The 41TE (Fig. 1) is a four-speed transaxle that is
a conventional hydraulic/mechanical assembly with
an integral differential, and is controlled with adap-
tive electronic controls and monitors. The hydraulic
system of the transaxle consists of the transaxle
fluid, fluid passages, hydraulic valves, and various
line pressure control components. An input clutch
assembly which houses the underdrive, overdrive,
and reverse clutches is used. It also utilizes separate
holding clutches: 2nd/4th gear and Low/Reverse. The
primary mechanical components of the transaxle con-
sist of the following:
• Three multiple disc input clutches
• Two multiple disc holding clutches
• Four hydraulic accumulators
• Two planetary gear sets
• Hydraulic oil pump
• Valve body
• Solenoid/Pressure switch assembly
• Integral differential assembly
Control of the transaxle is accomplished by fully
adaptive electronics. Optimum shift scheduling is
accomplished through continuous real-time sensor
feedback information provided to the Transmission
Control Module (TCM).
The TCM is the heart of the electronic control sys-
tem and relies on information from various direct
and indirect inputs (sensors, switches, etc.) to deter-
mine driver demand and vehicle operating condi-
tions. With this information, the TCM can calculate
and perform timely and quality shifts through vari-
ous output or control devices (solenoid pack, trans-
mission control relay, etc.).
The TCM also performs certain self-diagnostic
functions and provides comprehensive information
(sensor data, DTC’s, etc.) which is helpful in proper
diagnosis and repair. This information can be viewed
with the DRB scan tool.
The 41TE transaxle identification code is a series
of digits printed on a bar-code label that is fixed to
the transaxle case as shown in (Fig. 2).
For example, the identification code K 821 1125
1316 can be broken down as follows:
• K = Kokomo Transmission Plant
• 821 = Last three digits of the transaxle part
number
• 1125 = Build date
• 1316 = Build sequence number
If the tag is not legible or missing, the “PK” num-
ber, which is stamped into the transaxle case behind
the transfer gear cover, can be referred to for identi-
fication. This number differs slightly in that it con-
tains the entire transaxle part number, rather than
the last three digits.
OPERATION
Transmission output is directed to an integral dif-
ferential by a transfer gear system in the following
input-to-output ratios:
First ...............................2.84 : 1
Second .............................1.57 : 1
Third ..............................1.00 : 1
Overdrive ...........................0.69 : 1
Reverse ............................2.21 : 1
1 - CASE 7 - LOW/REVERSE CLUTCH 13 - DIFFERENTIAL
2 - INPUT SPEED SENSOR 8 - OUTPUT SPEED SENSOR 14 - OIL PUMP
3 - UNDERDRIVE CLUTCH 9 - PLANETARY GEAR SET 15 - TORQUE CONVERTER
4 - OVERDRIVE CLUTCH 10 - OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR 16 - TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH
5 - REVERSE CLUTCH 11 - TRANSFER SHAFT
6 - 2/4 CLUTCH 12 - TRANSFER SHAFT GEAR
Fig. 2 Transaxle Identification Label
1 - IDENTIFICATION LABEL
PL 41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE 21s - 71
41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE (Continued)
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