Gearbox (automatic transmission) Mitsubishi Pajero
The Pajero automatic transmission is a multi-stage automatic transmission with a torque converter. Typically it supports 4 to 8 gears.
Main components:
* Torque Converter: Converts engine torque into hydraulic energy.
*Planetary Gear: Includes a set of planetary gears that provide different gear ratios.
* Friction packs: turn on/off planetary gears to change gears.
*Hydraulic control unit: regulates the flow of hydraulic fluid to the friction packs for gear shifting.
* Electronic control unit (ECU): controls the operation of the hydraulic unit and associated sensors.
Working principle:
1. Starting the engine: The torque converter connects the engine to the gearbox.
2. Gear shifting: The ECU uses signals from sensors (tachometer, throttle sensor and others) to determine the optimal shift point. The hydraulic unit then controls the friction packs to engage/disengage the corresponding planetary gears.
3. Power Transfer: Gears and clutches are connected in different configurations to create different gear ratios, transferring power from the engine to the transmission.
4. Torque Converter Lockup: In higher gears, the torque converter locks up, resulting in more efficient power transfer.
Operating modes:
Some Pajero automatic transmissions offer different operating modes, such as:
* D (Drive): Normal mode for everyday driving.
* S (Sport): More aggressive gear shifts for better acceleration.
* L (Low): Supports lower gears for towing or off-road driving.
* 4L: Lowers the gear ratio for more traction.
Advantages:
* Ease of control
* Smooth gear shifting
* Option to select manual gear shift (on some models)
Flaws:
*Lower fuel efficiency compared to manual transmissions
*Higher repair costs