As vehicle speed increases, input signals from the transmission speed sensors (input and output), throttle position (TP) sensor, and other vehicle sensors are sent to the transmission control module (TCM). The TCM processes this information to determine the precise moment to shift the transmission into Third gear. In Third gear, the planetary gear sets continue to operate in reduction at a gear ratio of 3.012:1.

Torque from the engine is transferred to the transmission through the engine flywheel which is bolted to the torque converter assembly (14).

As the torque converter turbine rotates, the 5-7-reverse and 6-7-8-9 clutch housing (530) and the turbine shaft (547) which is splined to the torque converter turbine, is also forced to rotate at turbine speed.

The input sun gear (551), which is splined to the turbine shaft (547), drives the input carrier assembly (552) pinion gears.

The input carrier assembly pinions walk around the input internal gear (overdrive carrier) (546) and drive the input carrier assembly (552).

The output internal gear (input carrier assembly) (552) drives the output carrier assembly pinions, which then drive the output carrier assembly (555) around the stationary output sun gear (522).

The 3-8 clutch plates (510-514,535,536), splined to the 3-8 and 5-7-reverse clutch hub (534) and the transmission case (19), are applied and hold the 3-8 and 5-7-reverse clutch hub (534) stationary.

The overdrive internal gear (output carrier assembly) (555), drives the overdrive carrier (546) large pinion gears. The overdrive carrier (546) large pinion is also driven around the 3-8 and 5-7-reverse clutch hub (534) by the input carrier assembly (552) pinion gears in mesh with the input internal gear, to provide reduction through the gearsets.

The 1-2-3-4-5-6 clutch plates (591-600), splined to the output sun gear (522) and the 1-reverse and 1-2-3-4-5-6 clutch piston housing (590), are applied and hold the output sun gear (522) stationary.

With the 1-2-3-4-5-6 clutch applied, the output sun gear (522) is held stationary to the 1-reverse and 1-2-3-4-5-6 clutch piston housing (590).

The output carrier transfer drive gear hub (502) is splined to, and driven by, the output carrier assembly (555).

The drive sprocket (234), splined to and driven by the output carrier transfer drive gear hub (502), drives the drive link (233) which drives the driven sprocket (241).

The driven sprocket (241), driven by the drive link (233), is splined to the front differential carrier sun gear (240).

The front differential carrier sun gear (240), is in mesh with, and drives, the front differential carrier (238), thus transferring power to the front differential carrier and to the drive axles.