Introduction

In modern vehicles, clutch and gear actuators seamlessly blend the control of manual transmissions with the convenience of automatics. These systems optimize performance, fuel efficiency, and driving ease by automating gear changes while preserving the driver’s control. This article delves into their function, advantages, and common issues, highlighting their vital role in enhancing our driving experience and maintaining vehicle performance.

Key Features

• Enhanced Driving Experience
• Optimal Performance
• Advanced Features
• Cost and Efficiency
• Common Issues

As a former petrol head, I love a car with manual transmission – having that control over the REVs of the engine, when to shift gears and down-shifting cheekily when entering corners. But I have to be honest, the congestion around London is crazy now with all of the start-stop driving. We don’t have that excitement of driving a manual car how we used to and quite often now, we just want to slip into a single gear and let the vehicle do all the work whilst we focus on trying to get from A to B. 

An automatic transmission does just that, put it into D (Drive) and the automatic gearbox will control when to shift gears to try and make the journey as pleasant as possible without any input from the driver – you can focus on signaling, steering, acceleration and braking. However, in a fully automatic transmission vehicle, you lose control over gear changes, which not only affects our driving style but also the performance and fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

Clutch and gear actuators have cleverly been integrated into modern vehicles to bridge that gap between manual and automatic transmission. I wouldn’t say it’s perfect but it does get the job done.

So How Do Clutch & Gear Actuators Work?

The clutch actuator is typically mounted on a manual gearbox where you would normally find a clutch slave cylinder. The clutch actuator is electronically controlled to engage and disengage the clutch plate. This automatic actuation allows the driver to shift gears without the need to manually press the clutch pedal.

The gear changes are controlled by an electronic gear-shift actuator. It works to control the movement of the gear selector, ensuring a smooth transition between the gears. This can be controlled manually by the driver from electronic controls either at the steering wheel or gear selector shaft in the drivers cabin, or it can be controlled fully by the transmission control module (TCM).

What Is A Transmission Control Module (TCM)?

Think of the TCM as the brain box for the vehicles transmission system. It relies on input signals from various sensors such as Throttle Position, Clutch Position, Gear Position and Engine Speed to name a few, to optimally control gear changes. This optimal control over gear changes through actuation helps to optimise the vehicle’s performance and fuel efficiency as well as enhance the driving experience.

The TCM controls when to engage/disengage the clutch, which gear to shift into and even more advanced features such as Hill-Stop (Auto-Hold).

Hill-Stop Feature… What’s That?

The hill-stop feature, also known as Auto-Hold is designed to keep the vehicle from rolling back when temporarily stationary on a hill in traffic. It cleverly uses the clutch biting-point to control the vehicle and some manufacturers have gone a step further to also incorporate the engagement of electronic brakes, which is great to avoid burning the clutch because let’s face it, the traffic is only getting worse!

What Are The Advantages Of Having Clutch & Gear Actuators?

Besides having a more comfortable and effortless driving experience, there are many benefits of driving a vehicle with clutch and gear actuators. Below are some of the key factors to consider:

• Fuel Efficiency: Automated manual transmission systems (ATMs) are designed to be simpler than fully automated transmissions, which helps reduce energy loss from friction. For example, fully automated transmissions use a torque converter that can cause power loss. Additionally, ATMs are more fuel-efficient because they are lighter; traditional automatic transmissions typically weigh 35-40kg more than manual transmissions, and moving this extra weight consumes more energy and fuel.
  
• Performance: As I stated at the start of this article, traditional automatic transmissions just don’t cut it for us petrolheads and thrill seekers. Manual is the way to go and with Automated Manual Transmissions, we have the flexibility to gain the best of both worlds.
  
• Cost: Whilst this isn’t usually a factor we consider, the cost of manufacturing a manual transmission can be considerably less than manufacturing an automatic transmission.

How About The Downsides Of A Clutch & Gear Actuator System?

Despite the advancement in technology and their benefits, you can encounter problems with the clutch & gear actuators, and below I will list some of the most common issues that vehicle owners face:

• Failing To Select Gears
• Won’t Move When In Reverse
• Keeps Going In & Out Of Auto Mode
• TCM Logging Clutch / Gear Actuator Faults

Regular maintenance of the transmission system can help to minimise problems but unfortunately, sometimes the fault is more sinister and may require more attention. Replacing the clutch and gear actuators can become very costly and quite often it’s the only choice that is offered to vehicle owners when the fault is being diagnosed by manufacturers. 

However, in most cases there is an alternative more cost effective and environmentally friendly option and that is, to have the original faulty parts repaired. This is where a specialist company such as ourselves would come to the rescue. 

We offer extensive testing and repairs for almost all types of clutch and gear actuators and back our repairs confidently with a lifetime warranty for complete peace of mind. The repaired unit does not need reprogramming when being reinstalled as it is the original part being refitted, saving you a lot of time and money.