CH-37

CHASSIS AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE

U341E AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE

1. General
The compact and high-capacity 4-speed U341E automatic transaxle [Super ECT (Electronic Controlled
Transaxle)] is used.
The following chart describes the changes from the previous model.
Destination

New Model

Europe

U341E

Previous Model

Change (from previous model)

A246E

Adopted newly.
 Multi-mode automatic transmission has been adopted.
 The shift lever with multi-mode automatic transmission has
been adopted.
 DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) changed

Specification 
Model

New

Previous

Transaxle

U341E

A246E

Engine

1ZZ-FE

1ZZ-FE

1st

2.847

4.005

2nd

1.552

2.208

3rd

1.000

1.425

4th

0.700

0.981

Reverse

2.343

3.272

4.237

2.962

6.9 (7.3, 6.1)

7.6 (8.0, 6.7)

ATF Type T-IV

ATF Type D-II

70 (31.8)

80.2 (36.4)

Gear Ratio*1

Differential Gear Ratio

Fluid Capacity*2

Liters (US qts, Imp.qts)

Fluid Type
Weight (Reference)*3

kg (lb)

*1: Counter Gear Ratio Included

*2: Differential Included
*3: Weight shows the figure with the fluid fully filled

CH

CH-38

CHASSIS AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE

Counter Drive Gear

Front Planetary Gear

C1
F2

B3

C2
F1
Rear Planetary Gear

Input Shaft

C3
B1

B2

Counter Driven Gear

216CH05

Specification 
C1

Forward Clutch

C2

Direct Clutch

C3

Reverse Clutch

B1

OD & 2nd Brake

B2

2nd Brake

B3

1st & Reverse Brake

F1

No.1 One-Way Clutch

The No. of Sprags

16

F2

No.2 One-Way Clutch

The No. of Rollers

15

The No. of Sun Gear Teeth

46

The No. of Pinion Gear Teeth

21

The No. of Ring Gear Teeth

85

The No. of Sun Gear Teeth

32

The No. of Pinion Gear Teeth

21

The No. of Ring Gear Teeth

75

The No. of Drive Gear Teeth

52

The No. of Driven Gear Teeth

53

Front Planetary Gear

Rear Planetary Gear

Counter Gear

The No
No. of Discs

3
2

CH-39

CHASSIS AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE

2. Torque Converter
 This torque converter has optimally designed fluid passages and impeller configuration resulting in
substantially enhanced transmission efficiency to ensure better starting, acceleration and fuel economy.
 Furthermore, a hydraulically operated lock-up mechanism which cuts power transmission losses due to
slippage at medium and high speeds is used.

Specification 
Torque Converter Type

3-Element, 1-Step,
p 2-Phase
(with Lock-up Mechanism)

Stall Torque Ratio

1.8

Turbine Runner
Pump
Impeller
Lock-up
Clutch

Stator
OD Input
Shaft

CH
One-way
Clutch

240CH102

3. Oil Pump
The shape of the teeth in the oil pump have been changed and the crescent has been discontinued, has been
adopted.
As a result, the oil pump has been made more compact, and the driving torque has been reduced, thus attaining
excellent volumetric efficiency during low-speed operation.
Crescent

U341E

Conventional
165CH10

CH-40

CHASSIS AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE

4. Planetary Gear Unit

Construction

A CR-CR type planetary gear has been adopted in the planetary gear unit, which is located on the input
shaft. This planetary gear is a type of planetary gear unit that joins the front and rear planetary carriers
to the ring gear. As a result, the unit has been made significantly more simple and compact.

A centrifugal fluid pressure canceling mechanism has been adopted in the C1 clutch, which is applied
when the gears are shifted from 3rd to 4th.

F2

Rear Planetary Gear

B3

Front Planetary Gear

Counter Drive Gear
C1

C2

Intermediate Shaft
C3

F1

B1

B2

Counter Driven Gear

216CH07

Function of Component
Component

Function

C1

Forward Clutch

Connect input shaft and front planetary sun gear.

C2

Direct Clutch

Connect intermediate shaft and rear planetary carrier.

C3

Reverse Clutch

Connect intermediate shaft and rear planetary sun gear.

B1

OD & 2nd Brake

Lock the rear planetary sun gear.

B2

2nd Brake

Prevents rear planetary sun gear from turning counterclockwise.

B3

1st & Reverse Brake

Lock the front planetary ring gear and rear planetary carrier.

F1

No.1 One-Way Clutch

Prevents rear planetary sun gear from turning counterclockwise.

F2

No.2 One-Way Clutch

Prevents front planetary ring gear and rear planetary carrier from turning
counterclockwise.

Planetary Gears

These gears change the route through which driving force is transmitted, in
accordance with the operation of each clutch and brake, in order to increase
or reduce the input and output speed.

CH-41

CHASSIS AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE

Transaxle Power Flow
Shift
Lever
Position

Gear

Park

Reverse

Neutral

D,
S (4)*

Solenoid Valve
S1

S2

C1

1st

2nd

B1

B2

f
f

1st

2nd

f
f

2nd

1st

F1

f
f

f
f

f
f

f
f

CH

f
f

F2

1st

B3
f

3rd

S (1)*

C3

One-way Clutch

3rd
S(2)*

C2

Brake

4th
S (3)*

Clutch

f
f

f
f

f: Operation
* : When the shift lever position is S and the range position indicator shows 4, 3, 2 or 1
1st Gear (D or S mode 2, 3, 4 Position)

F2

Rear Planetary Gear

B3 Front Planetary Gear

Counter Drive Gear
C1

C2

Intermediate Shaft
C3

F1

B1

B2

Counter Driven Gear

193CH39

CH-42

CHASSIS AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE

2nd Gear (D or S mode 3, 4 Position)

F2

Rear Planetary Gear

B3 Front Planetary Gear

Counter Drive Gear
C1

C2

Intermediate Shaft
C3

F1

B1

B2

Counter Driven Gear

193CH40

3rd Gear (D or S mode 3, 4 Position)

Rear Planetary Gear

F2

B3

Front Planetary Gear

Counter Drive Gear
C1

C2

Intermediate Shaft
C3

F1

B1

B2

Counter Driven Gear

193CH41

4th Gear (D or S mode 4 Position )

F2

Rear Planetary Gear

B3 Front Planetary Gear

Counter Drive Gear
C1

C2

Intermediate Shaft
C3

F1

B1

B2

Counter Driven Gear

171CH08

CH-43

CHASSIS AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE

2nd Gear (S mode 2 Position)

F2

Rear Planetary Gear

B3 Front Planetary Gear

Counter Drive Gear
C1

C2

Intermediate Shaft
C3

F1

B1

B2

Counter Driven Gear

193CH42

CH
1st Gear (S mode 1 Position)

F2

Rear Planetary Gear

B3 Front Planetary Gear

Counter Drive Gear
C1

C2

Intermediate Shaft
C3

F1

B1

B2

Counter Driven Gear

193CH43

Reverse Gear (R Position)

F2

Rear Planetary Gear

B3 Front Planetary Gear

Counter Drive Gear
C1

C2

Intermediate Shaft
C3

F1

B1

B2

Counter Driven Gear

193CH44

CH-44

CHASSIS AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE

Centrifugal Fluid Pressure Canceling Mechanism

A centrifugal fluid pressure canceling mechanism has been adopted in the C1 clutch. There are two
reasons for improving the conventional clutch mechanism:

To prevent the generation of pressure by centrifugal force applied to the fluid in the piston fluid pressure
chamber (hereafter referred to as chamber A) when the clutch is released, a check ball was provided.
Therefore, before the clutch could be subsequently applied, it took time to fill chamber A.

During shifting, in addition to the original clutch pressure that is controlled by the valve body, centrifugal
pressure acts on the fluid in the chamber A exerting increased pressure depending on RPM.

To address these two needs for improvement, a canceling fluid pressure chamber (hereafter referred to
as chamber B) has been provided opposite chamber A.
C1 Clutch
Piston
Chamber A
C1 Clutch

Chamber B

240CH88

By utilizing the lubrication fluid such as that of the shaft, the same amount of centrifugal force is applied,
thus canceling the centrifugal force that is applied to the piston itself. Accordingly, it is not necessary to
discharge the fluid through the use of a check ball, and a highly responsive and smooth shifting
characteristic has been achieved.
Clutch

Centrifugal Fluid Pressure

Applied to the Chamber A

Centrifugal Fluid Pressure

Applied to Chamber B
Target Fluid Pressure
Piston Fluid
Pressure
Chamber

Chamber B
(Lubrication Fluid)
Fluid Pressure
Applied to Piston

240CH87

Shaft Side

Centrifugal fluid pressure

applied to chamber A

Centrifugal fluid pressure

applied to chamber B

Target fluid pressure

(original clutch pressure)

Fluid pressure
applied to piston

Centrifugal fluid pressure

applied to chamber B

CH-45

CHASSIS AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE

5. Valve Body Unit

General
 The valve body consists of the upper and lower valve bodies and 6 solenoid valves.
 The 6 solenoid valves are installed in the lower valve body for serviceability.

Solenoid Valve SL

Upper Valve Body

Lower Valve Body

Solenoid Valve S2
Solenoid Valve S1
Solenoid Valve SB

Solenoid Valve SLT

Solenoid Valve ST

240CH21

Upper Valve Body 

Lock-up Relay
Valve

Low Coast Modulator Valve

3-4 Shift Timing Valve
2-3 Shift Valve
Coast Relay Valve

Reverse Control Valve

Solenoid Relay Valve

Secondary Regulator Valve

4-3 Shift Timing Valve

240CH103

CH

CH-46

CHASSIS AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE

Lower Valve Body 
Primary Regulator Valve

3-4 Shift Valve

1-2 Shift Valve

Pressure Relief Valve

Accumulator
Control Valve

240CH22

4-3 Shift Timing

Valve No.2

Lock-Up Control Valve

Function of Solenoid Valve

Solenoid Valve

Action

Function

For 2-3 shift valve control

Shift gears by switching the 2-3 shift valve and

controlling the C2 clutch.

S2

For 1-2 and 3-4 shift valve control

Shift gears by switching the 1-2 and 3-4 shift valves

and controlling 2 clutches (C1 and C2) and 2 brakes
(B1 and B2).

ST

For clutch to clutch pressure

control

Switches 3-4 and 4-3 shift valves.

SL

For clutch engagement pressure

control

Controls the lock-up clutch.

SLT

For line pressure control

Controls the line pressure, secondary pressure, and

accumulator back pressure.

SB

For engine brake control

Controls the 2nd brake (B1) and 1st and reverse brake
(B3) pressures and performs the 1st and 2nd engine
brake control.

S1

CHASSIS AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE

CH-47

6. Electronic Control System

General
The electronic control system of the U341E automatic transaxle consists of the controls listed below.
System

Function

Clutch Pressure Control

The solenoid valve SLT minutely controls the clutch pressure in accordance
with the engine output and driving conditions.

Line Pressure Control

Actuates the solenoid valve SLT to control the line pressure in accordance
with information from the engine & ECT ECU and the operating conditions
of the transaxle.

Engine Torque Control

Retards the engine ignition timing temporarily to improve shift feeling

during up or down shifting .

Shift Control in Uphill Traveling

Controls to restrict the 4th upshift or to provide appropriate engine braking

by using the engine & ECT ECU to determine whether the vehicle is traveling
uphill.

Shift Timing Control

The engine & ECT ECU sends current to the solenoid valve S1 and/or S2
based on signals from each sensor and shifts the gear.

Lock-up Timing Control

The engine & ECT ECU sends current to the shift solenoid valve SL based
on signals from each sensor and engages or disengages the lockup clutch.

N to D Squat Control

When the shift lever is shifted from N to D position, the gear is

temporarily shifted to 2nd and then to 1st to reduce vehicle squat.

2nd Start Control

(SNOW Mode)

Enabling the vehicle to take off in the 2nd gear and thus helps to take off on
ice or snow.

Multi-Mode Automatic
Transmission

The engine and ECT ECU perform shift control upon receiving signals from
the transmission control switch (+: up-shift range switch signal and :
down-shift range switch signal). This system is the same as that of the U241E.
(See page CH-33)

Diagnosis

Fail-safe

When the engine & ECT ECU detects a malfunction, the engine & ECT ECU
makes a diagnosis and memorizes the failed section.
To increase the speed for processing the signals, the 32-bit CPU of the engine
& ECT ECU has been adopted.
Even if a malfunction is detected in the sensors or solenoids, the engine &
ECT ECU effects fail-safe control to prevent the vehicles drivability from
being affected significantly.

CH

CH-48

CHASSIS AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE

2. Construction
The configuration of the electronic control system in the U341E automatic transaxle is as shown in the
following chart.
SENSORS
CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR

WATER TEMP. SENSOR

THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR

ACTUATORS
S1

NE

THW
S2

KICK DOWN SWITCH*

SOLENOID VALVE S2

VTA1

SLT
NEUTRAL START SWITCH

SOLENOID VALVE S1

STA

SOLENOID VALVE SLT

P, R, N, D

KD
SL

SOLENOID VALVE SL

ABS SPEED SENSOR

Engine &
ECT ECU

ST

SOLENOID VALVE ST

SKID CONTROL ECU

COMBINATION METER

INPUT TURBINE SPEED SENSOR

SPD

SB

SOLENOID VALVE SB

NT
COMBINATION METER

STOP LIGHT SWITCH

STP
W

ATF TEMPERATURE SENSOR

TRANSMISSION CONTROL SWITCH

CHECK ENGINE
WARNING LIGHT

THO

SFTU

MPX1
MPX2

SFTD, S

S MODE INDICATOR LIGHT

RANGE POSITION INDICATOR

SNOW MODE SWITCH

INTEGRATION RELAY

*: Europe LHD Model only

MPX1
MPX2

SIL
TC

DATA LINK CONNECTOR 3

240CH86

CH-49

CHASSIS AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE

3. Layout of Component
Engine & ECT ECU
Integration Relay
SNOW Mode Switch

Check Engine
Warning Light

CH
SNOW Mode
Indicator Light

DLC3
Stop Light Switch
Kick Down Switch*

Shift Lever
Transmission
Control Switch

240CH30

Range Position
Indicator

S Mode Indicator
Light

240CH29

*: Only for the Engine LHD Models

Input Turbine Speed Sensor

Solenoid Valve SL
ATF Temperature Sensor

Solenoid Valve SLT

Neutral Start Switch
Solenoid Valve S2
Solenoid Valve SB

Solenoid Valve S1

Solenoid Valve ST
240CH26

CH-50

CHASSIS AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE

Construction and Operation of Main Component

1) Fluid Temperature sensor
A fluid temperature sensor is installed in the valve body for direct detection of the fluid temperature.
Fluid temperature sensor is used for adjusting clutch and brake pressures to keep the shift quality smooth.
2) Input Turbine Speed Sensor
This sensor detects the input speed of the transaxle. The forward clutch (C1) drum is used as the timing
rotor for this sensor.
Thus, the engine & ECT ECU can detect the timing of the shifting of the gears and appropriately control
the engine torque and hydraulic pressure in response to the various conditions.

Input Turbine Speed Sensor

Cross Section

216CH12

Transmission Control Switch

The structure and operation of the transmission control switch is the same as that of the U241E. (See page
CH-29)

CH-51

CHASSIS AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE

Clutch Pressure Control
1) Clutch to Clutch Pressure Control

A clutch to clutch pressure control has been adopted for shifting from the 3rd to 4th gear, and from the
4th to 3rd gear. This actuates solenoid valves ST and SLT in accordance with the signals from the engine
& ECT ECU, and guides this output pressure directly to the 4-3 timing valve and the 3-4 timing valve
in order to regulate the line pressure that acts on the B1 brake C1 clutch. As a result, compact B1 and C1
accumulators without a back pressure chamber have been realized.
Smooth shifting is achieved by enabling the solenoid valve ST to switch the orifice of the 4-3 timing valve
and the 3-4 timing valve.
Linear Control
Valve SLT

Accumulator Control
Valve

3-4 Shift Valve

CH
3-4
Timing
Valve

Linear Control
Valve SLT

C1

4-3
Timing
Valve
Solenoid Valve ST

B1
171CH12

2) Clutch Pressure Optimal Control

Solenoid valve SLT is used for optimal control of clutch pressure. The engine & ECT ECU monitors the
signals from various types of sensors such as the input turbine speed sensor, allowing the solenoid valve
SLT to minutely control the clutch pressure in accordance with engine output and driving conditions.
Smooth shift characteristics are the result.
Torqueted rpm
Change Ratio

Engine &
ECT ECU

Input Shaft
Speed

Signals from Various Sensors

Engine Speed
Engine Torque Information
Fluid Temp.

Time

Engine
Input Turbine
Speed Sensor

SLT
Clutch/Brake
Pressure
Solenoid Drive Signal

Output Shaft
Torque

216CH13

Time

CH-52

CHASSIS AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE

Line Pressure Optimal Control

Through the use of the solenoid valve SLT, the line pressure is optimally controlled in accordance with the
engine torque information, as well as with the internal operating conditions of the toque converter and the
transaxle.
Accordingly, the line pressure can be controlled minutely in accordance with the engine output, driving
conditions, and the ATF temperature, thus achieving smooth shifts and optimizing the workload in the oil
pump.
Line Pressure

Solenoid Valve SLT

Primary Regulator

Solenoid Drive Signal

Fluid
Pressure

Input Turbine Speed Sensor

Transaxle

Current

Fluid Temperature
Shift Position

Throttle Pressure

Pump

Throttle Valve Opening

Intake Air Volume
Engine Coolant Temperature
Engine rpm

Engine

Engine & ECT ECU

161ES26

2nd start Control

 This control enables the driver to use a snow mode (momentary type) switch to select the snow mode
which allows the vehicle to start in 2nd gear, thus is used to help starting on ice or snow.
 When the snow mode is selected while the shift position is in the D, S mode 4, S mode 3 or S
mode 2 position, the vehicle can start in the 2nd gear. After a start, if the shift position is in the D, S
mode 4, or S mode 3 position, transmission will shift up automatically into 3rd and 4th gears, as usual.
If the shift position is in the S mode 2 position, the transmission will continue to operate in the 2nd gear.

Shift Program 

: Up Shift

Mode

Shift Position

 : Down Shift

Normal

Snow

D, S mode 4

1st  2nd  3rd  4th

2nd  3rd  4th

S mode 3

1st  2nd  3rd

2nd  3rd

S mode 2

1st  2nd  3rd

2nd  3rd

S mode 1

1st  2nd

1st  2nd

CH-53

CHASSIS AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE

Shifting Control in Uphill Driving
1) General

With shifting control in uphill driving, the engine & ECT ECU calculates the throttle opening angle and
the acceleration rate to determine whether the vehicle is in the uphill state. While driving uphill on a
winding road with ups and downs, the 4th upshift is restricted to ensure a smooth drive.

Uphill
Corner

Without Control
With Control

3rd

4th

CH

3rd

3rd
Shifting up to 4th gear after down shifting to 3rd is
prohibited when uphill driving is judged by the
engine & ECT ECU.

169CH53

2) Uphill Judgment
The actual acceleration calculated from the speed sensor signal is compared with the reference
acceleration stored in the engine & ECT ECU to judge uphill driving.
The engine & ECT ECU judges an uphill condition if the actual acceleration is smaller than the reference
acceleration, and restricts the 3rd to 4th upshift after a 4th to 3rd downshift has occurred.
Actual Acceleration < Reference Acceleration
Reference acceleration
Actual acceleration

Smaller

Uphill

240CH27

CH-54

CHASSIS AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE

Fail Safe
This function minimizes the loss of operability when any abnormality occurs in each sensor or solenoid.

Fail Safe List 

Malfunction Part

Function

Vehicle Speed Signal

During a vehicle speed signal malfunction, 4th upshift prohibited.

Input Turbine Speed Sensor

During an input turbine speed signal, 4th upshift prohibited.

Fluid Temp. Sensor

During a fluid temp. sensor malfunction, 4th upshift prohibited.

Solenoid Valve SLT or SL

During a solenoid valves SLT or SL malfunction, 4th upshift prohibited.

Solenoid Valve SB

During a solenoid valve SB malfunction, S shift control prohibited, and the

driving mode turns to the ordinal D range.

Water Temp. Sensor, Knock

Sensor, or Throttle Position
Sensor

During a engine coolant temp. sensor, knock sensor, or throttle position sensor
malfunction, 4th upshift prohibited.

Solenoid Valve S1 or S2

During a malfunction in the solenoid valve S1 or S2 the current to the faulty

solenoid valve is cut off and control is effected by operating the normal
solenoid valves.
Shift control is effected as described in the table below, depending on the failed
solenoid.

When all solenoids are

Normal
Solenoid
S1

S2

Gear

When solenoid valve

S1 is abnormal
Solenoid
S1
x

S2

Gear

When solenoid S2 is
abnormal
Solenoid
S1

S2

When solenoid S1 and

S2 are abnormal

Gear

Solenoid
S1

S2

Gear

ON


OFF

3rd

ON

2nd

3rd

ON

ON

1st

ON

OFF

2nd

OFF

3rd

ON

2nd

3rd

OFF

OFF

3rd

OFF

3rd

OFF

3rd

3rd

OFF

ON

4th

ON

4th

OFF

3rd

3rd

8. Diagnosis
 When the engine & ECT ECU detects a malfunction, it makes a diagnosis and memorizes the failed
section. Furthermore, the check engine warning light in the combination meter illuminates or blinks to
inform the driver.
 At the same time, the DTCs (Diagnosis Trouble Codes) are stored in memory. The DTCs can be read by
connecting a hand-held tester. For details, see the Avensis Repair Manual (Pub. No. RM1018E).
Service Tip
The length of time to clear the DTC by disconnecting the battery terminal has been changed from 10
seconds to 1 minute.