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2006: Features of the New Hydra-Matic 6L80 Automatic Transmission

Rob

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The following information is from GM:

Models:

2006 Cadillac STS-V, XLR-V
2006 Chevrolet Corvette
with 6L80 Automatic Transmission (RPO MYC)

Purpose

This bulletin introduces and highlights features of the new Hydra-Matic 6L80 Automatic Transmission.

Introduction

The Hydra-Matic 6L80 is the first member of a new family of fully automatic, six-speed, clutch-to-clutch, rear-wheel drive, electronic-controlled transmissions that General Motors will be offering. The transmission consists primarily of a four-element torque converter, an integral fluid pump and converter housing, a single and double planetary gear set, friction and mechanical clutch assemblies, and a hydraulic pressurization and control system.

The four-element torque converter contains a pump, a turbine, a pressure plate splined to the turbine, and a stator assembly. The torque converter acts as a fluid coupling to smoothly transmit power from the engine to the transmission. It also hydraulically provides additional torque multiplication when required. The pressure plate, when applied, provides a mechanical "direct drive" coupling of the engine to the transmission.

The planetary gear sets provide the six forward gear ratios and reverse. Changing gear ratios is fully automatic and is accomplished through the use of a Transmission Control Module (TCM) located inside the transmission. The TCM receives and monitors various electronic sensor inputs and uses this information to shift the transmission at the optimum time.

The TCM commands shift solenoids and variable bleed pressure control solenoids to control shift timing and quality. The TCM also controls the apply and release of the torque converter clutch which allows the engine to deliver the maximum fuel efficiency without sacrificing vehicle performance. All the solenoids, including the TCM, are packaged into a self-contained control solenoid valve assembly.

The hydraulic system primarily consists of a vane-type pump, two control valve body assemblies, converter housing and case. The pump maintains the working pressures needed to stroke the clutch pistons that apply or release the friction components. These friction components (when applied or released) support the automatic shifting qualities of the transmission.

The friction components used in this transmission consist of five multiple disc clutches. The multiple disc clutches combine with one mechanical sprag clutch to deliver seven different gear ratios (six forward and one reverse) through the gear sets. The gear sets then transfer torque through the output shaft.

The control solenoid (with body and TCM) valve assembly, or solenoid assembly, is perhaps the most unique component in the 6L80 transmission. The solenoid assembly attaches directly to the upper and lower valve body assemblies and utilizes a lead frame design which connects all the electrical control components to the TCM, thus eliminating the need for an internal wiring harness. The TCM, shift solenoids, pressure control solenoids, transmission fluid pressure (TFP) switches and the transmission fluid temperature (TFT) switch are all integrated into the solenoid assembly. Because of this integrated design, these electrical control components will not be serviced separately, even though the components may be diagnosed separately. The fluid passages to the switches and solenoids are protected from debris by a filter plate assembly.
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Driving Features

Driver Shift Control (DSC) — DSC allows the driver to manually shift gears, similar to a manual transmission. When the shift selector lever is moved to the DSC position, the driver may manually select upshifts or downshifts. The specific method that the driver uses to accomplish this varies with vehicle application. Refer to the vehicle Owner Manual for more specific DSC information.

Performance Algorithm Shifting (PAS) — PAS is a transmission algorithm that looks at lateral acceleration, throttle, and vehicle deceleration activity to determine if the vehicle is being driven in a competitive manner. If the algorithm recognizes these conditions, it can force downshifts and hold lower gears for optimized vehicle performance.

Performance Algorithm Lift Foot (PAL) — PAL minimizes upshifts during closed throttle driving and cornering to prevent unnecessary shifting.
 
The new 6 speed Hydra matic is a very smart move by GM !!!
I think the C6 will become an even better car than it already was !!!
I'm glad I didn't order one so far,I will be waiting in the wings for the the new auto trans to be available and working perfectly!!!

Peter
 
Hot Rod Magazine ,November issue , 5 page tech article on GMs new Six Speed auto Trany >>> Quote "may be hottest automatic transmission on the street">>>> "high torque capacity". they are impressed with the enginering .................A C6 & A6 in my future.......:w
 
I've always been a standard transmission guy, not because their necessarily the quickest, but a lot of fun to drive.

The six speed automatic however really peaks my interest, it seems to be the best of both worlds.

Here's my biggest concern with the new six speed auto, quote from Corvette Quarterly " The brains of the operation are contained within a 32-bit electronic conputer that lives on the dark side- wholly within the confines of the transmission." Personally that scares the hell out of me. Unless theres a way to service the brains without pulling the transmission.

I think its wise to give it some time on the market and see what the reliability data looks like.

Kinda reminds me of a recent post where one of our cohorts never made it home after delivery of his new baby. He goes to check on it the next day and finds the whole drive train laying on the floor to replace a clutch slave cylinder. I won't want to pay for that out of warranty. It probably makes for a clean design to put the slave cylinder inside the bell housing, but from a servicing point of view its a nightmare.

It looks as if buying the extended warranty with your new Vette is a must.

RocketJ
 
RocketJ said:
I've always been a standard transmission guy, not because their necessarily the quickest, but a lot of fun to drive.

The six speed automatic however really peaks my interest, it seems to be the best of both worlds.

Here's my biggest concern with the new six speed auto, quote from Corvette Quarterly " The brains of the operation are contained within a 32-bit electronic conputer that lives on the dark side- wholly within the confines of the transmission." Personally that scares the hell out of me. Unless theres a way to service the brains without pulling the transmission.

I think its wise to give it some time on the market and see what the reliability data looks like.

Kinda reminds me of a recent post where one of our cohorts never made it home after delivery of his new baby. He goes to check on it the next day and finds the whole drive train laying on the floor to replace a clutch slave cylinder. I won't want to pay for that out of warranty. It probably makes for a clean design to put the slave cylinder inside the bell housing, but from a servicing point of view its a nightmare.

It looks as if buying the extended warranty with your new Vette is a must.

RocketJ

Not to mention to cover all the other onboard electronics (doors; conv. top; etc.)
 

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