The Hydra-matic 4T60-E is a fully automatic four speed front wheel drive transaxle. It consists primarily of a four-element torque convertor, two planetary gear sets, various clutches, a differential assembly, and a control valve body.

The four-element torque convertor contains a pump, a turbine, a pressure plate splined to the turbine, and a stator assembly. The torque convertor acts as a fluid coupling to smoothly transmit power from the engine to the transaxle. It also hydraulically provides additional torque mutliplication when required. The pressure plate, when applied, provides a mechanical "direct drive" coupling of the engine to the transaxle.

The two planetary gear sets provide the four forward gear ratios and reverse. Changing of the gear ratios is fully automatic and is accomplished through the use of various electronic engine sensors that provide input signals to the PCM. The PCM interprets these signals to send current to the various shift solenoids, convertor clutch solenoids or switches inside the transaxle.

By using electronics, the PCM controls the shift points and torque convertor clutch apply and release, to provide proper gear ranges for maximum fuel economy and vehicle performance.

Four multiple-disc clutches, two roller clutches, a sprag clutch, and three bands provide the friction elements required to obtain the various ratios with the planetary gear sets.

A hydraulic system (the control valve body), pressurized by a vane type pump provides the working pressure needed to operate the friction elements and automatice controls.

Several electronic switches, solenoids and sensors, working in conjunction with the vehicle's PCM or ECM, control various shift points, convertor clutch apply and release.