5A-24 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Transmission Control Unit(TCU)
The TCU is an in-vehicle micro-processor based transmission management system. It is usually mounted in the
vehicle cabin, under the instrument panel, under the seat, behind the side kick panels or under the floor in the
footwell on the passenger side. Different control units are supplied for different vehicle applications.
The TCU contains:
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Processing logic circuits which include a central microcontroller and a back-up memory system.
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Input circuits.
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Output circuits which control external devices such as the variable pressure solenoid (VPS), on/off solenoid
drivers, a diagnostics output and the driving mode indicator light.
The various items which make up the TCU are discussed below.
Processing Logic
Shift schedule and calibration information is stored in an erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM).
Throttle input calibration constants and the diagnostics information are stored in electrically erasable programmable
read only memory (EEPROM) that retains the memory even when power to the TCU is disconnected.
In operation the software continuously monitors the input values and uses these, via the shift schedule, to determine
the required gear state, At the same time it monitors, via the solenoid outputs, the current gear state. Whenever the
input conditions change such that the required gear state is different to the current gear state, the TCU initiates a
gear shift to bring the two states back into line.
Once the TCU has determined the type of gear shift required the software accesses the shift logic, estimates the
engine torque output, adjusts the variable pressure solenoid ramp pressure then executes the shift.
The TCU continuously monitors every input and output circuit for short or open circuits and operating range. When
a failure or abnormal operation is detected the TCU records the condition code in the diagnostics memory and
implements a limp mode, The actual limp mode used depends upon the failure detected with the object to maintain
maximum driveability without damaging the transmission. In general input failures are handled by providing a default
value. Output failures, which are capable of damaging the transmission, result in full limp mode giving only third or
fourth gear and reverse. For further details of limp modes and memory retention refer to the Diagnostic Section.
The TCU is designed to operate at ambient temperatures between -40 and 85°C . It is also protected against
electrical noise and voltage spikes, however all the usual precautions should be observed, for example when arc
welding or jump starting.
TCU Inputs
To function correctly, the TCU requires engine speed, road speed, transmission sump temperature, throttle position
and gear position inputs to determine the variable pressure solenoid current ramp and on/off solenoid states. This
ensures the correct gear selection and shift feel for all driving conditions.
The inputs required by the TCU are as follows:
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Engine Speed
The engine speed signal is derived from the tachometer signal line, a dedicated sensor or a Controlled Area
Network (CAN).
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Road Speed
4WD (Diesel) - The shaft speed signal is derived from the speedo sensor located on the transfer case. This signal
is transmitted directly to the TCU.
4WD (Gasoline) - The speedo sensor sends the shaft speed signal to the engine control module (ECM). The
information is then transferred to the TCU via the CAN.
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Transmission Sump Temperature
The transmission sump temperature sensor is a thermistor located in the solenoid wiring loom within the transmission.
This sensor is a typical NTC resistor with low temperatures producing a high resistance and high temperatures