Dodge 2001 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual page 1997

21 - 362 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44RE
ACCUMULATOR
DESCRIPTION
The accumulator (Fig. 57) is a hydraulic device
that has the sole purpose of cushioning the applica-
tion of a band or clutch. The accumulator consists of
a dual-land piston and a spring located in a bore in
the transmission case. The 3-4 accumulator is located
in a housing attached to the side of the valve body
(Fig. 58).
Fig. 57 Accumulator
1 - ACCUMULATOR PISTON
2 - PISTON SPRING
Fig. 58 3-4 Accumulator and Housing
1 - ACCUMULATOR PISTON
2 - 3-4 ACCUMULATOR HOUSING
3 - TEFLON SEALS
4 - PISTON SPRING
5 - COVER PLATE AND SCREWS
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. 59), bottoming it
against the accumulator plate. When the 1-2 upshift
occurs (Fig. 60), 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. 59 Accumulator in DRIVE - FIRST GEAR
POSITION
1 - LINE PRESSURE
BR/BE