
HOLDEN SERVICE TECHLINE __________________________________________________________________________________MAY, 2005
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Holden Techlines are written to inform technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, and to provide information that could assist in the
proper service fix of a vehicle. If a condition is described, do not assume the service fix applies to a vehicle or that the vehicle will have that condition.
INFORMATION
A/T Features
VZ/WL - All with A/T (non-AWD)
Group 7B Ref. No. TL0887- 0504
Introduction
Recent introduction of the 5L40E automatic
transmission to V and W cars has brought some new
features to both drivers and service technicians.
As some of the features may seem unusual to
drivers, the following information will assist
technicians and Dealership-front-counter-personnel
to understand the features and clarify any concerns
raised by vehicle owners/operators. Also, while
4L60E A/T is still in use, some significant revisions to
its characteristics have been made.
Comments from PIR’s, TAS, SMA and Foremen’s
meetings has prompted the publication of the
following information. This will assist Service front
counter personnel in assisting customers with
explanations of any transmission and vehicle
characteristics that may be confusing to them, and
assist service technicians when any such concerns
may be reported as “problems”.
Service Replacements
Before any consideration is given to replacing any
A/T in VZ or WL vehicles, refer to the information
below to ensure any customer concern is not a
characteristic of the current vehicle/transmission
configurations.
Dealer Letter DL44/04 was released regarding the
inclusion of the 5L40E transmission in the existing
SRTA program and allowable parts replacement -
refer to this letter before performing any transmission
diagnosis, parts replacement, or transmission
replacement.
If any concern exists that is not covered by DL44/04
or this bulletin, your nominated TAS contact should
contact TAS, after performing diagnosis and before
replacing a 5L40E transmission.
5L40E Automatic Transmission
Overview.
- 5L40E uses latest generation production-released
GM hardware strategy.
- Used in CTS Cadillac, BMW 3 and 5 Series, X5
and Range Rover diesel.
- Consumer Reports Magazine, believes "The five-
speed automatic transmission in the BMW, made
by General Motors, is about the best we've ever
experienced.“
- Holden localised 5L40E to suit our vehicles and
achieve primary objective – a shift quality that’s
smooth, crisp and seamless.
- Transmission shifts up to 6500rpm.
- Introduction after a three-year design, development
and testing program.
Shift Stabilisation Mode
The 5L40E automatic transmission features a “shift
stabilisation” mode which reduces busy shifting or
“hunting”, where the transmission seems unsure as
to which gear to remain in and shifts up & down in
order to keep the vehicle travelling at a constant
speed.
The shift stabilisation mode evaluates the speed,
load & current gear of the vehicle and calculates if it
would be able to hold the same load conditions if the
transmission upshifted to the next highest gear.
If the vehicle would be unable to hold the load
conditions in the next highest gear the shift
stabilisation mode prevents the upshift, as the upshift
would be followed shortly by a downshift once the
vehicle loses speed as it is unable to hold the
speed/load condition in the higher gear. In real world
scenarios - driving uphill - this reduces ‘busy shifting’
or ‘hunting’.
Performance Algorithm Liftfoot (PAL)
The 5L40E automatic transmission also features
adaptive shift characteristics, via software that
continuously evaluates driving conditions and driver
inputs, and reacts appropriately to how the vehicle is
being driven.
These adaptive shifts occur only with the
transmission in Power mode, they become active
after the driver uses a high throttle opening for a
short time period, followed by a sharp lifting of the
throttle eg. lifting off the throttle when entering a
corner. When in this “performance” mode, PAL
responds to driver requests or driving style - and to
operate it requires greater than three quarter throttle
pedal travel followed by a rapid pedal release -
hence the “liftfoot” description.
The transmission will react by holding gear instead of
upshifting when the throttle is released, if the driver
also slows down the vehicle, the transmission will
downshift gears at higher speeds than normal. Once
the control system determines the vehicle is being
driven in a “spirited” manner, the current gear is held
during acceleration. This assists with acceleration
out of a corner, resulting in the vehicle being in a
more suitable gear to assist in stability during
cornering and providing a more stable exit feel.
Both of these actions will assist when the vehicle is
driven in a sporty manner eg, through corners as the
lower gearing assists engine braking into corners
whilst holding gears will give better acceleration once
the throttle is re-applied.
Active Select (A/S)