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How to Set Up a 4L60E or 4L65E Transmission with FTMANAGER

August 29, 2024

Setting up your 4L60E or 4L65E transmission with FTMANAGER provides precise and reliable transmission control for your vehicle. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to configure your FuelTech ECU for seamless integration with these popular GM transmissions. Whether you're optimizing shift points, adjusting torque converter lockup, or fine-tuning other transmission parameters, FTMANAGER provides the tools you need for a smooth and efficient setup. Follow our detailed instructions to ensure your transmission operates at its best with your FuelTech system.

The step-by-step instructions in this article are for 4L60E and 4L65E transmissions that have been wired according to this transmission wiring diagram.

Enable Transmission Control Feature:

Under Engine Settings – Map Options check the following boxes:

Automatic Transmission Control
Lockup Control
Gear Change Detection

Inputs:

Under Sensors and Calibration - Select Inputs

TPS – Calibrated – Input must be selected according to the engine wiring.
Driveshaft RPM – Requires VR to Hall Converter (Hall Wheel Speed Sensor may also be used).
Transmission Temperature – Default (GM USA)
Brake Switch – Default – required only if “Deactivate Lockup When Brake Pedal Pressed” feature is desired and there is no brake pressure sensor.
AT Range Selector – Switch A - Default
AT Range Selector – Switch B - Default
AT Range Selector – Switch C - Default

Outputs:

Under Sensors and Calibration - Select Outputs

Select outputs for the Transmission Solenoids (A, B and C), Blue or Gray outputs may be used.
Select based on your available outputs.
For Lockup solenoid and Line Pressure solenoid select Yellow Outputs.

Gear Change Detection:

Under Sensors and Calibration – Gear Change Detection:

Under Gear Detection, enter differential and gearbox information.
Select Detection Type: “By Automatic Transmission Control”

Automatic Transmission Range Selector (lever position):

Under Sensors and Calibration – AT range selector:

The settings for the input from the lever position should be as below:
The 4L60E and 4L65E transmissions send the same signal to the ECU for Park and Neutral, so it’s the user's choice to select N or P instead.

Drive shaft RPM:

Under Sensors and Calibration – Drive Shaft RPM:

When using the 4L60E/4L65E transmission VSS: set 40 teeth, enter your differential ratio, select tire type, and enter tire size. A wheel speed sensor may be used instead.

Automatic Transmission Control:

Under Other Functions – Automatic Transmission Control:

User preferences for transmission control settings.

Solenoids:

Under Other Functions – Automatic Transmission Control - Solenoids:

Solenoid A and B: 75Hz.
Solenoid C: 50Hz and 0.2 seconds.
Line Pressure Solenoid: 293Hz.

The Gear Change Trigger Table uses the same values for Upshift and Downshift:

Under Other Functions – Automatic Transmission Control – Gear Change Trigger Table

Gear Change Table:

Under Other Functions – Automatic Transmission Control – Gear Change Table:

The values in the table shown below are suggestions designed to give you settings to start from. Do your own research or consult with a professional tuner if you are unsure of your preferred setting preferences for gear shift settings.
Do not set the same speed for upshift and downshift in the same TPS position (column).
The speed for upshift will always be higher than downshift, at least 2 miles/hour apart to avoid constant or excessive gear shifting.

Gearbox Line Pressure Table:

Under Other Functions – Automatic Transmission Control – Gearbox Line Pressure Table:

This table allows you to adjust the gearbox line pressure for smooth gear shifting and stable engine idle.
Since the line pressure directly affects the torque converter, adjustments are needed for a smooth run and will depend on the torque converter installed.
Line pressure solenoids reduce the line pressure when activated. If you are not using an output to control the line pressure solenoid, your 4L60E/4L65E will apply full line pressure at all times.
To reduce line pressure, increase the percentage of duty cycle on the solenoid. The values shown below are an example.

Line Pressure by Temperature Compensation:

Under Other Functions – Automatic Transmission Control – Line Pressure by Temperature Compensation:

Automatic transmission fluid's density and viscosity changes drastically with temperature fluctuations, which is one of the reasons why a transmission temperature sensor is important for smooth operation. To reduce pressure and maintain smooth transmission operation you may add more duty cycle on the solenoids, as showed:

Gear Change Line Pressure:

Under Other Functions – Automatic Transmission Control – Gear Change Line Pressure Compensation:

A momentary reduction in line pressure at the gear change provides an even smoother gear change. Suggested values are shown below.

Lockup Control:

Under Other Functions – Lockup Control:

PWM frequency may remain “0 Hz”.

Lockup Table:

Under Other Functions – Lockup Control – Lockup Table:

The Lockup Table should follow the same logic as the Gear Changing Table. Lock-up speeds should be 2 MPH higher than Unlock speeds to avoid constant or excessive locking and unlocking.

By following these steps to set up your 4L60E or 4L65E transmission with FTMANAGER, you’ll ensure that your vehicle’s transmission is finely tuned for optimal performance and reliability. Proper configuration not only enhances drivability but also maximizes the longevity of your transmission. If you have any questions or need further assistance, FuelTech’s industry-leading tech support team is here to help. Stay ahead of the competition by fully integrating your transmission with your FuelTech engine management system for smooth, powerful shifts every time you hit the track.

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