SsangYong Korando III (2010 year). Manual - part 211

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1. OVERVIEW

Engine power reaches the transaxle via a torque converter with integral converter lock-up clutch. The six 

forward gears and one reverse gear are obtained from a single planetary set, followed by a double 

planetary set. This type of gear-set arrangement is commonly known as Lepelletier type gear-set.

The Model M11 6 speed automatic transaxle is electronically controlled. The control system is 

comprised of the following components:

External transaxle control unit (TCU)

Internal embedded memory module (EMM)

Input and output speed sensors

Valve body unit comprised of four ON/OFF solenoid valves and six variable bleed solenoids (VBS)

Torque converter

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TCU controls the oil pressure for various internal clutches and bands to select the gear. It also controls 

the electronic elements, shift pressure and torque converter slip. If the system is defective, TCU provides 

FMEC (Failure Mode Effect Control) to maintain the functionality of transaxle. This keeps the basic 

function of transaxle (gear selection) even when there are failure in controls and power supply.

There are selector shaft position sensor (inhibitor switch) and oil temperature sensor in transaxle. In 

manual mode, TCU receives the information from TGS (Transmission Gear Selector) through PCB 

(Printed Circuit Board) when driver selects the manual shift mode. TCU communicates with other 

electric control modules through CAN. In order to ensure a safe driving state and to prevent damage to 

the automatic transmission, TCU switches to Limp-Home mode in the event of critical faults.

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2. FEATURES

1) Advantages

Early Downshift with Hard Braking and Skip Shifts

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When heavy braking is detected, the transaxle downshifts early and skips gears to provide increased 

engine braking to provide gear selection for tip-in.

Gear Hold going Uphill/Downhill

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If the accelerator pedal is released when traveling uphill, upshifts are prevented to reduce busyness on 

grades. If the accelerator pedal is released when traveling downhill, upshifts are prevented to enhance 

engine braking.

Drive and Reverse Engagement

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A soft engagement feature avoids harsh take up of drive when selecting Drive or Reverse. This is 

achieved by limiting engine speed and engine torque which results in a rapid, but progressive 

engagement of either Drive or Reverse when moving from the Park or Neutral positions. Drive and 

Reverse engagements from either Park or Neutral are performed in less than 2.2 seconds. There is no 

drive engagement prevention strategy implemented on the transaxle system as there is sufficient engine 

strategy to protect the system. However, reverse engagement is prevented until engine speed is less 

than 1,400 rpm and the accelerator pedal position is less than 12% and vehicle speed is less than 10 

km/h.

Converter Clutch Lock-Up In All Gears

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The transaxle features converter clutch lock-up in all gears. This feature provides improved fuel economy 

and vehicle performance. It also improves transaxle cooling efficiency when towing heavy loads at low 

speeds, e.g. in city driving or hill terrain.

Embedded Memory Module (EMM)

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The embedded memory module (EMM) is 
matched to the transaxle’s valve bodies during 

transaxle assembly to ensure refined shift quality. 

The EMM is used to store data such as valve body 

calibration data and valve body serial number.

Upon installation, the TCU will download the data 

from the EMM and utilize this data in the operation 

of the transaxle.

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2) Transaxle Cooling

The transaxle cooling system ensures rapid warm-up and constant operating temperature resulting in 

reduced fuel consumption and refined shift quality.

It also includes a cooler by-pass within the hydraulic system to allow sufficient lubrication to the transaxle 

drivetrain in the event of a blockage in the transaxle cooler.

3) Shift Strategy

Gear Change

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Transaxle gear change is controlled by the 

TCU. The TCU receives inputs from various 

engine and vehicle sensors to select shift 

schedules and to control the shift feel and 

torque converter clutch (TCC) operation at each 

gear change.

Coast down

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Coast down down shifts occur at 0% pedal 

when the vehicle is coasting down to a stop.

Torque Demand

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Torque demand down shifts occur 

(automatically) when the driver demand for 

torque is greater than the engine can provide at 

that gear ratio. If applied, the transaxle will 

disengage the TCC to provide added 

acceleration.

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To select the winter mode, press the mode 

switch. The winter mode indicator (W) in the 

instrument cluster comes on. To return to 

standard mode, press the switch again. The 

indicator goes out. Use this mode to drive off 

smoothly on an icy and slippery road.

3. MODES AND FUNCTIONS

1) Mode Switch

2) M Mode (Manual Mode)

This allows the driver to define the highest 
possible gear by selecting “+” or “-” on the 
gear selector when the lever is in the “M” 

position. When the lever is first moved to the 
manual “M” position the transaxle will select 

the lowest possible gear.

W: Winter mode (pressed "OUT")

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Use the standard mode in normal driving 

condition.

S: Standard mode (pressed "IN")

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