Spent a lot of time searching for information on both the engine in transmission used my my Sonic Lt 1.8. I like to know as much as possible about how they operate and what features they have. I found the automatic transmission information to be very hard to find. I'm posting this in the hopes that a few other forum members might find this information interesting and useful. This is for the African version of our cars but the transmission is the same. Credit for the article goes to 3d-car-shows. Credit fro the article on the electronic clutch goes to truckdigest.
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Chevrolet Introduces 6-Speed Auto Transmission to Small Car Class in Sonic Sedan
6-speed auto transmission a first for Chevrolet in small car segment
Innovative packaging provides compact form for transmission
Adaptive shift control allows for engine braking
Excellent spread of ratios allows for brisk acceleration and excellent cruising economy
Precision manufacturing processes reduce noise levels
Chevrolet Sonic Sedan
The introduction of the Chevrolet Sonic Sedan to South African brings with it a first for Chevrolet in the small car segment with the availability of a 6-speed automatic transmission as an option on the 1.6 LS model.
Chevrolet Innovative design provides compact form
The Chevrolet Hydra-Matic 6T30 is an advanced electronically controlled automatic transmission designed specifically for small car applications.
The key concept behind this all-new 6-speed auto transmission is the compact design and packaging of the unit. By placing the gearsets on the same axis as the engine crankshaft centreline Chevrolet transmission engineers have been able to realise a far more compact form for the transmission, particularly in the fore-to-aft dimensions.
Rather than “fold” the transmission around the end of a transversely mounted engine, a normally bulky installation, the 6T30 transmission has its gear train arranged in line with the crankshaft centreline.
Direct advantages of this compact form are the ability for the chassis engineers to enhance the crush zones at the front of the vehicle, increase interior space, and lower the bonnet line.
To save even more space the traditional “freewheel” gear change mechanism is replaced by a multiple clutch system with gearshifts accomplished by engaging and disengaging clutches simultaneously during gear shifts. Sophisticated electronics enable the precision timing required to synchronise the clutches.
An exception is the shift between first and second gears where there is a large difference between the ratios. In this instance a regular “freewheel” mechanism is used to provide a smooth transition.
Chevrolet Sonic Sedan 2012
Chevrolet Quick acceleration combined with efficient cruising
The selection of a 6-speed transmission has allowed a wide range of ratios to be used to optimise performance and economy. The first gear has a high ratio to facilitate good acceleration from rest. Conversely sixth gear is an overdrive ratio that allows for low engine revs at highway cruising speeds.
The electronic control of the transmission provides for adaptive shift control including automatic gradient braking. This instructs the transmission to remain in a lower gear rather than shift up if it senses that the vehicle is decelerating or coasting on a downgrade. This reduces the need for the driver to apply the brakes during a hill descent. The transmission control module receives inputs from sensors that monitor brake usage, vehicle acceleration rate, and throttle position.
The torque converter used in the Chevrolet 6T30 transmission uses a single plate lock-up clutch which provides a mechanical coupling to the drive with no slippage and minimal power loss. The oval, or hyper-elliptical, form of the torque converter reduces the overall thickness of the component for an additional space and packaging advantage. GM’s electronic controlled capacity clutch (ECCC) technology assists in dampening vibrations.
The helical gears used in the transmission are precision ground and honed for the finest of tolerances. With closer tolerances the gears are less prone to producing transmission noise in the form of a whine or humming sound often associated with gear trains.
Chevrolet Proprietary transmission fluid lasts lifetime of transmission
The Chevrolet 6T30 automatic transmission fitted to the Sonic Sedan is filled with GM specification DEXRON-VI fluid that in normal usage will not need to be changed over the life of the transmission. This fluid was developed to have a very consistent viscosity profile for more consistent shift performance in extreme conditions. It also is highly resistant to degradation over time.
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ACDelco's Electronically Controlled Capacity Clutch (EC3) Makes Troublesome Transmission Conditions Concerns of the Past
Common troublesome transmission conditions such as chuggle - a glitch, roughness, or hesitation - and slippage are concerns of the past, thanks to ACDelco's new Electronically Controlled Capacity Clutch, or EC3.
A vehicle's drivability can be impacted by the powertrain's performance: the engine and transmission, working in concert with each other, to help provide a comfortable, smooth, and responsive ride. The lockup converter clutch provides a direct mechanical coupling between the engine and transmission. Historically, operating this converter clutch could be done only at limited engine speeds; otherwise the vehicle could experience Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH).
The EC3 technology - patented by GM and released under the ACDelco brand name - expands the operating window of the converter clutch by controlling the clutch. The engine and transmission can slip relative to each other in areas where full lock up was not previously acceptable from a NVH standpoint. And, by allowing this partial "lock up," driveline efficiency improves, resulting in enhanced fuel economy.
"Our customers have been asking for this technology and we're proud to be able to bring it to market," said Chris Thomas, GM Parts Powertrain Business Line Manager. "While our competitors have similar offerings, ACDelco's EC3 technology is industry-exclusive because it's produced for Original Equipment (OE) GM applications only."
ACDelco is launching 10 new torque converter pressure plate assembly part numbers; eight include the EC3 technology. Applications include select 1997 model year and newer GM cars and light-duty trucks.
ACDelco's EC3 clutch is made from a special GM-patented friction material that allows the converter clutch to continuously slip so drivers don't feel the converter clutch engaging. In addition to helping to eliminate chuggle, EC3 helps improve fuel economy.
Technicians and shop owners can realize EC3's benefits, too. While some competitors' offerings are made from friction material that could potentially overheat, ACDelco's EC3 material - in conjunction with the vehicle's on-board computer - helps eliminate overheating. This results in a more durable transmission and can help build loyalty by reducing comebacks and enhancing customer satisfaction. Installation is made easier, too. The new torque converter pressure plates include the spring pack assembly. The EC3 friction material is already bonded to the pressure plate to OE specifications, helping to reduce errors and to save technicians valuable time otherwise needed to bond together a subassembly.
*********************************************************
Chevrolet Introduces 6-Speed Auto Transmission to Small Car Class in Sonic Sedan
6-speed auto transmission a first for Chevrolet in small car segment
Innovative packaging provides compact form for transmission
Adaptive shift control allows for engine braking
Excellent spread of ratios allows for brisk acceleration and excellent cruising economy
Precision manufacturing processes reduce noise levels
Chevrolet Sonic Sedan
The introduction of the Chevrolet Sonic Sedan to South African brings with it a first for Chevrolet in the small car segment with the availability of a 6-speed automatic transmission as an option on the 1.6 LS model.
Chevrolet Innovative design provides compact form
The Chevrolet Hydra-Matic 6T30 is an advanced electronically controlled automatic transmission designed specifically for small car applications.
The key concept behind this all-new 6-speed auto transmission is the compact design and packaging of the unit. By placing the gearsets on the same axis as the engine crankshaft centreline Chevrolet transmission engineers have been able to realise a far more compact form for the transmission, particularly in the fore-to-aft dimensions.
Rather than “fold” the transmission around the end of a transversely mounted engine, a normally bulky installation, the 6T30 transmission has its gear train arranged in line with the crankshaft centreline.
Direct advantages of this compact form are the ability for the chassis engineers to enhance the crush zones at the front of the vehicle, increase interior space, and lower the bonnet line.
To save even more space the traditional “freewheel” gear change mechanism is replaced by a multiple clutch system with gearshifts accomplished by engaging and disengaging clutches simultaneously during gear shifts. Sophisticated electronics enable the precision timing required to synchronise the clutches.
An exception is the shift between first and second gears where there is a large difference between the ratios. In this instance a regular “freewheel” mechanism is used to provide a smooth transition.
Chevrolet Sonic Sedan 2012
Chevrolet Quick acceleration combined with efficient cruising
The selection of a 6-speed transmission has allowed a wide range of ratios to be used to optimise performance and economy. The first gear has a high ratio to facilitate good acceleration from rest. Conversely sixth gear is an overdrive ratio that allows for low engine revs at highway cruising speeds.
The electronic control of the transmission provides for adaptive shift control including automatic gradient braking. This instructs the transmission to remain in a lower gear rather than shift up if it senses that the vehicle is decelerating or coasting on a downgrade. This reduces the need for the driver to apply the brakes during a hill descent. The transmission control module receives inputs from sensors that monitor brake usage, vehicle acceleration rate, and throttle position.
The torque converter used in the Chevrolet 6T30 transmission uses a single plate lock-up clutch which provides a mechanical coupling to the drive with no slippage and minimal power loss. The oval, or hyper-elliptical, form of the torque converter reduces the overall thickness of the component for an additional space and packaging advantage. GM’s electronic controlled capacity clutch (ECCC) technology assists in dampening vibrations.
The helical gears used in the transmission are precision ground and honed for the finest of tolerances. With closer tolerances the gears are less prone to producing transmission noise in the form of a whine or humming sound often associated with gear trains.
Chevrolet Proprietary transmission fluid lasts lifetime of transmission
The Chevrolet 6T30 automatic transmission fitted to the Sonic Sedan is filled with GM specification DEXRON-VI fluid that in normal usage will not need to be changed over the life of the transmission. This fluid was developed to have a very consistent viscosity profile for more consistent shift performance in extreme conditions. It also is highly resistant to degradation over time.
*********************************************************
ACDelco's Electronically Controlled Capacity Clutch (EC3) Makes Troublesome Transmission Conditions Concerns of the Past
Common troublesome transmission conditions such as chuggle - a glitch, roughness, or hesitation - and slippage are concerns of the past, thanks to ACDelco's new Electronically Controlled Capacity Clutch, or EC3.
A vehicle's drivability can be impacted by the powertrain's performance: the engine and transmission, working in concert with each other, to help provide a comfortable, smooth, and responsive ride. The lockup converter clutch provides a direct mechanical coupling between the engine and transmission. Historically, operating this converter clutch could be done only at limited engine speeds; otherwise the vehicle could experience Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH).
The EC3 technology - patented by GM and released under the ACDelco brand name - expands the operating window of the converter clutch by controlling the clutch. The engine and transmission can slip relative to each other in areas where full lock up was not previously acceptable from a NVH standpoint. And, by allowing this partial "lock up," driveline efficiency improves, resulting in enhanced fuel economy.
"Our customers have been asking for this technology and we're proud to be able to bring it to market," said Chris Thomas, GM Parts Powertrain Business Line Manager. "While our competitors have similar offerings, ACDelco's EC3 technology is industry-exclusive because it's produced for Original Equipment (OE) GM applications only."
ACDelco is launching 10 new torque converter pressure plate assembly part numbers; eight include the EC3 technology. Applications include select 1997 model year and newer GM cars and light-duty trucks.
ACDelco's EC3 clutch is made from a special GM-patented friction material that allows the converter clutch to continuously slip so drivers don't feel the converter clutch engaging. In addition to helping to eliminate chuggle, EC3 helps improve fuel economy.
Technicians and shop owners can realize EC3's benefits, too. While some competitors' offerings are made from friction material that could potentially overheat, ACDelco's EC3 material - in conjunction with the vehicle's on-board computer - helps eliminate overheating. This results in a more durable transmission and can help build loyalty by reducing comebacks and enhancing customer satisfaction. Installation is made easier, too. The new torque converter pressure plates include the spring pack assembly. The EC3 friction material is already bonded to the pressure plate to OE specifications, helping to reduce errors and to save technicians valuable time otherwise needed to bond together a subassembly.
