Dual-Clutch Transmission: Wet or dry?
Even though manual (standard) transmissions had evolved ever since motor vehicles were created, the greater focus of the OEMs has been toward automatics. Automatic transmissions have received more speeds, pulleys (CVT), improved converter strategy and electronics to help keep pace with an ever-changing motor vehicle. Hybrid-vehicle transmissions also tend to be automatic in nature.
TF60SN (09G) Shift Complaints
Almost every transmission family ever produced has had weak spots or difficult areas to deal with, whether it is operation, diagnosis or assembly. The Volkswagen TF60SN (Aisin produced) is no exception.
One area of the TF60SN (09G) that has surfaced as troublesome is the valve body. In addition to the normal valve-body issues is the electrical concern. Today’s valve bodies not only have a ton of electrical do-dads to deal with, but the complexity of the items has also increased.
IMA (Integrated Motor Assist)
In an effort to improve fuel economy, drivability, durability, and cost, many changes have occurred to automatic transmissions over time. In the last decade however, the proliferation of new models has been unending. Step-type transmissions have ratcheted up the gearing from old-time three- and four-speeds to five- through seven-speeds.
Saturn VT25-E Ratio Error
A 2005 Saturn Vue experiences erratic ratio control (gear position) and ultimately sets a trouble code P1882. Once the code is cleared, the transmission starts to shift again, for a short time. The code then reappears and the unit returns to a fixed gear position.
After it was determined that the issue was not computer related or valve-body/solenoid related, the transmission was removed and disassembled. Damage was found in the drive variator (pulley), and there also was seal damage.
CFT30 Variator Repair
Today’s CVTs are a fact of life because of the number of them on the street. In addition, the flavors (variety) of CVTs have also increased.
One of the more popular CVTs being rebuilt today is in a now-defunct vehicle, Saturn, whereas other CVTs are used by Nissan in vehicles like the Murano. The Nissan CVTs are produced by Jatco, which is the dominant CVT manufacturer in the marketplace today. Jatco has recently released a variation of a CVT that actually has an auxiliary gearbox, making it a partial step-type trans. It almost seems like a “step” backward from a pure CVT.
