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Electronic Control System

Electronic Control System

Functional Diagram





The electronic control system consists of the powertrain control module (PCM), sensors, and solenoid valves. Shifting and lock-up are electronically controlled for comfortable driving under all conditions.
The PCM receives input signals from the sensors, switches, and other control units, performs data processing, and output signals for the engine control system and A/T control system. The A/T control system includes shift control, grade logic control, clutch pressure control, and lock-up control, all of which are stored in the PCM. The PCM switches the shift solenoid valves and the A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valves to control shifting transmission gears and lock-up torque converter clutch.





Electronic Controls Location

Shift Control





The PCM instantly determines which gear should be selected by various signals sent from sensors and switches, and it actuates the shift solenoid valves A, B, C, and E to control shifting.
Also, a Grade Logic Control System has been adopted to control shifting in the (D) position. The PCM compares actual driving conditions with memorized driving conditions, based on the input from the throttle position sensor, the engine coolant temperature sensor, the barometric pressure sensor, the brake pedal position switch signal, and the shift lever position signal, to control shifting while vehicle is ascending or descending a slope.





The PCM turns the shift solenoid valves A, B, C, and E ON and OFF to control shifting of the transmission. The combination of driving signals to shift solenoid valves A, B, C, and E are shown in table.

Grade Logic Control

Ascending Control





When the PCM determines that the vehicle is climbing a hill in the [D] position, the system extends the engagement area of 2nd, and 3rd gears to prevent the transmission from frequently shifting between 2nd and 3rd gears, and between 3rd and 4th gears, so the vehicle can run smooth and have more power when needed.
Shift schedules stored in the PCM between 2nd and 3rd gears, and between 3rd and 4th gears, enable it to automatically select the most suitable gear according to the magnitude of a gradient.

Descending Control





When the PCM determines that the vehicle is going down a hill in the (D) position, the shift-up speed from 3rd to 4th gear, and from 2nd to 3rd gear (when the throttle is closed) becomes higher than the speed for flat road driving to widen the 3rd gear and 2nd gear driving area. This, in combination with engine braking from the deceleration lock-up, achieves smooth driving when the vehicle is descending. There are three descending modes with different 3rd gear driving areas, and 2nd gear driving areas according to the magnitude of a gradient stored in the PCM. When the vehicle is in 4th gear, and decelerating, and when you are applying the brakes on a steep hill, the transmission will downshift to a lower gear. When you accelerate, the transmission will then return to a higher gear.

Clutch Pressure Control





The PCM actuates the A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valves A, B, and C to control the clutch pressure. When shifting between lower and higher gears, the clutch pressure regulated by the A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valves A, B, and C engage and disengage the clutch smoothly.
The PCM receives input signals from the various sensors and switches, processes data, and outputs a current to the A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valves A, B, and C.

Lock-up Control





The shift solenoid valve E controls the hydraulic pressure to switch the lock-up shift valve and lock-up ON and OFF.
The PCM actuates the shift solenoid valve E and the A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve A to control the torque converter clutch lock-up. When the shift solenoid valve E is turned ON, the condition of lock-up starts.
The A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve A regulates and applies hydraulic pressure to the lock-up control valve to control the amount of lock-up.
The lock-up mechanism operates in 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears in the [D] position, and 3rd gear in the [D] position over drive off mode.