Electronic Control System (cont'd)

S Position Automatic Shift Mode and Sequential Shift Mode

S has two shifting modes; the automatic shift mode and the sequential shift mode. In S with automatic shift mode, the transmission upshifts and downshifts automatically from 1st through 4th gear, and the paddle shifters are ready to be activated to switch to the sequential shift mode. In the automatic shift mode, the shift indicator and the M indicator in the gauge control module do not come on.
When the paddle shifter + (upshift switch) or the paddle shifter − (downshift switch) is pulled, the automatic shift mode is canceled and the sequential shift mode comes into operation. The shift indicator displays the number of the selected gear, and the M indicator comes on. In the sequential shift mode, the driver can shift up and down manually from 1st through 5th gear by using the paddle shifters, much like a manual transmission. The paddle shifters are installed on the back of the steering wheel, and the driver can shift gears by pulling the paddle shifters without taking either hand off the steering wheel.
In the sequential shift mode, the transmission must be shifted up and down by pulling the paddle shifters.
However, the transmission cannot downshift and stays in the current gear if the paddle shifter − is pulled while the vehicle is coasting at a speed that would cause the engine to over-rev by downshifting the transmission, and the shift indicator blinks the number of the selected gear several times, then returns to the number of the current gear. If the vehicle speed reaches an appropriate speed while the shift indicator is blinking the number of the selected gear, the transmission downshifts and the shift indicator displays the selected gear. The transmission also cannot upshift and stays in the current gear if the paddle shifter + is pulled while driving below an appropriate upshifting speed, the shift indicator blinks the number of the selected gear several times, then returns to the number of the current gear. If the vehicle speed reaches an appropriate upshift speed while the shift indicator is blinking the number of the selected gear, the transmission upshifts and the shift indicator displays the selected gear.
This mode has automatic downshifting areas so the vehicle can run smoothly with more power to cope with upcoming acceleration. When coasting in 5th gear or 4th gear, the transmission downshifts to the next lower gear if the vehicle slows down to the programmed speed, or by pressing the brake pedal.
When the transmission decelerates to a stop, the transmission shifts to 1st gear automatically. The transmission can be shifted to 2nd gear by pulling the paddle shifter + while the vehicle is stopped, and the vehicle can start off in 2nd gear.
The sequential shift mode is canceled when moving the shift lever to any position other than S.

Clutch Pressure Control

The PCM actuates A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valves A, B, and C to control the clutch pressure. When shifting between lower and higher gears, the clutch pressure regulated by A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valves A, B, and C engages and disengages the clutch smoothly.
The PCM receives input signals from the various sensors and switches, processes data, and outputs current to A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valves A, B, and C.