Transmission Fluid Level Check
E126079
WARNING: Beware, risk of scalding when
checking the transmission fluid.
NOTE: Refer to the service literature for the exact
procedure and specifications.
In order for the transaxle to function properly, it is
vital that the transmission fluid level is correct. If the transmission fluid level is excessively low, this
becomes noticeable by a rattling noise at the fluid
pump, etc.
Always use transmission fluid to the indicated
specification (WSS-M2C924-A).
The transmission fluid temperature is determined
using IDS.
It must be ensured that the transmission fluid
temperature is within the range specified in the
workshop literature.
The following conditions must be met in order to
carry out the transmission fluid level check
correctly:
• Ensure that the transaxle is not in limp home
mode.
• Place the vehicle on a level surface.
• Move the selector lever to the 'P' position.
• Make sure that the parking brake is fully applied.
• Run the engine at idle speed.
• Move the transmission selector lever to all positions. In doing so, wait until the transmission
engages the corresponding range.
• Move the selector lever back to the 'P' position.
• Pull out the fluid dipstick.
When the predetermined transmission fluid
temperature is reached, the fluid level shown on
the dipstick must be in the middle between 'MIN'
and 'MAX'. In this case, the fluid level is correct.
Changing the Transmission Fluid
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E126062
2
1
3
4
Description
Item
Fluid reservoir
1
Connection for return line from fluid cooler
2Description
Item
Connection for return line on transaxle
3
Hose
4
Under normal conditions, the transmission fluid is
filled for the service life of the transaxle and does
not need to be changed.
Under high loads (driving with a trailer or in
mountains etc.) it may be necessary to change the
transmission fluid.
To drain the transmission fluid, remove the fluid
drain plug.
Proceed as follows when topping off the
transmission fluid:
• Remove the return line from the fluid cooler to the transaxle on the transaxle. Close off the
connection on the transaxle using a plastic plug.
• Join the return line to a transparent pipe. The transparent pipe ends in the fluid reservoir in
order to collect the fluid.
• To top off the transmission fluid, insert a transparent pipe in the guide tube of the dipstick
and add approx. 2.0 liters of transmission fluid. • Move the selector lever to the 'P' position and
allow the engine to run at idle speed.
• Switch off the engine if air bubbles become visible in the transparent pipe to the fluid
reservoir.
• Top off approx. 2 liters of transmission fluid and allow the engine to run at idle speed. Switch off
the engine if air bubbles become visible in the
transparent pipe to the fluid reservoir.
• Top up the transmission fluid until the fluid level for cold fluid is indicated on the dipstick in the
middle between 'MIN' and 'MAX'.
• Then check the transmission fluid level.
Refer to the service literature for the exact
procedure and specifications.
NOTE: If the transmission fluid has been changed,
the counter for fluid change intervals must be reset
using IDS.
Diagnosis with IDS
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Transmission Description – System Operation and ComponentDescription
System Operation
E112576
The AW55 5-gear automatic transaxle is a fully
automatic, electronically controlled automatic
transaxle. The fifth gear is an overdrive which
saves fuel.
The maximum input torque is 330 Nm.
Gear changes are controlled by an
electro-hydraulic system.
The gear ratios are achieved by means of a
combined planetary gear set and a Simpson set.
Three multi-plate clutches, four multi-plate brakes
and one band brake as well as two one-way
clutches control the various ratios.
The clutches and brakes are hydraulically operated
by electrically actuated solenoid valves. The valves
are actuated by the TCM depending on the driving
conditions and the driver's requirements.
The TCC is activated in gears 3, 4 and 5. The TCC
is driven in interlock mode and in slip mode. Defined slip achieves a smooth and therefore
comfortable clutch engagement of the TCC.
Control of slip mode depends on the engine speed,
accelerator pedal position and vehicle speed
signals provided by the ECM (engine control
module). This controls the rate of slip by comparing
the engine speed and the turbine shaft speed.
The TSS sensor and the OSS sensor use the Hall
effect principle. The TCM can regulate the slip in
the torque converter by comparing the engine
speed with the transmission speed.
All parameters for actuating the clutches and the
TCC are determined by the TCM as a function of
the operating parameters. The automatic transaxle
features a self-learning strategy.
The fundamental parameters for gear shifting are
the accelerator pedal position and the vehicle
speed.
Gear selection can either be performed
automatically or in select-shift mode. The selected
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transmission range or gear (in select-shift mode)
is indicated to the driver in the instrument panel.
In selector lever position "S", the driver can
manually select the gears (select-shift mode). Up
(+) and down (-) shifts are made by moving the
selector lever in the appropriate direction.
Hydraulic limp home modes maintain limited
operation in the event of failure of important
electrical components.Under normal conditions, the transmission fluid is
filled for the service life of the transaxle and does
not need to be changed.
A dipstick is used to check the fluid level in the
transmission.
Functionality overview
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E112322
The TCM adapts the gear changing to ensure that
the correct gear is selected for the style of driving,
the engine load, driver requirements, vehicle speed
etc. This leads to lower fuel consumption together
with improved comfort through smoother gear
changes and lower noise levels.
The TCM receives information on the driver's
desired transmission range and type of driving
mode. In contrast to a transmission which is only
controlled hydraulically, the control module can
calculate the best times to shift gear and activate
torque converter lockup by using the signals from
the sensors in the transmission and the engine
management system.
The control module enables small changes in the
operating conditions to be made and adapts thevarious transmission functions to ensure that the
correct gear is always selected in relation to the
type of driving mode.
The TCM has adaptive capabilities. This ensures
smooth gear changes throughout the whole service
life of the transmission.
To exactly determine the activation points of the
gear shifts and torque converter lockup on the
basis of the type of driving mode chosen, the TCM
receives the following information:
• Transmission range chosen (TR sensor).
• Type of driving mode chosen
(normal/sport/select-shift).
• Transmission input shaft speed (TSS sensor).
• Transmission output shaft speed (OSS sensor).
• Transmission fluid temperature (TFT sensor).
• The engine speed and the torque as well as the throttle plate opening - from the PCM via the
CAN data bus.
• Actuation of the accelerator pedal - from the PCM via the CAN data bus.
• Coolant temperature - from the PCM via the CAN data bus.
• Vehicle speed - from the ABS via the CAN data bus.
• Actuation of the brake pedal - from the ABS via the CAN data bus.
Pin assignment for TCM connector 'A' (connection to vehicle)
11
E125669
Description
Item
Battery (+)
1
not assigned
2Description
Item
not assigned
3
not assigned
4
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21
22 20 19
15 14 13
161718 12
876
9
10
11 5
3
42121
22 20 19
15 14 13
161718 12
876
9
10
11 5
3
421
E125671
Description
Item
Shift solenoid valve S1 (+)
1
Shift solenoid valve (S2) (+)
2
PWM solenoid valve – main line pressure
(SLT) (+)
3
not assigned
4
not assigned
5
PWM solenoid valve – main pressure line
(SLT) (–)
6
PWM solendoid valve – TCC (SLU) (–)
7
not assigned
8
PWM solenoid valve – TCC (SLU) (+)
9
PWM solenoid valve – shift pressure (SLS)
(–)
10Description
Item
not assigned
11
not assigned
12
TFT sensor (–)
13
TFT sensor (+)
14
not assigned
15
PWM solenoid valve – shift pressure (SLS)
(+)
16
Shift solenoid valve (S3) (+)
17
not assigned
18
not assigned
19
not assigned
20
Shift solenoid valve (S5) (+)
21
Shift solenoid valve (S4) (+)
22
Operation
Depending on the input signals, the TCM mounted
on the transmission actuates the solenoid valves
in the valve body. The TCM calculates and stores
adaptive data, fault codes and values for diagnosis.
The TCM adapts the gear changing to ensure that
the correct gear is selected for the style of driving,
the engine load, driver requirements, vehicle speed
etc. This leads to lower fuel consumption together
with improved comfort through smoother gear
changes and lower noise levels.
The TCM receives information on the driver's
desired transmission range and type of driving
mode. In contrast to a transmission which is only controlled hydraulically, the control module can
calculate the best times to shift gear and activate
torque converter lockup by using the signals from
the sensors in the transmission and the engine
management system.
The control module enables small changes in the
operating conditions to be made and adapts the
various transmission functions to ensure that the
correct gear is always selected in relation to the
type of driving mode.
The TCM has adaptive capabilities. This ensures
smooth gear changes throughout the whole service
life of the transmission.
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To exactly determine the activation points of the
gear shifts and torque converter lockup on the
basis of the type of driving mode chosen, the TCM
receives the following information:
• Selected transmission range (TR sensor)
• Selected driving mode (normal/sport/select-shift)
• Transmission input shaft speed (TSS sensor)
• Transmission output shaft speed (OSS sensor)
• Transmission fluid temperature (TFT sensor)
• The engine speed and the torque as well as thethrottle plate opening - from the PCM via the
CAN databus
• Actuation of accelerator – from the PCM via the CAN databus
• The coolant temperature – from the PCM via the CAN databus
• Road speed – from the ABS module via the CAN databus
• Actuation of brake pedal – from the PCM via the CAN databus
Gearshift control
Adaptation
The TCM monitors every shift operation in all
driving conditions to make even and smooth gear
shifts possible. This is done by the control module,
which either lowers or increases the hydraulic line
pressure during gearshifts.
The changed pressure values are stored in the
control module memory after the engine is switched
off and retrieved during engine starting. This
improves the shift comfort and extends the service
life.
Full adaptability occurs when the following criteria
are met:
• Throttle plate opening is constant.
• Transmission fluid temperature between 65 °Cand 110 °C.
Shifting from 'P' to another transmission
range
To be able to move the selector lever from 'P' into
another transmission range, the ignition must be
switched on and the brake pedal pressed (stoplamp
switch on). The TCM detects the position of the
brake pedal via the CAN data bus and the engaged
transmission range from the TR sensor. Based on this information, the TCM transmits a
signal to the select-shift switch module. This
activates the brake shift interlock actuator in the
selector lever assembly.
When the brake shift interlock actuator is activated,
the locking pin is retracted so that another
transmission range can be selected.
The brake shift interlock actuator is deactivated
when the ignition is switched off. It is mechanically
locked when the gear selector lever is in 'P'.
Automatic transmission, selector lever in
position "D".
The TCM adapts the shift points to match the
driving conditions. Normally the TCM is in adaptive
mode and gear changes take place adapted to the
driving conditions. If special driving conditions are
detected, the TCM switches to predefined
characteristics.
When driving with normal acceleration, the TCM
uses a preset shift program which is optimized for
economical driving.
This shift program is suitable for "normal" driving
and delivers early upward changes and torque
converter lockup. Furthermore, the transmission
fluid pressure is adapted to make smooth
engagement of the gears possible.
Sport mode, selector lever in position "S"
The transmission switches from automatic
operation into sport mode. In this mode the TCM
switches to another set of characteristic curves.
These characteristic curves for control of the gear
changes are adapted to sporting calculations (e.g.
gear change at higher engine speed).
In the sport mode shift program the shift points are
set so that good performance is offered. Changing
down occurs at lower engine speeds.
Manual gear changes (select-shift mode) can be
made in sport mode by moving the selector lever
in the (+) or (-) direction.
Changing gear in select-shift mode
If you move the selector lever to 'S', the automatic
transaxle remains hydraulically in 'D' position. If
you move the gear selector lever forwards (-), the
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select-shift switch module transmits a downshift
signal to the TCM.
If you move the gear selector lever backwards (+),
an upshift signal is transmitted to the TCM. In the
instrument cluster, the symbol when the selector
lever is in the 'S' position changes from 'D' to the
current gear, for example 3.
The TCM transmits a signal to the select-shift
switch module to switch on the light emitting diode
for 'S' and to switch off all other light emitting
diodes. The TCM decides whether the shift process
is possible.
If the shift process is permitted, then the various
valves are activated according to the intended
combination for each gear.
In certain situations however, the TCM determines
the gear shifting. The following applies:
• If the vehicle is stationary, only 1st, 2nd and 3rdgears can be selected. 4th gear can be selected
at speeds over 30 km/h and 5th gear at speeds
over 40 km/h.
• The kickdown function is only available in the automatic transmission range 'D'
• Automatic gear changes into the next higher or next lower gear occur at fixed vehicle speeds
and fixed engine speeds
• The permitted engine speed for manual change down agree with that for the kickdown change
up, i.e. an engine speed of approximately 6000
rpm.
• If the temperature inside the transmission rises too high, the TCM takes control of the shift
decisions in order to select a gear in which
activation of torque converter lockup at the
current speed is possible
• Torque converter lockup is possible in 3rd, 4th and 5th gear. (1st and 2nd gears do not have
torque converter lockup)
The signal that specifies the position of the lever
to the select-shift switch module is generated as
follows in the selector lever position 'S': there is a
Hall sensor at the printed circuit board for the
module for each of the three selector lever
positions. A permanent magnet on the cover in the
selector lever affects the output signals to the
control module from the sensors. The control
module recognizes the position of the lever by the
differences in the signal properties.Selector lever from 'N' to 'R' position
The TCM only permits shifting to reverse gear if
the vehicle speed is less than 4.35 mph.
If the vehicle speed is greater than 7 km/h (approx.
4.35 mph), the clutch (C2) and the multi-plate brake
(B3) are not activated and the gearshift is thus
prevented.
Self-test and Diagnosis
The TCM monitors all the transaxle sensors and
electronic components including the PCM. If a fault
occurs, the driver is informed via a warning
indicator and a text message in the instrument
cluster. Faults are stored as DTCs in the fault
memory of the TCM and can be read out and
cleared using the IDS.
Temperature controlled torque converter
lockup
If heavy load and high ambient temperatures cause
an abnormal rise in the transmission temperature,
torque converter lockup is activated as often as
possible (temperature controlled lockup).
This reduces the slip and the heat developed in
the transmission. When the temperature drops
below +20 °C, torque converter lockup is not used.
Slip locking
When changing gear this function makes it possible
for the gears to engage more smoothly with
reduced vibration and less noise. In this mode, the
torque converter clutch is activated but not fully
locked.
The following conditions must be met for the
function to activate:
• Gear selector lever in position D or S.
• Gear 3, 4 or 5.
• The transmission input speed is 1100 rpm or more and the throttle plate opening 20 - 35%.
• The transmission fluid temperature is 40 - 120 °C.
Hill climbing
The TCM can change the shift pattern slightly when
driving uphill to avoid changing gear too often.
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— Vehicles With:
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