Motor on bottom of transmission for auto start/stop
 

Would someone please explain what is going on with the motor underneath the torque converter area that seems to be on cars with auto start/stop. How does it work? What exactly is it doing? Is it as easy as removing the obvious torx screws to remove? tia

I believe the start stop feature includes its own starter. My 250ml has it. It sounds and feels like the start action on a honda insight. I don't know if there is actual mechanical similarity.

Its an auxiliary oil pump for the transmission. For immediate takeoff, the transmission needs pressure sooner than the mechanical pump can deliver it.

Yep, hydraulic pressure is maintained when the engine is off. All relevant shift members/clutches remain engaged.......

Thanks

If I remove it it is just a matter of bolting it back up? Would it, by any chance, expose the torque converter drain plug when removed?

Some start/stop ring gears run on a sprag clutch so that you can have a starter motor connected to the ring gear all the time because the sprag prevents the ring gear from turning when the engine is running

It reduces wear on the ring gear and eliminates the solenoid