Operation; Inspection - Dodge Dakota Sport 2001 Service Manual

21 - 318 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46RE
ACCUMULATOR (Continued)

OPERATION

Both the accumulator and the 3-4 accumulator
function the same. Line pressure is directed to the
small end of the piston when the transmission is
placed into a DRIVE position (Fig. 67), bottoming it
against the accumulator plate. When the 1-2 upshift
occurs (Fig. 68), line pressure is directed to the large
end of the piston and then to the kickdown servo. As
the line pressure reaches the accumulator, the com-
bination of spring pressure and line pressure forces
the piston away from the accumulator plate. This
causes a balanced pressure situation, which results
in a cushioned band application. After the kickdown
servo has become immovable, line pressure will fin-
ish pushing the accumulator up into its bore. When
the large end of the accumulator piston is seated in
its bore, the band or clutch is fully applied.
NOTE: The accumulator is shown in the inverted
position for illustrative purposes.
Fig. 67 Accumulator in DRIVE - FIRST GEAR
POSITION
1 - LINE PRESSURE

INSPECTION

Inspect the accumulator piston and seal rings (Fig.
69). Replace the seal rings if worn or cut. Replace the
piston if chipped or cracked.
Check condition of the accumulator inner and
outer springs (Fig. 69). Replace the springs if the
coils are cracked, distorted or collapsed.
Fig. 68 Accumulator in SECOND Gear Position
1 - BOTTOM OF BORE
2 - LINE PRESSURE
3 - SHUTTLE VALVE
Fig. 69 Accumulator Components
1 - INNER SPRING
2 - ACCUMULATOR PISTON
3 - OUTER SPRING
4 - SEAL RINGS
BANDS
DESCRIPTION
KICKDOWN (FRONT) BAND
The kickdown, or "front", band (Fig. 70) holds the
common sun gear of the planetary gear sets. The
front (kickdown) band is made of steel, and faced on
its inner circumference with a friction-type lining.
One end of the band is anchored to the transmission
AN