The GM Hydra-Matic 10L90: A 10-Speed Automatic Transmission for Older Cars
The GM Hydra-Matic 10L90 is a 10-speed automatic transmission that was first introduced in 2016. It is currently used in a variety of GM vehicles, including the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Cadillac Escalade. The 10L90 is designed to improve fuel economy and performance over previous-generation transmissions.
Design and Features
The 10L90 is a rear-wheel-drive transmission that uses a planetary gearset design. It has four gearsets, each with its own set of planetary gears. The transmission also has two clutches and four bands. The clutches are used to engage and disengage the gearsets, while the bands are used to hold the gears in place.
The 10L90 has a wide gear ratio spread of 6.64:1. This allows the transmission to provide good acceleration and fuel economy. The transmission also has a number of features that help to improve its performance and durability. These features include:
* Active Fuel Management (AFM): AFM is a system that deactivates half of the engine’s cylinders when cruising at low loads. This helps to improve fuel economy.
* Electronic shift control: The 10L90 uses an electronic shift control system that provides precise and smooth gear changes.
* Grade Braking: Grade Braking is a system that uses the transmission to help slow the vehicle down on hills. This helps to reduce brake wear and improve safety.
Applications
The 10L90 is currently used in a variety of GM vehicles, including:
* Chevrolet Silverado
* GMC Sierra
* Cadillac Escalade
* Chevrolet Tahoe
* GMC Yukon
* Chevrolet Suburban
* GMC Yukon XL
The transmission is also expected to be used in future GM vehicles, including the Chevrolet Corvette and Cadillac CT6.
Benefits
The 10L90 offers a number of benefits over previous-generation transmissions. These benefits include:
* Improved fuel economy: The 10L90’s wide gear ratio spread and AFM system help to improve fuel economy.
* Enhanced performance: The 10L90’s quick and smooth gear changes provide enhanced performance.
* Increased durability: The 10L90’s robust design and advanced features help to increase durability.
Conclusion
The GM Hydra-Matic 10L90 is a technologically advanced transmission that offers a number of benefits over previous-generation transmissions. It is currently used in a variety of GM vehicles, and it is expected to be used in future GM vehicles as well.
