Transaxle Fluid Temperature Sensor

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The Transaxle Fluid Temperature Sensor is a thermistor-type sensor located in a transaxle pressure port, near the pressure filter. Sensor resistance increases as temperature decreases, and decreases as the temperature increases. The PCM supplies a five volt signal to the sensor on circuit 586. The PCM monitors the return signal as it varies up and down with circuit resistance. The voltage value on the signal line is converted to a temperature value internally by the PCM.

The PCM uses transaxle fluid temperature to calculate enable/disable of functions and shift schedules. When the PCM calculates temperatures below -13°C (9°F) the PCM/TC will control the transaxle using only 1st and 3rd gears. Once above -12°C (10°F) the PCM/TC uses standard shift schedules.

The PCM uses transaxle fluid temperature to enable torque converter clutch (TCC) operation. Transaxle temperature above a given value in relation to inlet air temperature (IAT) will allow TCC operation.

The PCM uses transaxle fluid temperature to disable the transaxle adaptive functions if less than 28°C (82°F) or greater than 14O°C (284°F).

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