Copyright by Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
370 Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles
Stopper
rubber
Accelerator
pedal
Kickdown switch
thread
Locknut
Kickdown
switch
8 - 12 N•m
(0.8 - 1.2 kg-m,
5.8 - 8.7 ft-lb)
"C"
Figure 15-8. Electric detent (passing gear) switches are usually
installed on the firewall inside the passenger compartment. The
switch may have a threaded adjustment as shown here, or it
may have a slotted mounting bracket. The switch can be adjust-
ed so that it closes to energize the detent solenoid when the
accelerator pedal is opened to about 10% of wide-open throttle.
(Nissan)
Shift into
neutral
Alignment
pin
Loosen bolts
and rotate
switch to adjust
Figure 15-10. An alignment pin makes neutral start switch
adjustment easier. Some neutral start switches are adjusted
without using an alignment tool. (Nissan)
Locknut
Band adjusting
screw
Figure 15-9. Band adjusting screws are usually installed on the
outside of the case. On a few transmissions and transaxles, the
oil pan must be removed to reach the adjusting screw.
proper replacement parts. There are several reasons for this.
To begin with, there are many types of transmissions and
transaxles. Manufacturers use over 100 different transmis-
sions and transaxles in their vehicles. In addition, the origi-
nal design of a transmission or transaxle is often changed,
and many manufacturers produce several variations of the
same unit. Changes are often made at the beginning of a
model year, and sometimes during production runs.
Modern transmissions and transaxles also tend to wear
out hard parts, such as pumps, drums, planetary gears,
shafts, and center supports. Hard parts for the same trans-
mission or transaxle often vary between model years and
engine sizes, even when the clutch plates and gaskets are
the same.
In addition, late-model transmissions and transaxles
use many electrical and electronic devices. Some electrical
and electronic parts commonly fail after overhaul.
Technicians usually replace these parts to prevent future
problems. Electrical and electronic devices vary from one
vehicle to another. Identical models of one popular rear-
wheel drive transmission can take one of 19 different torque
converter lockup solenoids.
Torque converters are also ordered more than they
were in the past. Many shops replace the torque converter
instead of attempting to clean it, especially when the trans-
mission or transaxle is very dirty.
Given all these factors, how does the technician obtain
the proper parts? One way is through experience. Seasoned
technicians instantly recognize a transmission or transaxle
by such visual clues, such as case shape and size, and
external features, such as reinforcing ribs or the placement
of linkage, cooler lines, or modulators. Sometimes, how-
ever, a unit that looks like all the others but is slightly differ-
ent internally will fool even an experienced technician.
There are methods, however, of determining the exact
transmission or transaxle being serviced. The following
steps will enable you to obtain the proper transmission or
transaxle parts.
Determining the Transmission Type
Before attempting to order parts, determine exactly
what transmission or transaxle is being serviced. A good
general guide to transmission or transaxle type is the shape
of the bottom pan. Some manufacturers stamp the name or
model number of the transmission or transaxle on the pan.
A few transaxles have side and bottom pans. The pan
shape is especially useful when you suspect that the origi-
nal transmission or transaxle has been replaced with a
different model. Pan shape, however, may not identify all
the variations of a particular unit. The pan shape must
sometimes be combined with information about the vehi-
cle type, drive type, vehicle model year, and engine size to
obtain the proper parts. For instance, the Ford A4LD