► THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IS BY FAR, the most complex mechanical component in today's automobile.  Automatic transmissions can contain mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and even computer controlled systems, all working together in perfect order which goes virtually unnoticed until there is a problem.

► WHAT IS A TRANSMISSION?
The transmission is a mechanism that is connected to the back of the engine and sends the power from the engine to the rear wheels.  An automobile engine runs at its best at a certain RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) range and it is the transmission's job to make sure that the power is delivered to the wheels while keeping the engine within that range.  It does this through various gear combinations. In first gear, the engine turns much faster in relation to the rear wheels, while in high gear the engine is just above idle even though the car may be going in excess of 70 MPH.  In addition to the various forward gears, an automatic transmission also has a neutral position which disconnects the engine from the rear wheels, and reverse, which causes the rear wheels to turn in the opposite direction allowing you to move backwards.  Lastly, there is the Park position.  In this position, a latch device is inserted into a slot in the output shaft to lock the rear wheels and keep them from turning, thereby preventing the vehicle from rolling.

► THERE ARE TWO BASIC TYPES of automatic transmissions,
Rear Wheel Drive and Front Wheel Drive.  

 

On a Rear Wheel Drive vehicle, the transmission is usually mounted to the back of the engine and is located under the center of the floorboard alongside the gas pedal region.  A drive shaft connects the tail end of the transmission to the final drive which is located in the rear axle and is used to send power to the rear wheels.  The stream of power on this system is simple and straight forward going from the engine, through the torque converter, through the transmission and drive shaft until it reaches the final drive where it is split and sent to the two rear wheels.  Amazing isn't it!


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