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Aisin Seiki · 2006–present

AWF8F35

AWF8F35
Photo: TTTNIS · Public domain · source ↗

Aisin and Toyota offer various 8-speed automatic transmissions for use with both longitudinal and transverse engine vehicles, based on a common, globally patented gearset concept.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

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Key data

== History == 2006: Aisin TL-80SN for longitudinal engines. The Aisin TL-80SN (Toyota AA 80E/AA 80F/AA 81E) series is the world's first 8-speed automatic transmission for passenger cars. It is designed for longitudinal engines and was first used in the 2007 model year Lexus LS 460. 2016: Aisin AW F8 for transverse engines. Beginning with the AW F8 transmission Aisin and Toyota derived a transverse engine variant by adapting this globally patented gearset concept to fit into the same space as the previous generation U6xx Lepelletier planetary gearset-based 6-speed transmissions to increase the overall ratio spread, reduce gear steps, and increase the torque capacity for transverse engine vehicles as well. The Aisin AW F8 F45 (Toyota UA 80E/UA 80F) series is the world's first 8-speed automatic transmission designed for use in transverse engine applications. It is also called EAT8 (PSA), GA 8F 22AW (BMW/Mini), TG-81SC (Volvo), AF50-8 (Opel/Vauxhall), AW F8 F45 (Cadillac), and AQ 450 (Volkswagen Group). Toyota. Toyota’s marketing name for the transmission is "Direct Shift – 8AT 8-speed automatic transmission". In contrast to the UB 80E/F transmission, which was developed by Aisin AW for Toyota, the UA 80E/F was developed in a joint venture between Toyota and Aisin AW and rated for 380 N⋅m (280 lb⋅ft). Due to its worldwide application, development was carried out in a global manner involving R&D resources in Japan and the US. The Aisin AW F8 F35 (Toyota UB 80E/F) transmissions are used for lower torque applications, such as 4-cylinder engines, and rated for 280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft).

Drivetrain

== Planetary gearset concept == Uniquely compact gearset design. Among all 7-, 8-, 9-, and 10-speed automatic transmissions, it is the only one that requires just three gearsets, making it so compact that it is suitable for both engine installations. Improved fuel economy. The main objective in replacing the predecessor model was to improve vehicle fuel economy with extra speeds and a wider gear span to allow the engine speed level to be lowered (downspeeding), which is a decisive factor in improving energy efficiency and thus reducing fuel consumption. In addition, the lower engine speed level improves the noise-vibration-harshness comfort and the exterior noise is reduced. The Lexus IS F and LS 460 (with sport package) use Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) which allows for faster shift times. The torque converter can lockup from 2nd to 8th gears. Reduced manufacturing complexity. In order to avoid a further increase in manufacturing complexity while expanding the number of gear ratios, Aisin switched from the conventional design method—in which the planetary gearset concept was limited to a purely serial or in-line power flow—to a more modern design method that utilizes a planetary gearset concept with combined parallel and serial power flow. This was only possible thanks to computer-aided design and has resulted in a globally patented gearset concept. After gaining additional gear ratios only with additional components, this time the number of components has to decrease while the number of ratios still increase. The resulting progress is reflected in a much better ratio of the number of gears to the number of components used compared to existing layouts. Smaller parts and a hydraulic circuit with fewer components allow the transmission to maintain the same size as the previo

UA 80E/F failures and problems

The UA 80E/F family of 8-speed transmissions has had some issues which led to class action lawsuits, a Customer Support Program and numerous technical service bulletins. Starting in 2017, some Highlander and Sienna customers starting complaining of harsh or delayed shifting, delayed acceleration, hesitation, jerking, unintended acceleration, lurching and excessive revving before upshifting. Additional issues arose when 2017 and 2018 Highlander and Sienna customers experienced whining, master warning lights/check engine lights and transmission failures. This prompted Toyota to initiate a Customer Support Program (ZJC). This program covered certain 2017 and early 2018 built Highlanders and Sienna under specific VIN parameters and transmission build dates. However, this issue has been problematic beyond the scope of the ZJC program. This is causing out of pocket costs for customers outside of the standard 6 yrs./60K mls. powertrain warranty. More whine or grind issues have been documented in 2021 Avalon, Camry and Highlanders equipped with the UA 80E/F transmission prompting T-SB-0008-21. In December 2024, Gears Magazine published an article which has a more in depth look at some of the UA80's shortcomings. This includes a nut which retains the races that comes loose and allows the transfer gear to move. Another common issue is fluid contamination due to clutch debris from the torque converter.

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name
AA 80E/F · AE 80E/F · AL 80E/F, TR-80SD · TR-81SD · TR-82SD, AW F8 F35 · AW F8 F45
aka
BMW/Mini GA 8F 22AW, Volvo TG-81SC/SD, GM AW F8 F45 & AF50-8, VW AQ 450, PSA EAT8
Production
2006–present
Manufacturer
Toyota · Aisin AW
Class
8-speed automatic transmission
Predecessor
AWTF-80 SC transmission
Related
ZF 8HP · GM 8L · ZF 9HP

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Check the linked sources for citations.

Sources