Gearbox Aisin AW81-40LE

Gearbox Aisin AW81-40LE
Type
4-speed automatic
Drive
FWD
Torque
up to 150 Nm
Engine size
up to 1.6 L
Oil capacity
5.6 LToyota ATF Type T-IV
Lifespan
~300 000 km

The Aisin AW81-40LE 4-speed automatic transmission was produced at a Japanese plant from 1999 to 2015 and installed in popular models such as the Chevrolet Aveo, Lanos, and Lacetti. In front-wheel drive/all-wheel drive Toyota models, this automatic transmission was designated U441E and U441F.

Specifications

Type automatic transmission
Number of gears 4
Type of drive front
Engine volume, l up to 1.6
Torque output, Nm up to 150
Recommended oil Toyota ATF Type T-IV
Oil capacity, liter 5.6
Partial replacement, liter 2.5
Maintenance every 60 000 km
Gearbox lifespan, km ~300 000 km
Weight, kg 59

Gear ratios Aisin AW81-40LE

Using the example of a 2007 Chevrolet Aveo with a 1.4 liter engine:

Main 3.75
1st 2.875
2nd 1.568
3rd 1.000
4th 0.697
Reverse 2.300

Using

The transmission was installed on:

  • Chevrolet Aveo 1 (T200) in 2003 – 2008
  • Chevrolet Aveo 1 (T250) in 2005 – 2012
  • Chevrolet Lacetti 1 (J200) in 2004 – 2013
  • Chevrolet Lanos 1 (T150) in 2005 – 2013
  • Toyota bB 1 (NCP30) in 2000 – 2005
  • Toyota Belta 1 (XP90) in 2005 – 2012
  • Toyota Corolla 9 (E120) in 2000 – 2007
  • Toyota Corolla Fielder 1 (E120) in 2000 – 2006
  • Toyota Echo 1 (XP10) in 1999 – 2006
  • Toyota Funcargo 1 (XP20) in 1999 – 2005
  • Toyota Ist 1 (XP60) in 2000 – 2007
  • Toyota Platz 1 (XP10) in 1999 – 2005
  • Toyota Porte 1 (NP10) in 2004 – 2012
  • Toyota Probox 1 (XP50) in 2002 – 2014
  • Toyota Succeed 1 (XP50) in 2002 – 2014
  • Toyota Yaris Verso 1 (XP20) in 1999 – 2005
  • Toyota Yaris 1 (XP10) in 1999 – 2005
  • Toyota Yaris 2 (XP90) in 2005 – 2010
  • Toyota Vios 1 (XP40) in 2002 – 2007
  • Toyota Vios 2 (XP90) in 2007 – 2013
  • Toyota Vitz 1 (XP10) in 1999 – 2004
  • Toyota Vitz 2 (XP90) in 2005 – 2010
  • ZAZ Chance 1 (T150) in 2011 – 2014
  • ZAZ Lanos 1 (T150) in 2011 – 2015

Disadvantages of the Aisin AW81-40LE gearbox

  • This automatic transmission was installed on Toyotas with engines up to 1.3 liters and caused no problems;
  • On Chevrolets, this transmission was installed with 1.6-liter engines and its service life is shorter;
  • Problems here begin with critical wear of the linear pressure solenoid;
  • Then the oil pressure in the system drops and the clutch packs begin to burn;
  • After 200,000 km, the oil pump seal often leaks, which is dangerous for the transmission;
  • The thrust bearing retainer in the housing also often loosens and spins;
  • The plastic speedometer drive gear on the GM version also doesn’t last long;
  • Wear of the Teflon rings on the rear cover is common in all automatic transmissions of this series.

Frequently asked questions about the Aisin AW81-40LE

What type of transmission is the Aisin AW81-40LE?

The Aisin AW81-40LE is a 4-speed automatic transmission for front-wheel drive cars.

How much torque can the Aisin AW81-40LE handle?

The Aisin AW81-40LE is designed for torque up to 150 Nm and engines up to 1.6 liters.

How much oil does the Aisin AW81-40LE take and which one?

The Aisin AW81-40LE takes 5.6 liters of oil (2.5 liters for a partial change). Recommended oil: Toyota ATF Type T-IV.

How often should the Aisin AW81-40LE be serviced?

Recommended service interval: every 60 000 km.

How long does the Aisin AW81-40LE last?

With proper maintenance, the Aisin AW81-40LE typically lasts about 300 000 km.

How much does the Aisin AW81-40LE weigh?

The Aisin AW81-40LE weighs about 59 kg.

What are the gear ratios of the Aisin AW81-40LE?

Using the example of a 2007 Chevrolet Aveo with a 1.4 liter engine: final drive 3.75, 1st 2.875, 2nd 1.568, 3rd 1.000, 4th 0.697, reverse 2.300.

What cars was the Aisin AW81-40LE installed on?

Chevrolet Aveo 1 (T200) in 2003 - 2008; Chevrolet Aveo 1 (T250) in 2005 - 2012; Chevrolet Lacetti 1 (J200) in 2004 - 2013; Chevrolet Lanos 1 (T150) in 2005 - 2013; Toyota bB 1 (NCP30) in 2000 - 2005; Toyota Belta 1 (XP90) in 2005 - 2012 and 18 more (see the full list above).

What are the common problems of the Aisin AW81-40LE?

This automatic transmission was installed on Toyotas with engines up to 1.3 liters and caused no problems. On Chevrolets, this transmission was installed with 1.6-liter engines and its service life is shorter. All known problems.

El Guardiola
Author
El Guardiola

Doctor of Technical Sciences, former engineer at the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee (10 years of experience), holder of certificates and patents for inventions, author of a training manual for employees of the Volkswagen Group of America.
I consider the automotive transmission to be one of the most ingenious mechanisms in a car and I want to provide information about gearboxes to a wide range of car owners.

The most complete catalog of car transmissions: specifications, gear ratios, oil capacity, typical problems and lifespan of automatic, CVT, DCT and manual gearboxes.

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