Stellantis Patent Simplifies Transmission Fluid Changes

[Yardbird]

Stellantis Patent Simplifies Transmission Fluid Changes​

Story by José Bossellini
2 min read


Stellantis has recently secured a patent for an innovative transmission fluid drainage system designed to enhance the maintenance process of automatic transmissions.

This development aims to improve the efficiency and thoroughness of fluid replacement, addressing common challenges associated with traditional methods.

The patented system integrates an electrically powered auxiliary oil pump into the transmission's architecture. This auxiliary pump operates independently of the engine, allowing for fluid circulation even when the engine is off.



New Stellantis Patent. Image: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Such a feature is particularly beneficial during maintenance, as it enables a more comprehensive drainage of old transmission fluid without necessitating engine operation.

In practice, the maintenance procedure begins with a technician initiating the oil drain or flush service via a service computer. After removing the drain plug, the auxiliary oil pump is activated by the transmission control module.

The pump then circulates the existing transmission fluid, effectively expelling it through the opened drain hole. This active pumping mechanism ensures that residual fluid and potential contaminants are thoroughly removed from the system.



New Stellantis Patent. Image: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

To determine the completion of the drainage process, the system employs multiple evaluation methods. These include monitoring hydraulic solenoids for fluid flow changes, tracking the pump's runtime against predefined thresholds, measuring the volume of drained fluid, observing variations in pump load, and technician verification of minimal fluid discharge. Such comprehensive monitoring ensures that the fluid replacement is both complete and efficient.

The advantages of this system are multifaceted. By utilizing the auxiliary pump, the drainage process becomes more thorough compared to traditional gravity-based methods. Active flushing aids in the removal of debris, thereby reducing the risk of contamination in the new fluid.

Additionally, the ability to perform fluid changes without running the engine enhances safety and reduces wear on engine components during maintenance.

This patent reflects Stellantis' commitment to advancing automotive maintenance technologies. By addressing the limitations of conventional transmission fluid replacement methods, the company aims to improve service efficiency and vehicle longevity.

As automatic transmissions become increasingly complex, such innovations are crucial in ensuring optimal performance and reliability.

Stellantis' newly patented transmission fluid drainage system represents a significant step forward in automotive maintenance.

The integration of an electrically powered auxiliary oil pump offers a more effective and efficient approach to fluid replacement, underscoring the company's dedication to innovation and quality in vehicle care.


https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/new...lifies-transmission-fluid-changes/ar-AA1z0w6t

 

[Green_Manalishi]

"In practice, the maintenance procedure begins with a technician initiating the oil drain or flush service via a service computer."

Having to take it to a shop isn't my definition of simplification.

 

[Yardbird]

If removing the drain plug does not allow the fluid to drain without using a service computer, then, this negates DIY fluid changes, mandating service at a dealership.

Maybe that is the plan all along for the automated drain.

 

[PolarisCobra]

Seems like a complex solution for a simple problem. Unless the pump empties the torque converter, and the rest of the tramsmission as well, and there is some way to refill it completely.

 

[SpyderNut]

Just wish they’d put the draining back in the transmission oil pan. Eliminating the giant mess pulling a full oil pan!

 

[BossHogg]

Just wish they’d put the draining back in the transmission oil pan. Eliminating the giant mess pulling a full oil pan!

And adding an external transmission fluid filter.

 

[tjfdesmo]

No dipstick, no drain plug, fluid must be checked on a narrow temperature range, and they are worried about "ease of service"?! LOLOLOL


Agree on external filter.

 

[DILLIGAF]

A dipstick and fill hole is simple. This is just some engineer trying to justify is job.

 

[GeauxinUp]

But, I thought the ZF's were "lifetime" fluid... (sarcasm)

 

[BossHogg]

But, I thought the ZF's were "lifetime" fluid... (sarcasm)

I'd hate to see this argument return. Ram's use of the word "lifetime" in the owners' manual is very ambiguous.

 

[mikeru]

But, I thought the ZF's were "lifetime" fluid... (sarcasm)

You beat me to it

 

[kurek]

I'm actually surprised modern transmissions aren't just getting electric primary pumps for the same reason steering and air conditioning and water pumps are trending electric even on non-PHEV/non-EV cars and trucks.

A fluid pump that has to operate at a wide range of engine RPM cannot be optimized for a single RPM and will always fluctuate in efficiency, likely becoming just a huge waste of energy at high rpm if it is to be effective at all at idle. An electric pump drawing 30 amps from the charging system doesn't care if the engine is idling or screaming.

It seems to me that a hydraulic valve body could be operated by an electric pump that simply shuts off entirely when you're in park or idling, maybe goes to a lower speed while decelerating or traveling down a grade or any other time the shift program doesn't call for fast accumulator fills. I work in a different field of engineering and don't want to speak outside my area of expertise, these just seem like obvious areas for optimization. Using the same pump to facilitate fluid changes would just be a happy bonus.

 

[MontanaHandyman]

But, I thought the ZF's were "lifetime" fluid... (sarcasm)

I'm hoping to be around another 25-30 years... is that the "lifetime" they're talkin' 'bout??

 

[Dodge 1500 4X4]

But, I thought the ZF's were "lifetime" fluid... (sarcasm)

Otherwise known as the life of the fluid!!!

 

[BWL]

I'd hate to see this argument return. Ram's use of the word "lifetime" in the owners' manual is very ambiguous.

Lifetime of the warranty

 

[EdGs]

But, I thought the ZF's were "lifetime" fluid... (sarcasm)

You mean it's not "lifetime"???

When it's lifetime is up, there goes your tranny.

 

[jejb]

And adding an external transmission fluid filter.

Agreed. Did the tranny/filters on the Allison 3000 in our diesel pusher the other day. Never had to drop the pan. Drain plug on the bottom of the pan and access to both filters externally. Worst part was getting 5 gallons of new fluid back in, but even that was not bad. Sucks Ram doesn't have something like that.