Description:
An aluminum case containing a torque converter, an arrangement of planetary
gears, clutches & bands, servos, a hydraulic system, solenoids, and
a valve body. On front wheel drive cars, the transmission and
differential are combined into a single housing called a
transaxle.
Purpose: An automatic
transmission/transaxle changes the engine’s speed and torque in
relation to the speed and torque of the drive
wheels. This keeps the
engine’s output matched as close as possible to varying road
speeds and loads. The torque converter, connected to the transmission/transaxle input
shaft, connects, multiplies and interrupts the flow of engine torque into
the transmission.
Maintenance Tips/Suggestions:
Most of today’s automatic
transmissions/transaxles do not require any regular adjustments. Check your owner’s
manual to see if any adjustments are required. Owner’s manual
recommendations on transmission fluid changes vary considerably and may go as
high as 100,000 miles or more. For best results,
have your car’s transmission fluid and filter changed every two years or 24,000
miles. Fact is, the overwhelming majority of transmission failures are
heat-related, and automatic transmission fluid breaks down rapidly when subjected to high temperatures. Driving
conditions such as trailer towing, quick stops and starts, ascending and
descending mountains, and wheel-spinning in slippery conditions are but
a few scenarios that can devastate the life of the transmission
fluid. Although changing the fluid yourself is not difficult, it’s probably
best left to a qualified service technician. This is also a
good time to drain the transmission fluid
from the torque converter, if possible. Consult your technician to
see if this can be done.
