ACURA NSX 1997 Service Repair Manual
Page 741 of 1503
Positions
1. 1st Gear
The flow of fluid through the torque converter circuit is the same as in position.
Line pressure (1) becomes line pressure (4) and 1st clutch pressure (10).
The 1st clutch pressure is applied to the 1st clutch and 1st accumulator, and the vehicle will move as engine power is
transmitted.
Line pressure (1) becomes modulator pressure (6) by the modulator valve and travels to each shift valve.
The 1-2 shift valve is moved to the right side because the shift control solenoid valve A is turned OFF and B is turned
ON by the
TCM.
Line pressure (1) also flows to the throttle valve.
NOTE: When used, "left" or "right" indicates direction on the hydraulic circuit.
Hydraulic Flow (cont'd)
DescriptionProCarManuals.com
Page 742 of 1503
2. 2nd Gear
The flow of fluid to the 1-2 and 2-3 shift valves is the same as in 1st gear. As the speed of the vehicle reaches the pre-
scribed value, solenoid valve A is turned ON by the TCM. As a result, the 1-2 shift valve is moved to the left side and
uncovers the port leading to the 2nd clutch, and the 2nd clutch is engaged.
Fluid flows by way of:
Hydraulic pressure also flows to the 1st clutch. However no power is transmitted through of the one-way clutch.
NOTE: When used, "left" or "right" indicates direction on the hydraulic circuit.ProCarManuals.com
Page 743 of 1503
3. 3rd Gear
The flow of fluid to the 1-2, 2-3, and 3-4 shift valves is the same as in 2nd gear. As the speed of the vehicle reaches the
prescribed value, shift control solenoid valve B is turned OFF (Shift control solenoid valve A remains ON). The 2-3 shift
valve is then moved to the left side, uncovering the fluid port leading to the 3rd clutch. Since the 3-4 shift valve is
moved to the right side to cover the fluid port to the 4th clutch, the 3rd clutch is engaged.
Fluid flows by way of:
Hydraulic pressure also flows to the 1st clutch. However no power is transmitted through of the one-way clutch as in
2nd gear.
NOTE: When used, "left" or "right" indicates direction on the hydraulic circuit.
Hydraulic Flow (cont'd)
DescriptionProCarManuals.com
Page 744 of 1503
4. 4th Gear
The flow of fluid to the 1-2, 2-3, and 3-4 shift valves is the same as in 3rd gear. When the speed of the vehicle reaches
the prescribed valve, shift control solenoid valve A is turned OFF (Shift control solenoid valve B remains OFF). As this
takes place, the 3-4 shift valve is moved to the left side and uncovers the fluid port leading to the 4th clutch. Since the
1-2 and 2-3 shift valves are kept on the left side, the fluid flows through the 4th clutch, and power is transmitted
through the 4th clutch.
Fluid flows by way of:
Hydraulic pressure also flows to the 1st clutch. However no power is transmitted through of the one-way clutch as in
2nd and 3rd gear.
NOTE: When used, "left" or "right" indicates direction on the hydraulic circuit.ProCarManuals.com
Page 745 of 1503
Position
The flow of fluid through the torque converter circuit is the same as in the position. Fluid (1) from the ATF pump flows
through the manual valve and becomes line pressure (3). It then flows through the 1-2 shift valve to the servo valve (3),
moving the shift fork shaft to the reverse position.
Under this condition, shift control solenoid valve A is turned ON and valve B is turned OFF as in 3rd gear. As a result, the
1-2 shift valve moves to the left side. Fluid (3') flows through the servo valve and the manual valve to the 4th clutch, and
power is transmitted through the 4th clutch.
Reverse Inhibitor Control
When the position is selected while the vehicle is moving forward at a speed over 6 mph (10 km/h), the TCM out-
puts 1st signal (A: OFF, B: ON), and the 1-2 shift valve is moved to the right side. Line pressure (3) is intercepted by
the 1-2 shift valve, and power is not transmitted since the 4th clutch and the servo valve are not operating.
NOTE: When used, "left" or "right" indicates direction on the hydraulic circuit.
Hydraulic Flow (cont'd)
DescriptionProCarManuals.com
Page 746 of 1503
Position
The flow of fluid through the torque converter circuit is the same as in position.
Line pressure (1) becomes line pressure (3) as it passes through the manual valve. Line pressure (3) flows through the 1-2
shift valve, to the servo valve, and to the servo control valve, moving the shift fork to the reverse position as in the
position.
Hydraulic pressure is not supplied to the clutches, and power is not transmitted.
NOTE: When used, "left" or "right" indicates direction on the hydraulic circuit.ProCarManuals.com
Page 747 of 1503
Lock-up System
Description
Lock-up Clutch
1. Operation (clutch on)
With the lock-up clutch on, fluid in the chamber between the converter cover and lock-up piston is discharged, and the
converter fluid exerts pressure through the piston against the converter cover. As a result, the converter turbine is locked
on the converter cover firmly. This bypasses the converter, placing the vehicle in direct drive.
2. Operation (clutch off)
With the lock-up clutch off, fluid flows in the reverse of CLUTCH ON. As a result, the lock-up piston moves away from the
converter cover, and the torque converter lock-up is released.ProCarManuals.com
Page 748 of 1503
In position and position (2nd, 3rd, and 4th gear), pressurized fluid is drained from the back of the torque converter
through a passage, causing the lock-up piston to be held against the torque converter cover. As this takes place, the main-
shaft rotates at the same speed as the engine crankshaft. Together with hydraulic control, the TCM optimizes the timing of
the lock-up system. Under certain conditions, the lock-up operation is applied during deceleration, in position in (2nd,
3rd, and 4th gear), and in position (3rd and 4th gears).
The lock-up shift valve controls the range of lock-up according to lock-up control solenoid valves A and B, and throttle
valve B. When lock-up control solenoid valves A and B activate, modulator pressure changes. Lock-up control solenoid
valves A and B are mounted on the torque converter housing, and are controlled by the TCM.ProCarManuals.com
Page 749 of 1503
No Lock-up
Pressurized fluid regulated by the modulator works on both ends of the lock-up shift valve and on the left side of the lock-
up control valve. Under this condition, the pressure on both ends of the lock-up shift valve are equal, and the shift valve is
moved to the right side by valve spring tension. Fluid from the ATF pump flows through the left side of the lock-up clutch
to the torque converter; the lock up clutch is OFF.
NOTE: When used, "left" or "right" indicates direction on the hydraulic circuit.
Lock-up System (cont'd)
DescriptionProCarManuals.com
Page 750 of 1503
Partial Lock-up
Lock-up Control Solenoid Valve A: ON Lock-up Control Solenoid Valve B: OFF
The TCM switches solenoid valve A ON to release modulator pressure in the left cavity of the lock-up shift valve.
Modulator pressure in the right cavity of the lock-up shift valve overcomes the spring force, and the lock-up shift valve is
moved to the left side.
The torque converter pressure is separated into two passages:
Torque Converter Inner Pressure: enters into right side to engage lock-up clutch
Torque Converter Back Pressure: enters into left side to disengage lock-up clutch
Back pressure (F2) is regulated by the lock-up control valve, and the position of the lock-up timing valve B is determined
by throttle B pressure, tension of the valve spring, and pressure regulated by the modulator. Also, the position of the lock-
up control valve is determined by throttle valve B pressure, back pressure of the lock-up control valve, and torque converter
pressure regulated by the check valve. In low speed range, throttle B pressure working on the right side of the lock-up con-
trol valve is low, causing the valve to be moved to the right side. With the lock-up control solenoid valve B kept OFF, mod-
ulator pressure is maintained in the left end of the lock-up control valve; the lock-up control valve is moved slightly to the
left side. This slight movement of the lock-up control valve causes the back pressure to be lowered slightly, resulting in
partial lock-up.
NOTE: When used, "left" or "right" indicates direction on the hydraulic circuit.ProCarManuals.com