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For a while now, I've been looking to find the neutral axle disconnect location described in the workshop manual and in the Ford patent. Finally I found words of an engagement of the ring gear from the planetary gear set. This was from an old Ford engineering FEH article which states:

"The ring gear acts as the output from the planetary set connected by gears to a counter-shaft that is engaged by the traction motor and final drive. The ring gear speed and motor speed are directly proportional to vehicle speed."

The workshop manual just states that: " In neutral, the output shaft is disengaged from the drive wheels."

I'd like the opinion of the group of techies here if they think this is where the engagement and disengagement occurs.

Also I found additional language that the drive system in the FEH/MMH includes more than one system of engagement and disengagement. This includes "a conventional one-way clutch that selectively and operatively engages and disengages the output shaft of the engine". In addition, there is "a brake and clutch assembly that selectively and operatively engages the rotor of the motor/generator".

"The powersplit configuration wherein a planetary gearset within the transaxle couples the engine, motor/generator and the traction motor. The engine is connected to the carrier, the motor/generator is connected to the sun gear, and the traction motor is connected to the ring gear VIA AN ADDITIONAL GEARSET". It is within the traction motor connection that I think the traction motor engages the ring gear in a forward or reverse direction to the output shaft.

As I've stated before, the engine can be restarted with the key in active neutral which is above 6mph. GPSman1 claims there is no disconnect of the drive wheels in neural, and the only reason the engine will restart is because above 6mph, the motor/generator needs resistance from the wheels to spin the engine to a start. He claims that below 6mph, there is not enough resistance from the wheels to keep the motor/generator from just spinning the gear set. It is my opinion that passive neutral was programmed so that the technicians could perform diagnostic test without fear of the engine kicking on or off during those test. Not being able to start the engine below 6mph in neutral has nothing to do with the motor/generator having resistance from the drive wheels IMO.

Any thoughts?

GaryG

My sketchy understanding was that it was just like the Prius
PSD, but there might be additional components. Do you have
any of the service/repair manuals for the car? You might
find an "overhaul" section for the transaxle that may
answer it. I'd be really curious...
.
_H*

My sketchy understanding was that it was just like the Prius
PSD, but there might be additional components. Do you have
any of the service/repair manuals for the car? You might
find an "overhaul" section for the transaxle that may
answer it. I'd be really curious...
.
_H*

I have and read all the Ford repair manuals cover to cover, and I was quoting the section on the eCVT. The FEH/MMH eCVT can only be reflashed with the as built program of the Transaxle Control Module for repair. If there are any other mechnical problems, the eCVT is replaced. There are no other repairs that can be done by the Ford Dealership Techs. Everything is a secret, or too advanced for a conventional rebuild from other than the factory manufacture.

In addition, I have read every patent by Volvo, Ford, and many Toyota patents on the eCVT. The quotes I made were from a combination of every document I could find on the subject. Wayne was concerned about the charging limits that was revealed at the Ford Escape Event in Dearborn by a Ford Engineer, but I've found those in the manuals and engineering articles available to the public some time ago.

I was just hoping someone knew or found something I overlooked and could give an interpretation of the wording I found. SPL (Stan) at GH has posted information about the TCH eCVT that does not work like the Ford eCVT. Neutral in the FEH will allow a restart of the ICE, so clearly the systems are not the same. The FEH/MMH can be towed in neutral with all four wheels down up to 75mph, is this special to the Ford eCVT? Does this disconnect make that possibile?

Anyway?

GaryG

Heh. Anybody up for a "teardown" at Hybrifest??
.
_H*

Hi Gary:
The FEH/MMH can be towed in neutral with all four wheels down up to 75mph, is this special to the Ford eCVT?___Do that in an HSD equipped vehicles and MG1 is probably as good as toast according to the manual. This alone sounds to me like the FEH has a clean Neutral disconnect.

___Good Luck

___Wayne