Sonnax 55-50SN
Sonnax 55-50SN
Sonnax 55-50SN
AF-23/33
AW 55 50 SN
AF-23/33
• DRIVE-ABILITY
• ON-CAR SERVICE
The 55 50/51 SN is installed into a multitude of vehicles and there will be variations to the unit
and this data. A similar valve body will bolt to a GM, Volvo, Saturn, Nissan, Saab, Opel or Ren-
ault. Failure to test and recognize can create hours of additional effort.
The turbine sensor hole can be use to improve the fill speed. Low fluid or excessive overfill,
can create erratic pressure and poor linear solenoid control, eventually forcing a TCM high
pressure strategy.
SLT
B-5
C-1
C-3
C-2
C-1
C-3
Output
speed sensor
B-4 servo
B-4 tap
• If you are diagnosing a TCC complaint perform a cooler flow test. Normal flow in Drive with TCC re
leased is 1.3gpm and during TCC apply it drops to .7gpm. The Saab, cooler element will require an
adapter, but most units are easily accessible.
• Lube pressure and flow on the 55 50SN, is low in comparison to other units. This converter requires
multiple valves, along with the rear pump bushing, to control modulated TCC apply. The converter
clutch may remain fully applied at very low speed and high load, which taxes the fluid and lining,
creating a break-away slip or RPM fluctuation.
ACE Session II
AW55 50 SN
5
Park Rev. Drive Idle Drive TCC off TCC Applied TCC cancel
Normal conditions
Cooler flow 8°F Cooler flow 150°F
Lube pressure: 8° F (-13 C) 12 psi P 150° F (33 C) 9.0 psi P Bar = psi x .06895
OEM: 8° F (-18 C) 34 psi Revs. 150° F (33 C 9.2 psi Revs. Flow in liters per sec.=GPM x 6.308 x 10²
Cooler lines: 8° F (-18 C) 24 psi Drive 150° F (33 C) 6.0 psi Drive Centigrade/C= F –32° x 55
Notes:
Volvo: Return to the transmission comes into top of side cover.
AF 23/33 cooler return line is furthest from bell housing.
Sonnax Industries
G.M. states: Minimum of .75 gpm at 60 psi and 2.6 gpm at 140 psi and 200° F. It is equally important to tap the lube circuit on this
unit. Lube is on end cover at 9:00 position.
AW55 50 SN
Complaint:
• Delayed engagement and poor/flare shifts
• Typical C-1 pressure is -0- in Park. As Drive is selected, it quickly steps to 25 psi., then 50 psi, within
half second and remains, until accelerated. C-1 psi. will then follow load, with a maximum near 200
psi. If C-1 pressure upon selecting Drive is immediately 160 psi. and obtains 200 psi. during a shift,
the unit may be under a TCM code/ failsafe mode. Engagements at this time are abrupt. Some ve-
hicles ( Volvo specifically) may use a C-1 disengagement via brake signal creating a neutral at idle.
Check for a TCM flash to eliminate this condition.
Bar Psi
13.8 200
12.4 180
11.0 160
9.6 140
8.2 120
PSI
6.8 100
5.5 80
4.1 60
2.8 40
1.3 20
0
P.R.N. Drive Stop to 15mph 2-3 shift 3-4 4-5 Stall Test
-0- Engagement light acceleration light
.5 second accel.
DRIVE CYCLE
Note: If C-1 pressure upon initial engagement is 160 instead of the 50-60 psi, the TCM has commanded
a pressure rise. Verify with SLT amperage, then check for codes and electrical issues.
The B-4 circuit has extensive valve body control and includes a tube with o-ring ends that feed the
servo. Comparing C-1 to B-4 is an indication of control by the SLS and SLT linear solenoids, a failsafe
or leakage condition.
Proper B-4 pressure should follow C-1 and never be less than 10 psi.of C-1. (Refer to the C-1 pressure
testing.) If C-1 psi. is fixed at 160 psi. upon engagement, the 1-2 and 3-4 shift, may be acceptable, but
the 2-3 is generally too harsh. A TCM pressure management, code, aerated fluid or bad speed sensor,
will eliminate the SLT pressure curve and force B-4 to an immediate 200 psi. which results in the harsh
2-3 shift. If the pressure curve of both C-1 and B-4 are parallel, C-1 initial engagement is near 50 psi.
and the 2-3 harsh, the vehicle may require a flash update, but perform a key cycle and numerous drive
cycles first. Some manufactures ( Volvo) have servo’s and a reflash to improve 2-3, 3-2 drive-ability.
Vent
Volvo B4 servo
Volvo pictured
Tube o rings
B4/ 46
Complaint:
• 3-2 Neutral or bang on downshifts.
• Neutral bang during low speed maneuvers
Cause:
• Valve body mismatched to vehicle or TCM
• Valve body bore wear at B-4 release
• Misadjusted SLU and/or SLS solenoids
• B-4 servo travel and/or cushion spring incorrect
Identification:
Pre ‘04 Nissan Maxima:
• With B type or later cover
• With B-5 and 4A plate identification
• Does not use a B-5 control valve spring
• This valve body should be used with ‘04 TCM & calibration.
This transmission relies on adaptive data to properly adjust the shift pressure. If the
adaption is not complete, it may result in one or more of the following:
• Harsh flare. Engine RPM will increase during a shift, usually occurs during 2-3
shift.
• Harsh down shift. Bumpy down shift.
• Harsh Garage shift. Severe bump when engaging forward or reverse from park or
neutral.
• Harsh engagement control. After coming to a complete stop in drive, with the foot
on the brake, the TCM waits for 2 seconds and then disengages drive to reduce
emissions. Vehicles prior to programming change number 43-27. This engage-
ment is not usually felt by the driver. If adaptation is not complete, then a “thud” will
be felt. A harsh re-engagement will also be felt.
Service. The TCM can sometimes take many miles to fully adapt. If you do not have
access to the factory tester or Volvo VADIS, then you might try the following:
1. Drive the car forward in the “D” range at about 5 mph (8kph) and bring to a gentle
stop. Repeat this procedure at least 10 times.
2. With the engine at idle and your foot on the brake, shift from “N” to “D”. Wait for
about 30 seconds. Release the brake. Repeat this procedure for 10 cycles.
If the above does not cure the fault, you will need to get access to a factory tester to
reset the adaptation. Remember though that the TCM is constantly updating so not
every shift will be the same.
Complaints:
• TCC hunting or RPM cycling at 35-38mph
• Repeated converter, fluid or lining overheat
• Fluid metallic contamination
• TCC slip codes
• Harsh TCC apply, coasting TCC chuggle or harsh downshifts.
• Firm and late TCC apply
Causes:
• Excess heat build up due to loss of valve body control.
• Improper adjustment of SLU solenoid.
• Worn valve body (see illustrations)
• Metal contamination on turbine speed sensor
• Incorrect fluid type or level. This unit will work better with synthetic fluid.
• Rear pump bushing wear (illus. #1)
Lube oil
AW 55 50 SN
VALVE BODY
&
SOLENOID SERVICE
Plate code
SLU
Vented/no vent
SLT
Up or
Down
Width SLS
Length
Thermal
No code=earliest
#1
#4
N.O #2
or
N.C
#3
#5
Measurement:
End of solenoid manifold to shoulder on adjuster
SLT-SLS
Preliminary adjustments:
Record prior to removal.
Measurement taken with retainer removed. Shoulder of
adjuster to end of manifold.
Turning screw inward, raises SLT & SLS pressure
6 clicks = 1/2 turn.
SLU
SLT
SLS
#1
#4
#2
#5 #3
Note: Common error to mix S-1 & S-3 wiring! Remember: white up, yellow down.
On the latter B casting, the SLT connector is turned down. This requires a new S-1 and mating boss on
the cover casting.
VOLVO
Solenoid and component application chart
RANGE GEAR REV, 1ST 2-3,3-4, 1-2,2-3, 3-4,4-5 REV C1 C2 C3 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5
SS 1 REV REV SS 4 SS 5
SS 2 SS 3
1 ON ON ON OFF OFF ON ON
The reverse, 1st; 2-3, 3-4; and 3-4, 4-5 shift solenoid valves are normally OPEN.
The 1-2, 2-3, reverse and reverse shift solenoid valves are normally CLOSED.
The reverse shift solenoid valve is also energized ON during 2-3 and 3-4 shifts.
Volvo-Nissan S-2 is normally CLOSED - G.M./OPEL/SAAB/PSA S-2 is normally OPEN
ACE Session II 26 Sonnax Industries
AW55 50 SN
• The top cover is separated from the other castings and used as a test manifold.
• If you intend to test the on-off shift solenoids, use the separator plate for its orifice
controls.
• The solenoid modulator valve must be operational or machine inlet pressure set to
90 psi/56vbar
• Set one solenoid, using two other known new or good solenoids. Do not use 2 or 3
used & try to set all.
• Adjust to within 4 psi / 3 bar (high/low) of known good solenoid pressure curve.
.550—.575”
Center of bolt to
center of SLT
• Pre-measure the adjuster, remove the threaded adjuster, then the valve from the
solenoid.
• Verify the pintle (shaft passing through coil), is free floating by performing a shake
test.
• Re-assemble and turn the adjuster to the original position.
• The SLU is pulsed during 1-2, 2-1, 2-3, 3-2 shift, also during engagement into
Drive or Reverse and TCC apply. Monitoring cooler flow with a Sonnaflow and
graphing multi-meter will indicate if the SLU is adjusted properly. A quick flow re-
duction of 50% and then a return, indicates the SLU is reacting to TCC valves. For
example, 1.0 gpm. in Park, then upon Drive engagement, a sharp drop to .06, and a
quick return, identifies the correct action.
• If you have harsh up/down shifts and you do not see a cooler flow toggle, the SLU
is not adjusted nor working properly.
• The correct adjustment on SLU will increase cooler flow. Improper adjustment will
reduce cooler flow, substantially.
• The solenoid can be adjusted if a pass-through hole has been located in the cover
during bench rebuild. The SLU access will be at the top, left corner. A 3 mm Allen
wrench, will pass approximately 1.60” or 40.9 mm. through the cover, when it’s in-
serted into the adjuster. You should be able to feel the Allen engagement. As you
turn the Allen wrench you will feel the retainer click over the index.
Always count your rotations, in clockwise (CW) or counterclockwise (CCW), so you
know where you start /stop.
CW/ In : Reduces SLU output.
Resulting in: hard 1-2, 2-1 shifts and firmer/later TCC
CCW/ Out: Increases SLU output. Resulting in softer shifts and earlier TCC
Road test:
• If your TCC control, 1-2 and 2-1 are good, cooler flow drops properly as noted above,
leave the adjustment as is. If not, adjust accordingly.
• Slight bump on 2-1 down-shift… and/or TCC rpm fluctuates at 30-40 MPH during
modulated apply….and/or excess TCC slip at full lockup…and/or Sonnaflow sensor
indicates TCC control valve is continually toggling on-off.
If so… turn adjuster screw in/clockwise 1.0 turn.
• Harsh 2-1 downshift….and/or heavy TCC RPM fluctuation at 30-40 mph…and/or late
and firm full TCC apply. If so…turn adjuster in/clockwise 1.5 to 2.0 turns.
• TCC will apply not modulate slip RPM at 30-40 mph. Beyond 40 mph, TCC apply is
short and harsh…. and/or a harsh TCC release on coast and/or 1-2 shift is too harsh.
The adjuster is too far inward, back it out/ counter clockwise as required 1.5 to 2.5
turns.
• Low cooler flow when in lockup. No TCC flow drop upon engagement or shifting. Ad-
juster may be too far out/CCW.
Note:
The spring between the adjuster and the valve tends to have some memory or coil wrap
up. If you over-compensate in one direction, it may require more of an opposite direc-
tion to restore!
During road test, you will need a temporary plug in the access holes.
If you can feel the adjuster turn out against the retainer, STOP… or you can force the
retainer off. If you have adjusted to this point, you are beyond resolving a problem with
a solenoid adjustment. Generally 1-2 turns in/ out is all that is needed.
1.1
1.0
0.9
0.8
0.7
AMPS
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.0
DRIVE CYCLE
Note: Increasing SLT , generally will not eliminate a 2-3 flare. Check servo design and travel.
Then test B4 pressure tap, It should be parallel to C-1.
Bar Psi
5.8 80
4.8 70
4.1 60
3.4 50
PSI
2.8 40
2.1 30
1.4 20
.68 10
0
P.R.N. Drive Stop to 15 mph 2-3 shift 3-4 shift Stall
150° F Engagement 1-2 shift test
.5 second
DRIVE CYCLE
300 Hz operating frequency 15%-48% duty
SLT is normally open solenoid (N.O.)
Low current causes higher pressure (inverse proportional)
80
70
60
SL T PSI
50
40
30
20
10
0
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1
Amps
The service procedure is the same as the SLU, and SLT above.
1.1
1.0
0.9
0.8
0.7
AMPS
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.0
Park Reverse Drive 1-2 2-3 3-4 4-5
Engage- Idle
ment
DRIVE CYCLE
AW 55 50 - AF23/33
No code
A code
This casting does not match the GM AF-23
oil circuits in Blue Technicians guide. Casting Code: No = Early C = Late
B-Code may not have B-5 control spring.
B-5 control spring is separator plate dependant.
Neutral
relay
B-1
control
Identify
Boost
SLT
MID CASTING:
Case & Rear Body Side
Main pressure
regulator &
boost
U-2 shift
M-1 shift
U-1 shift
B-4 release
#6 reverse shift check valve. WAT or Vacuum testfor cross leaks, when assembled
Solenoid relay
Inspect
B4 Control valve
for wear B5 Control
valve
Shift pressure relay
valve
Some applications use
a spring inboard. M2 shift valve
Shift pressure
control sleeve,
valve &
plunger
SLT pressure
accumulator
Vacuum Tests
Lube for output
gear bearing
SLS Pressure
Inspect
Inspect bore
A separator plate modification can be performed, if the secondary regulator bore has
minimal wear. This modification will increase lube and converter feed oil flow. Enlarg-
ing the plate feed holes is not suggested if the valve body casting has excessive wear
at the secondary regulator bore, in the area of the spring to spool surface.
Identifies plate
Line to lube
Center lube. with 3-2 exhaust
orifice. OE .045”
OE .038” to check valve.
Open to
maximum .052”
maximum .062”
1-2 reverse
clutch/B5
Converter
release oil. Forward clutch
Second coast
Low reverse clutch
clutch
Main shaft
lube, can be
Second clutch accessed on
cover
Output gears
Pump line Direct clutch
& bearing
out C2
4-5 clutch
C3
Pump
suction Lube path to
transfer shaft,
includes oil deliv-
ery tube with
seals. Can be
Controlled by accessed exter-
cooler by-pass nally at 27mm
valve bolt in front of B4
servo. Lube test
on rear cover
does not check
this circuit.