System Operation

Automatic Transaxle-Transmission External Controls - Transmission Control Switch (TCS)

System Operation

System Diagram












Range Selection

This transaxle has 5 range positions: P, R, N, D and L.

Park

In the park position:

- there is no power flow through the transaxle.

- the parking pawl locks the final drive.

- the engine may be started.

- the ignition key may be removed.

Reverse

In the REVERSE position:

- the vehicle may be operated in a rearward direction, at a reduced gear ratio.

- engine braking will occur.

Neutral

In the NEUTRAL position:

- there is no power flow through the transaxle.

- the output shaft is not held and is free to turn.

- the engine may be started.

Drive

DRIVE is the normal position for most forward driving.

Drive provides:

- automatic shifts -1st through 6th gears.

- maximum fuel economy during normal operation.

Manual L Position

In the L position:

- the transaxle provides maximum engine braking.

- the transaxle downshifts to the lowest available gear for the current vehicle speed.

Manual L position allows for 1st gear when the vehicle reaches slower speeds.

Gear Availability





Brake Shift Interlock

BSIA (Brake Shift Interlock Actuator)










Location

The BSIA (Brake Shift Interlock Actuator) is part of the selector lever assembly.

The brake shift interlock system prevents the selector lever from being moved out of PARK unless the requirements to do so are met. The ignition switch must be in the ON position and the brake pedal must be pressed. The brake pedal position is detected by the BPP (Brake Pedal Position) switch. In the event the selector lever will not come out of PARK, the manual release mechanism mechanically bypasses the electric portion of the brake shift interlock system allowing the selector lever to be moved out of PARK. The manual release mechanism is part of the selector lever assembly. If PARK is selected again, the selector lever will be locked again.

Transmission Control Switch (TCS)

Drive with Grade Assist





Drive with (O/D) cancel and grade assist is activated when the TCS (Transmission Control Switch) is pressed. The TCS (Transmission Control Switch) is located on the selector lever knob. When the TCS (Transmission Control Switch) is pressed, the 6th gear or (O/D) upshift is prevented or the transaxle shifts down to 5th gear. The TCS (Transmission Control Switch) is meant to be used when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from 6th to other gears such as hilly terrain, mountainous areas or when engine braking is required.

With Grade Assist:

- the O/D (Overdrive) is cancelled.

- the transaxle operates in gears 1 through 5.

- the Grade Assist lamp illuminates on the IC (Instrument Cluster).

- vehicle handling improves in hilly terrain or mountainous areas by providing engine braking and extending lower gear operation on uphill climbs.

- additional engine braking is provided through the automatic transaxle shift strategy which reacts to vehicle inputs (vehicle acceleration, accelerator pedal, brake pedal and vehicle speed).

- the transaxle selects gears that provide the desired engine braking which is based on the vehicle inputs. Engine braking increases engine rpm.

returning to DRIVE mode on flat terrain provides the best fuel economy and transaxle performance. The transaxle returns to O/D (Overdrive) when the TCS (Transmission Control Switch) is pressed again or the key is turned OFF.