The European Transmission Parts Warehouse

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www.automaticchoice.com
NOVEMBER
September 2013 2013

It is all about Shift Adapts

The latest transmissions utilize a control system during upshifts and downshifts to compensate for
the normal wear of transmission components. By adjusting the pressures, the control module can
maintain acceptable transmission shift times and qualities. This process is known as adaptive
learning or shift adapts.

How does it work

In order for the transmission control module (TCM) to perform a shift adapt, it must first identify if
an upshift is acceptable to analyze. For example, upshifts that occur during cycling of the A/C
compressor or under extreme throttle changes could cause the TCM to incorrectly adjust line
pressure.
When an upshift is initiated, a number of contingencies, such as throttle position, transmission
temperature, and vehicle speed, are checked in order to determine if the actual shift time is valid to
compare to a calibrated desired shift time.
If all the contingencies are met during the entire shift, then the shift is considered valid and the adapt
function may be utilized if necessary. Once an adaptable shift is identified, the TCM compares the
actual shift time to the desired shift time and calculates the difference between them. This difference
is known as the shift error.
The actual shift time is determined from the time that the TCM commands the shift to the start of the
engine RPM drop initiated by the shift. If the actual shift time is longer than the calibrated desired
shift time, a soft feel or slow engagement, then the TCM decreases current to the pressure control
(EPC) solenoid in order to increase line pressure for the next, same, upshift under identical condi-
tions. If the actual shift time is shorter than the calibrated desired shift time, a firm engagement, then
the TCM increases current to the PC solenoid in order to decrease line pressure for the next, same,
upshift under identical conditions.

Please keep in mind...

After changing internal components, rebuilding transmission or changing a valve body you can
imagine why you have to clear the adaptive learning process to zero. With new internal parts there
are new wear conditions and the TCM will not change this automatically. A new base of values has to
be made. By clearing these old values your TCM can learn again.

We are hearing about many cases where the old values are not being cleared correctly, resulting in
poor driveability. Many aftermarket diagnostic machines either cannot achieve this or only partially
achieve it. It is very important to make sure the values are cleared correctly.

After clearing the values, you have to drive the car for 10 minutes or up to 50 km in some
circumstances. The shift quality can be worse than you have felt before, but after a couple of km you
will notice that it becomes better and better.

www.automaticchoice.com
Unit 1A Farrington Fields, Farrington Gurney, Bristol, BS39 6UU. tel: +44 (0)1761 452255 fax: +44 (0)1761 453049 e: info@automaticchoice.com