Automatic Transaxle
WARNING
To avoid personal injury and/or vehicle damage, refer to the service precautions at the
beginning of this section.
Understanding the Automatic Transmission
The automatic transmission allows engine torque and power to be transmitted to the rear
wheels within a narrow range of engine operating speeds. It will allow the engine to turn
fast enough to produce plenty of power and torque at very low speeds, while keeping it at
a sensible rpm at high vehicle speeds (and it does this job without driver assistance). The
transmission uses a light fluid as the medium for the transmission of power. This fluid also
works in the operation of various hydraulic control circuits and as a lubricant. Because the
transmission fluid performs all of these functions, trouble within the unit can easily travel
from one part to another. For this reason, and because of the complexity and unusual
operating principles of the transmission, a very sound understanding of the basic principles
of operation will simplify troubleshooting.
Torque Converter
The torque converter replaces the conventional clutch. It has three functions:
1. It allows the engine to idle with the vehicle at a standstill, even with the
transmission in gear.
2. It allows the transmission to shift from range-to-range smoothly, without requiring
that the driver close the throttle during the shift.
3. It multiplies engine torque to an increasing extent as vehicle speed drops and
throttle opening is increased. This has the effect of making the transmission more
responsive and reduces the amount of shifting required.
The torque converter is a metal case which is shaped like a sphere that has been flattened
on opposite sides. It is bolted to the rear end of the engine's crankshaft. Generally, the
entire metal case rotates at engine speed and serves as the engine's flywheel.
The case contains three sets of blades. One set is attached directly to the case. This set
forms the impeller or pump. Another set is directly connected to the output shaft, and
forms the turbine. The third set is mounted on a hub which, in turn, is mounted on a
stationary shaft through a one-way clutch. This third set is known as the stator.
A pump, which is driven by the converter hub at engine speed, keeps the torque converter
full of transmission fluid at all times. Fluid flows continuously through the unit to provide
cooling.
Under low speed acceleration, the torque converter functions as follows:
Summary of Contents for TrailBlazer
Page 1: ......
Page 26: ...Fig 3 Typical body and undervehicle maintenance locations Refer to chart for descriptions ...
Page 29: ......
Page 30: ......
Page 31: ......
Page 175: ...Spring free length check Valve spring squareness check ...
Page 192: ...Front of piston mark ...
Page 361: ...5 3L Engine Except Saab Underhood Fuse Block 2003 2005 Early Production ...
Page 469: ...Removing the outer band from the CV boot Removing the inner band from the CV boot ...
Page 470: ...Removing the CV boot from the joint housing Clean the CV joint housing prior to removing boot ...
Page 471: ...Removing the CV joint housing assembly Removing the CV joint ...
Page 472: ...Inspecting the CV joint housing Removing the CV joint outer snap ring ...
Page 473: ...Checking the CV joint snap ring for wear CV joint snap ring typical ...
Page 474: ...Removing the CV joint assembly Removing the CV joint inner snap ring ...
Page 475: ...Installing the CV joint assembly typical ...
Page 553: ...9 Torque the lug nuts to specification 10 Lower the vehicle ...
Page 556: ...Toe in Frame Misalignment Frame misalignment ...
Page 588: ...Bleeding caliper ...
Page 624: ...Manifold gauge set components Refrigerant recovery recycling station ...
Page 676: ...A C Specifications ...
Page 677: ......