Brief description FA 57: Notes
The FA 57 automatic transmission is an electronically-controlled 5-speed automatic gearbox with lock-up. The transmission casing constitutes one unit integrated with the engine, which is mounted transversely in the engine bay and drives the front wheels. The different gear positions, P-R-N-D-M, can be selected with gear selector mounted on a floor console between the front seats.
The FA 57 is principally constructed around 4 planetary gear units, disc clutches, brakes and torque converter with lock-up coupling, which can be locked or allowed to slip in certain operating conditions. The transmission is equipped with hydraulic and electronic control systems.
The transmission hydraulic system is controlled by a control module (TCM), which continuously processes information from its own sensors and other control modules. The control module is adaptive, which means that it allows fro internal wear in the transmission and compensates accordingly, giving comfortable shifting even at high mileage. It is also SPS programmable using Tech 2.
The FA 57 has the following advantages over conventional hydraulic transmissions:
- Improved shifting performance and smoother shifting as torque is reduced when shifting takes place.
- Reduced mechanical stresses on the entire drive train due to torque limitation.
- Improved fuel economy thanks to consumption-optimized driving programs.
- Possibility of manual shift by moving the gear selector lever to M+ (shift up) or M- (shift down).
- Self-diagnosis and storage of diagnostic trouble codes.
- TCM sends and receives information from other control modules in the car on a bus communication system.