Aisin AF33-5 5-Speed Automatic Transaxle Service Information

This bulletin is being revised to add the 2006 model year and the Torrent model, update Technician Training Information and add information under Transaxle Fluid section. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 04-07-30-031A (Section 07 -- Transmission/Transaxle).

This bulletin covers the following topics:

This transaxle is an Aisin Warner 5-Speed, electronically controlled automatic (AF33-5) transaxle. The Aisin AF33-5 features an adapt function with the following gear ratios:

Programming within the TCM allows automatic adjustments in shift pressure that are based on the changing characteristics of the transaxle components as well as cold temperatures and higher altitudes. As the apply components within the transaxle wear, shift time (the time required to apply a clutch) increases. In order to compensate for this wear, the TCM adjusts trim pressure by controlling the line pressure control solenoid valve in order to maintain the originally calibrated shift timing. The automatic adjusting process is referred to as "adaptive self-learning" and it is used to assure consistent shift feel plus increase transaxle durability. The transaxle "adaptive self-learning" procedure is based on a number of transaxle upshifts, rather than driving time or distance.

Perform the transmission adaptive learn procedure after any of the following service procedures:

Important: 

1. Drive the vehicle to warm the transaxle fluid until 65-110°C (150-230°F). The adaptive learn procedure will not work unless transaxle fluid is the correct temperature.
2. Reset the transaxle adaptive learns using a scan tool. Go to the Transmission Special Functions then Trans. Output Controls menu and select Reset Transmission Adapts.

Perform the following steps for the garage shifts adaptive learn.

1. Apply the parking brake and the foot brake.
2. Shift from NEUTRAL to REVERSE and keep in REVERSE for 3 seconds.
3. Shift from REVERSE to NEUTRAL.
4. Repeat the above two steps five times.
5. Shift from NEUTRAL to DRIVE and keep in DRIVE for 3 seconds.
6. Shift from DRIVE to NEUTRAL.
7. Repeat the above two steps five times.

Perform the following steps for the Up/Down shifting adaptive learn.

1. Drive the vehicle in DRIVE with light (15-20 percent) throttle until above 50 km/h (31 mph) in 4th gear.
2. Decelerate and apply the brakes until vehicle comes to a stop. Brake the vehicle so that it takes at least 14 seconds.
3. Repeat the above steps five times.

Important: Depending on vehicle model, the shift indicator positions are labeled P R N D I L and some the positions are labeled P R N D L4 L2. The transaxle operation is the same with either label. ( I = Intermediate and L4 = Low four L = Low and L2 = Low two)

Perform the following steps for 2-1 Manual down shift adaptive learn.

1. Drive the vehicle in I or L4 until over 25 km/h (16 mph) in 2nd with any throttle position.
2. Decelerate, shift from I or L4 to L or L2 manually and stop the vehicle.
3. Repeat the above two steps ten times.

Important: 

DO NOT TOW Aisin All-Wheel Drive vehicles with ANY wheels on the ground.

The Aisin AF33-5 is a filled-for-life transaxle. Under normal operation, fluid changes are not necessary. The fluid used is T-IV, P/N 88900925 (in Canada, P/N 22689186), and is NEVER to be replaced by or mixed with DEXRON® III.

Important: T-IV is the ONLY fluid that should ever be used in the Aisin AF33-5. Failure to use the specified fluid will result in poor shifting quality and ultimately cause transaxle failure.

Checking the fluid level is usually an unnecessary procedure. Under normal maintenance, fluid level should not need to be checked. However, if you do need to check the fluid level, it is important to know that this transaxle has no dipstick (indicator) tube, but it does have a dipstick. The dipstick is located on the inboard side of the transaxle, and is attached to the case with a retaining bolt. This retaining bolt will need to be removed in order to extract the dipstick and check the fluid level. If you ever need to fill the transaxle, be sure to remove the fluid fill plug, which is near the park/neutral switch. DO NOT remove the third gear anchor bolt, which is in the same area (Refer to SI or Service-Know-How Course 17341.10V for exact location).

Notice: Do not remove the 3rd gear anchor band bolt located on top of the transmission for checking fluid or adding fluid. Removing the bolt will dislocate internal components and require the transmission to be removed from the vehicle and disassembled for repair.

The Aisin transaxle has an ATF life monitor which indicates when the useful life of the T-IV fluid is less than 10%. DTC P1868 will set when this occurs.

The Aisin (AF33-5) incorporates a new ATF life monitor. When the calculated useful ATF life is less than 10%, the SVS (Service Vehicle Soon) light will illuminate. Some later built 2005 Equinox models were built with a revised IPC that does not have a SVS light. Vehicles built after the following VIN information reflects this IPC revision.

Using a Tech 2®, if DTC P1868 is displayed, the T-IV ATF needs to be changed. Only T-IV fluid can be used. DO NOT USE DEXRON® III.

The ATF life monitor needs to be reset to 100% under any of the following conditions:

If service requires the replacement of the TCM, the transaxle oil life percentage MUST BE retrieved from the old TCM and be installed in the new TCM with the Tech 2®.

The Transaxle Telltale is being shared with the Engine Coolant Telltale. The hot transaxle telltale will blink when there is an overheated transaxle. When the engine is overheated, the telltale will NOT blink.

Service Training Know How program 17341.10V, AF33-5 Aisin Automatic Transaxle has been broadcast on General Viewing during the months of February and March 2004. The DVD version of 17341.10V, AF33-5 Aisin Automatic Transaxle was sent to Dealers in the month of April 2004. In Canada, the Equinox/Torrent Features video course number 50325.22 (June 2004) and the Equinox transaxle program, course number 17032.16 (September 2004).

Release of Pre-Delivery and Service Guide Bulletin #04-00-89-006.

Special Tools for full service are listed in SI Document ID #1443304 (Unit Repair) and On-Car service tools are listed in SI Document ID #1408639.

Release of GM Tech Link, April 2004, Volume 6 No. 04.

The Parts Catalog may cause some confusion because RPO M45 AWD vehicles are listed as Opel 5-speed auto transaxle. This is because Opel was the first GM application of the Aisin AF33 transaxle.

The original GM Technician Guides may be ordered on the ACDelco® website (www.acdelco.com).

1. Select 'Service/Maintenance' at the top.
2. Select 'Service Information'.
3. Select 'Tech Training Catalog'.
4. Select 'ACDelco Online Store'.
5. Search on 'Technician Guide'.
6. Select 'AF 23-33-5'
7. Complete ACDelco order process.

Or -- Go To:

www.helminc.com

1. Select ' After Market'
2. Select 'GM PowerTrain"
3. Select 'AF 23/335

The October 2005 price is $35.00 USD.

Important: In Emergency Mode, the vehicle will also operate in Reverse, Park or Neutral if selected by the driver. The only forward gear permitted at this time will be fifth, regardless of the gear selector position.

The Aisin AF33-5 features an "Emergency Mode". In Emergency Mode, the only forward gear that will operate is fifth. All five of the shift solenoid valves will be de-energized (turned OFF) if the entire electronic control system of the transaxle ever becomes disabled. In Emergency Mode, the vehicle will only operate in fifth gear, regardless of the forward gear selection. This function will allow the driver to operate the vehicle until the condition can be corrected.

The valve body in the Aisin AF33-5 is designed in four pieces -- Front Control Valve Body, Middle Control Valve Body, Rear Control Valve Body, and Rear #2 Control Valve Body. However, it is only available as a complete unit for service. The only components that can be independently serviced are the shift solenoids and the manual valve.

Important: The valve body CANNOT be opened for service. If it is opened for any reason, it MUST be replaced.

There are no gaskets to seal the control valve body cover to the case and the case to the torque converter housing. However, there are two (2) O-rings that must be in place. Use approved GM sealant, P/N 89020326 (in Canada, P/N 89021188).

The normal vehicle warranty covers the repairs to the AF33-5.

There is not an exchange policy on the AF33-5 transaxle. If a failure occurs to the transaxle, it will have to be determined if the extent of the repairs cost more than a new transaxle. All parts for repair to the transaxle are available from SPO. Only new transaxles, not remanufactured transaxles, are available from SPO.

1. Drain all the fluid from the transmission.
2. If the transmission case has a leak, mark the leak area with a permanent marker.
3. Tighten any fasteners that were loosened or removed.
4. Remove any plastic shipping plugs and covers from the new unit and install them on the core.
5. Write the TAC or PQC case number on the repair order and on the core bellhousing using a permanent marker.
6. Place a copy of the WPC request, the repair order with technician comments and the completed feedback form into the plastic envelope. Attach the envelope securely with the completed core return shipping tag to the transmission.
7. Repack the core in the original container.
8. Remove the container's original shipping label and attach a plastic envelope with the WPC return shipping label on the envelope to the container. The Bill of Lading and Custom's Papers (for Cross-Border Shipments) are the only other documents required to be inserted into the envelope on the outside of the container to return the removed transmission.

Canada dealers should refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 99-00-89-019C for correct shipping procedures.

1. Write the WPC request number and the PQC case number on the outside of the container with a permanent marker.
2. Contact Yellow Transportation at the phone number shown on the Yellow Transportation Bill of Lading (available at www.gmwpc.com or from the Warranty Parts Center) to arrange for the pick-up of the removed transmission.
3. The Yellow Transportation driver will sign the Bill of Lading and also assign a tracking number for the shipment. Retain a copy of the signed Bill of Lading and attach this to the original repair order. This will be your proof of returning the removed transmission.
4. Ship all core transmissions with appropriate paperwork to the following address:

GM Warranty Parts Center

45 Northpointe Drive

Orion, Mi. 48359