General Description

The A245E is a 4-speed fully automatic electronically controlled transaxle for front wheel drive vehicles providing four forward gear ranges and a reverse. The major components of this transaxle are:
- Clutch type torque converter
- Fluid pump
- Forward clutch
- Direct clutch
- 2nd coast brake
- Intermediate brake
- Intermediate one-way clutch
- Low one-way clutch
- 1st and reverse brake
- Underdrive clutch
- Underdrive one-way clutch
- Underdrive brake
- Valve body assembly





A Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is used to evaluate driving conditions including throttle opening rate and vehicle speed by receiving information through various sensors throughout the vehicle. The PCM uses this information to determine upshifts and downshifts for optimum vehicle performance. The PCM is mounted on the floor behind the center console.








The A245E is equipped with an Overdrive (O/D) gear which is engaged by pressing the Overdrive switch located on the manual selector. An O/D OFF indicator will be displayed on the instrument cluster whenever the Overdrive switch is not pressed. When the Overdrive switch is pressed, the O/D OFF indicator will not be displayed.

The A245E 4-speed automatic transaxle can be operated in any one of seven different ranges:
P - Park position prevents the vehicle from rolling either forward or backward. For reasons of safety, the parking brake should be used in addition to the park position at all times.
R - Reverse position allows the vehicle to be operated in a rearward direction.
N - Neutral position allows the engine to be started and operated without driving the vehicle. If necessary, this position may be selected if the engine must be restarted with the vehicle moving.
O/D - Overdrive (D position with Overdrive switch pressed) is used for all normal driving conditions. It provides four gear ratios plus Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) operation. Downshifts are available for safe passing by pressing the accelerator pedal. The PCM delays the engagement of 4th gear (Overdrive) and lock-up of the TCC until the engine coolant has reached an operating temperature of 55° C (131° F).
D - Drive position is used for city traffic and hilly terrain. It provides three gear ratios, with available downshifts for safe passing, by pressing the accelerator pedal.
2 - Manual second is used to provide acceleration and engine braking. This range should be selected only when vehicle speed is below 48 km/h (30 mph).
L - Manual low is used to provide maximum engine braking. This range should be selected only when vehicle speed is below 24 km/h (15 mph).