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Regulator Valve

The regulator valve maintains constant hydraulic pressure from the ATF pump to the hydraulic control system, while also providing fluid to the lubrication system and the torque converter. Fluid from the ATF pump flows through Band B'. Fluid entering from B flows through the valve orifice to the A cavity. This pressure of the A cavity pushes the regulator valve to the spring side, and this movement of the regulator valve uncovers the fluid port to the torque converter and the relief valve. The fluid flows out to the torque converter and the relief valve, and the regulator valve returns under spring force. According to the level of the hydraulic pressure through B, the position of the regulator valve changes, and the amount of fluid from B' through the torque converter changes. This operation is continued, maintaining the line pressure.

Fig 1: Identifying Hydraulic Controls Regulator Valve Components
G08087096Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Increases in hydraulic pressure according to torque are regulated by the regulator valve using stator torque reaction. The stator shaft is splined to the stator in the torque converter, and the stator shaft arm end contacts the regulator spring cap. When the vehicle is accelerating or climbing (torque converter range), stator torque reaction occurs on the stator shaft, and the stator shaft arm pushes the regulator spring cap in the direction of the arrow in proportion to the reaction. The stator reaction spring compresses, and causes the regulator valve to increase the line pressure which is regulated by the regulator valve. The line pressure reaches its maximum pressure when the stator torque reaction reaches its maximum travel.

Fig 2: Identifying Torque Converter Components
G08087097Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.