AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - DESCRIPTION

1.9 JTD 16v, 2.4 JTD 20v

The vehicle is equipped with automatic transmission which regulates and controls the automatic engagement of the gears.

The 6 speed gearbox, in addition to being compact and light, features a control unit integrated with the transmission and has been designed with special attention paid to limiting consumption.

An electronic control unit manages a complex operating logic that allows the use of the gearbox in both sequential conditions, in which the driver manages the engagement of the gears using the lever and, in automatic mode, where the management of the gear changes is delegated to the electronic system.

The presence of the gearbox control unit makes the following series of operating modes and specific functions available:

- standard operating mode;

- capacity to adapt to operating conditions;

- operation aimed at improving comfort and consumption.

In manual operating mode, the driver can select the gears by pushing the gear lever on the right; at this point a impulse upwards (towards "+") makes it possible to shift to a higher gear whilst an impulse downwards (towards "-") produces a shift to the previous gear.

The ability to adapt to the operating conditions allows the vehicle to adjust to the driving styles and/or road conditions. The most important include:

- up & down slope: this function allows the vehicle to recognize a slope (upwards or downwards) modifying the gear change points appropriately to produce the best compromise between the requirements of the driver, the road conditions and the situation of the vehicle (speed and engine revs).

- Fast off: automatic transmissions shift from one gear to a higher one when the driver takes their foot of the accelerator. This function inhibits this gear change when the driver''s foot is taken off the accelerator quickly, limiting the number of gear changes and increasing driver comfort.

- Cornering: in order not to adversely affect the stability of the vehicle, this function prevents gear changes when the vehicle is cornering.

- Neutral control: a few seconds after the vehicle has stopped with the gear lever in position D (for example, waiting at traffic lights) this function is activated and releases the hydraulic clutches inside the transmission with the effect of reducing the resistant torque in the torque converter and thereby saving fuel and reducing the level of vibrations during idling.

- Self-learning: in order to reduce the impulses felt by the driver especially during the activation of the gear selector with the vehicle stationary (i.e. shifts N-R, N-D) it is possible to apply the self-learning procedure which allows the implementation pressures for the bands and clutches to be set so that they operate smoothly;

- Braking assist: this function is activated when the driver brakes and is designed to increase the deceleration of the vehicle by downshifting;

- Poor grip: in order to prevent the wheels slipping, during take off in poor grip condtions the gear changes automatically from first to a higher gear.

The control unit has its own diagnostic signal used for the continuous monitoring of the entire device.

See E8010 DIAGNOSTIC MULTIPLE CONNECTOR