Driving Your Mazda; Automatic Transmission- Page 154

Driving Your Mazda

5-18

Automatic Transmission

Your vehicle is equipped with either
a  four-speed overdrive transmission
(4R44E) or a five-speed overdrive trans-
mission (5R55E). All 2.5L and 3.0L
engines use the 4R44E transmission,
while all 4.0L engines use the 5R55E
transmission. Both transmission types
have a lock-up torque converter. Trans-
mission operation is controlled by the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM).

The PCM will automatically adjust trans-
mission operation to make up for varying
conditions. Several sensors located on the
engine and transmission such as throttle
position, engine speed, vehicle speed and
transmission temperature are used by the
PCM to shift the transmission into a
higher to lower gear when required for
the best performance and fuel economy.

For example, you may notice that the
transmission will upshift to a higher gear
more quickly when the vehicle has not
reached normal operating temperature.

The PCM also controls the transmission’s
torque converter clutch to further raise
vehicle performance and fuel economy.
The torque converter clutch will engage
when the transmission operating tem-
perature and other conditions determined
by the PCM have been met. Engagement
of the clutch may be noted as a decrease
in engine speed.

To help in troubleshooting, the PCM con-
tinually performs self-tests on the elec-
tronic control system and if any faults
are detected, will store them in memory.
The Transmission Control Indicator Light
(TCIL), which is located on the instru-
ment cluster, may flash steadily if a
mal-function has been detected. If the
TCIL is flashing, contact your Autho-
rized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
If this condition persists, damage to your
transmission could occur.