Ford Fusion: Automatic Transmission - 6-Speed Automatic Transmission – 6F35 / Direct Clutch Assembly. Description and Operation

Direct (3, 5, R) Clutch Exploded View

Direct (3, 5, R) Clutch Cutaway View

Direct (3, 5, R) Clutch Mechanical Operation

The direct clutch is a drive clutch that transfers power from the direct/overdrive clutch hub assembly to the rear planetary sun gear and shell assembly. The direct clutch is applied in 3rd and 5th gears and reverse.

Hydraulic pressure from the regulator valve in the valve body pushes the direct clutch piston against the direct clutch pack to apply the clutch. The input shaft and direct/overdrive clutch hub assembly transfers torque to the rear planetary sun gear and shell assembly as a result of the clutch being applied.

Direct (3, 5, R) Clutch Hydraulic Circuits (Applied in 3rd and 5th gear)

When the direct (3, 5, R) clutch is applied in 3rd and 5th gear, line pressure from the pump is directed to the clutch control bypass valve by the manual valve through the DRIVE hydraulic circuit. The clutch control bypass valve directs the pressure to the 35R regulator valve through the TCC regulator valve, DRIVE 2 circuit, DRIVE 2/C35R FD shuttle ball and DRIVE 2/C35R FD circuit.

To apply the direct (3, 5, R) clutch, SSB applies varying solenoid pressure to the 35R regulator and latch valves. As the 35R regulator valve moves, it supplies the direct (3, 5, R) clutch and 35R latch valve with regulated line pressure through the C35R circuit. The 35R latch valve directs the regulated line pressure to the opposite side of the regulator valve through the C35R FDBK circuit for gradual direct (3, 5, R) clutch engagement.

Direct (3, 5, R) Clutch Hydraulic Circuits (Applied in reverse)

When the direct (3, 5, R) clutch is applied in the REVERSE position, line pressure from the manual valve is directed to the clutch control bypass valve through the REVERSE circuit. Line pressure in the REVERSE circuit positions the clutch control bypass valve and supplies line pressure to apply the direct (3, 5, R) clutch. Line pressure from the clutch control bypass valve is supplied to the 35R regulator valve through the C35R FD circuit, DRIVE 2/C35R FD shuttle ball and DRIVE 2/C35R FD circuit.

To apply the direct (3, 5, R) clutch, SSB applies varying solenoid pressure to the 35R regulator and latch valves. As the regulator valve moves, it supplies the direct (3, 5, R) clutch and 35R latch valve with regulated line pressure through the C35R circuit. The 35R latch valve directs the regulated line pressure to the opposite side of the 35R regulator valve through the C35R FDBK circuit for gradual direct (3, 5, R) clutch engagement.

Direct (3, 5, R) Clutch Hydraulic Circuits (Released)

When the direct (3, 5, R) clutch is released, solenoid pressure from SSB is removed from the 35R regulator and latch valves which positions the valves to block line pressure and release the direct (3, 5, R) clutch. When the direct (3, 5, R) clutch is released in the PARK or NEUTRAL position, line pressure is not supplied to the 35R regulator valve.

Compensator feed pressure is supplied to the 35R regulator valve from the control pressure regulator through the COMP FD circuit and is supplied to the opposite side of the direct (3, 5, R) and overdrive (4, 5, 6) clutch pistons to keep the clutches from centrifugally applying. COMP FD pressure is only about 83 kPa (12 psi) and is applied through all gears. When the direct (3, 5, R) clutch is released, COMP FD is applied by the 35R regulator valve to the direct (3, 5, R) clutch to fill the unused circuits.

For details on valve body hydraulic circuits and solenoid operation.
For additional information, refer to: Transmission Description - System Operation and Component Description (307-01A Automatic Transmission - 6-Speed Automatic Transmission – 6F35, Description and Operation).

Direct (3, 5, R) Clutch Fluid Passages