How An Automatic Transmission Works

In using COMPUSHIFT, it's helpful to understand how your automatic transmission works. This section gives a simplified overview of a typical automatic transmission. You can find a very detailed explanations at Wikipedia.

The major components in an automatic transmission include:

• Torque Converter: A special fluid coupling that makes the connection between the transmission and engine. It drives the gears in the transmission, which in turn, move the vehicle.
  This torque converter has a special clutch, the "torque converter clutch" or TCC, that directly connects the engine to the transmission in the same way a manual transmission clutch operates. This is usually done to improve fuel economy.

• Hydraulic Pump: Pumps oil in the transmission to provide lubrication and pressure to actuate clutches, bands and other components.

• Control Solenoids: These electrically controlled valves turn oil pressure on and off in the valve body and adjust hydraulic pressure.

• Valve Body: The valve body, in turn, routes oil pressure to the clutches and bands.

• Gearsets: These are a combination of gears that mesh to provide a specific gear ratio. Most automatic transmissions use planetary gearsets. 
  Any planetary gearset has three main components: sun gear; planet gears and the planet gears' carrier; and a ring gear.

• Clutches & Bands: Clutches and bands alternatively connect and disconnect different gears in the transmission. The correct sequencing of band and clutch activation is what shifts the transmission.

  • The amount of hydraulic pressure applied to the clutches determines how the transmission shifts. Under low pressure, the clutches engage slowly and softly, making a gentler shift. Under high pressure, the clutches engage rapidly and the shift is firm.

  • The best programming of shift pressure provides the correct pressure during all driving circumstances. The COMPUSHIFT can be programmed to deliver neck-jerking shifts under full throttle, yet provide smooth drivability during light throttle and cruising.

It's vital that the shift pressure be adjusted according to the transmission load conditions. If the transmission shifts gently while the engine produces high torque, the transmission clutches will slip. This will eventually burn out the clutches. Conversely, if the transmission shifts firmly all the time, the transmission and drive train will be subjected to unnecessary stress.

It's important to understand that one some transmissions, not all aspects of shifting can be controlled by COMPUSHIFT. The specifics of how the transmission is built make a tremendous difference in how it reacts to the control by COMPUSHIFT. Identical COMPUSHIFT controllers will have different shift properties on differently built transmissions. We recommend you consult with a qualified transmission builder to achieve the exact shifting characteristics you want.