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove transmission range sensor retaining
screw and remove sensor from valve body (Fig. 309).
(3) Remove TRS from manual shaft.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install transmission range sensor (TRS) to the
valve body and torque retaining screw (Fig. 309) to 5
N´m (45 in. lbs.).
(2) Install valve body to transaxle. (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC -
41TE/VALVE BODY - INSTALLATION)
Fig. 309 Remove Transmission Range Sensor
1 - TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR
2 - MANUAL VALVE CONTROL PIN
3 - RETAINING SCREW
RS40TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21 - 131
TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (Continued)
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. 310):
²Regulator valve
²Solenoid switch valve
²Manual valve
²Converter 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
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.
Fig. 310 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
21 - 132 40TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERS
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 PCM/TCM energizes or modulates the LR/CC
solenoid to apply the converter clutch piston, both
the converter 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
NOTE: If valve body is replaced or reconditioned,
the ªQuick-Learnº Procedure must be performed.
(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. 311).
(6) Remove oil pan (Fig. 312).
Fig. 311 Oil Pan Bolts
1 - OIL PAN BOLTS (USE RTV UNDER BOLT HEADS)
Fig. 312 Oil Pan
1 - OIL PAN
2 - 1/8 INCH BEAD OF RTV SEALANT
3 - OIL FILTER
RS40TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21 - 133
VALVE BODY (Continued)
(3) Ensure the transaxle oil pan and transaxle
case sealing surfaces are clean and dry. Install an
1/8º bead of MopartSilicone Rubber Adhesive Seal-
ant to the oil pan and install (Fig. 351). Torque oil
pan-to-transaxle case bolts (Fig. 352) to 19 N´m (165
in. lbs.).
(4) Lower vehicle.(5) Connect transmission range sensor connector.
(6) Install manual valve lever to manual shaft.
(7) Install gearshift cable to manual valve lever.
(8) Connect battery negative cable.
(9) Fill transaxle with MopartATF +4 Transmis-
sion fluid. (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANS-
AXLE/AUTOMATIC - 41TE/FLUID - STANDARD
PROCEDURE)
Fig. 351 Oil Pan
1 - OIL PAN
2 - 1/8 INCH BEAD OF RTV SEALANT
3 - OIL FILTER
Fig. 352 Oil Pan Bolts
1 - OIL PAN BOLTS (USE RTV UNDER BOLT HEADS)
RS40TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21 - 145
VALVE BODY (Continued)
41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
DESCRIPTION........................147
OPERATION..........................149
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - 4XTE
TRANSAXLE GENERAL DIAGNOSIS......149
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ROAD TEST . . 150
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HYDRAULIC
PRESSURE TESTS...................150
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CLUTCH AIR
PRESSURE TESTS...................153
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TORQUE
CONVERTER HOUSING FLUID LEAKAGE . . 154
REMOVAL............................154
DISASSEMBLY........................157
ASSEMBLY...........................174
INSTALLATION........................196
SCHEMATICS AND DIAGRAMS
4XTE TRANSAXLE HYDRAULIC
SCHEMATICS.......................199
SPECIFICATIONS - 41TE TRANSAXLE......211
SPECIAL TOOLS
41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE.........213
ACCUMULATOR
DESCRIPTION........................218
OPERATION..........................218
DRIVING CLUTCHES
DESCRIPTION........................219
OPERATION..........................219
FINAL DRIVE
DESCRIPTION........................219
OPERATION..........................220
DISASSEMBLY........................220
ASSEMBLY...........................224
ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT - DIFFERENTIAL BEARING
PRELOAD..........................228
FLUID
STANDARD PROCEDURE
FLUID LEVEL AND CONDITION CHECK . . . 230
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID AND
FILTER SERVICE.....................231
GEAR SHIFT CABLE
REMOVAL............................233
INSTALLATION........................234
ADJUSTMENTS
GEARSHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT.......235
HOLDING CLUTCHES
DESCRIPTION........................236
OPERATION..........................236INPUT CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
DISASSEMBLY........................237
ASSEMBLY...........................246
OIL PUMP
DESCRIPTION........................261
OPERATION..........................261
DISASSEMBLY........................261
ASSEMBLY...........................263
PLANETARY GEARTRAIN
DESCRIPTION........................263
OPERATION..........................263
SEAL - OIL PUMP
REMOVAL............................264
INSTALLATION........................264
SHIFT INTERLOCK SOLENOID
DESCRIPTION........................264
OPERATION..........................265
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BRAKE/
TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK
SOLENOID..........................266
REMOVAL............................266
INSTALLATION........................267
SOLENOID/PRESSURE SWITCH ASSY
DESCRIPTION........................268
OPERATION..........................268
REMOVAL............................269
INSTALLATION........................270
SPEED SENSOR - INPUT
DESCRIPTION........................271
OPERATION..........................271
REMOVAL............................272
INSTALLATION........................272
SPEED SENSOR - OUTPUT
DESCRIPTION........................273
OPERATION..........................273
REMOVAL............................274
INSTALLATION........................274
TORQUE CONVERTER
DESCRIPTION........................275
OPERATION..........................278
REMOVAL............................280
INSTALLATION........................280
TRANSMISSION CONTROL RELAY
DESCRIPTION........................281
OPERATION..........................281
TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION........................281
OPERATION..........................282
REMOVAL............................282
INSTALLATION........................282
21 - 146 41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERS