Transmission Control Unit (TCU)
This Transmission Control Unit (TCU) controls the solinoid valves of the new generation automatic gearboxes. The main functions of the TCU are to control gear selection, lock-up converter and line pressure control. This is achieved by a user interface, parameter settings, Throttle Position Sensor (TPS), RPM pulse signal and Speed Sensor. The user interface consists of Spitronics software to program the TCU, two switches for operation and two LED's. The LED's are to indicate different modes of the TCU and for diagnostic purposes.
The user may set up the TCU with parameters so that it can operate correctly for different engines or drive trains. The firmware will then activate or de-activate all the solenoids to operate the gearbox automatically and in a safe manner.
The TCU comes pre-loaded with two different profiles. The user can setup and change these profiles (settings such as shift patterns and gear ratios)
using his laptop and can switch between them in car using the two operating switches. As an optional extra the user can choose to purchase a profile
switch allowing him to choose between up to four different profiles.
These profiles are fully customizable by the user and can be set up for various applications, such as normal driving, off-road driving or
while towing. Tiptronic settings can also be customized in the software.
The lock-up converter and line pressure conrol will be controlled by the
TCU which will engage and disengaged the lock-up and line pressure
solenoids at certain RPM's, to ensure that the engine does not stall at
low RPM's. The Lock-up Converter will always be controlled by the TCU
and not the driver. This is mainly to protect the small clutch in the
converter. The TCU will only engage the clutch under low load
conditions and if RPM criteria are met. It will also disengage the
clutch when RPM's are too low or use it as an extra ratio shift in 3rd
and 4th gear when accelerating. In Automatic Mode the lock-up will only
be used in 3rd and 4th gear, while in Tiptronic Mode the lock-up will
be used in every gear. It will however only engage under low load
conditions.
The line pressure solenoid will only be used in shift conditions up to 3rd
gear and under low load conditions. This will ensure a soft shift when
the driver cruises around in town.
The function LED will be on, off or flash in different ways to let the
driver know in which mode the TCU is operating. Drive Economy = On,
Drive = Off, Tiptronic = Flashing.
The Lock-up LED will be on when the converter clutch is not engage since the gearbox may overheat in a short time.
The TCU will use engine RPM's , TPS and Speed Sensor to decide which gear
should be selected. It has a progressive RPM gear change according to
the TPS. The deeper the accelerator pedal is pressed, the higher the
RPM's for gear changes will be. There is thus no need to push the pedal
completely for more aggressive acceleration. Please note however that for our TCU's to operate correctly the speed sensor must be connected.
Features:
Automatic Drive Mode – shift automatic up to gear for town driving or towing
Lock-Up Converter Control – will engage the converter clutch under safe load conditions
Line Pressure Control –for smoother low throttle shifting in town
User Programmable – to custom tune each TCU on different engines and drive trains
LED indication – to check different signals and functions
Internal Drive Module – to minimise wiring
Progressive Gear Selection – variable RPM shifting depending on the TPS position.
Wireless Kick Down – kick-down function in every gear without the need for a kick-down switch
Reverse Gear Selection – will prevent the TCU from selecting gears when in reverse
Compact – fit in small places
Cost Effective – lots of features for relative low cost
SA Manufactured Product – good backup support and repairs
Spitronics TCU Tuning Software is here!
The new TCU Firmware can select four different profiles with a rotary switch. With this feature you can set different settings for
Automatic, Tiptronic, Towing, Racing, Off Road and Low range for example.
Easy tuning software lets you customize the shift pattern and operation for each profile.
Now available from Spitronics
LS400 TCU Kit's Include :
- TCU
- 2 x Wiring Harnasses
- 2 x Push Buttons
- CD with Manual
TCU ( Standard & Intermediate ) Kit's Include :
- TCU
- 2 x Wiring Harnasses
- 2 x Push Buttons
- Profile Switch (Enables you to switch between 4 seperate TCU Maps)
- TCU Tuning Software ( As advertised above )
- CD with Manual, Software, Diagrams & Start-up Map
