How to Tell What Transmission I Have?

Every vehicle has a transmission, and this vital piece of equipment is your car’s most complex system. Modern transmissions use a combination of electronic components and hydraulics to transport power to the wheels and driveshaft and most drivers have little or no knowledge of these complex systems until something breaks down. This article covers how to identify the types of transmission you may have.

How to Tell What Transmission I Have:

Manual Transmissions –

A manual transmission is easy to identify. A manual transmission requires the driver to shift the gears and press the clutch to change gears. If you use a clutch to connect and disconnect the transmission and if you manually shift gears, then you have a manual transmission. Bottom line is a manual transmission is a gear box that enables you the driver to shift between gear ratios to drive the car.

Automatic Transmissions –

An automatic transmission utilizes a different type of gearset than a manual transmission. The most common automatic transmission uses hydraulic power to shift gears. The gearshifts are controlled by an electronic system that uses sensors to determine when to change gears. Gears are shifted and changed by internal oil pressure. CVT Transmissions, DSG  transmissions, and several others will also fall under the automatic transmission category although they operate a little different than the standard automatic transmission.

Other Ways to Identify Your Car’s Transmission System:

Owner’s Manual:

The owner’s manual is a great place to start to discover your transmission type. The manual won’t always specify which type of transmission is being used but sometimes it does.

Placards:

Your vehicle’s placard tells you many things and are often found on the driver’s side doorjamb. The placard has a series of numbers that identify different codes. The transmission code is located under the letters TR.

Oil Pan:

The easiest method of transmission identification is by looking at the pan shape. If your pan has an irregular shape, good chance it’s a manual. Newer transmission designs come with unique pan shapes and often clearly point to which automatic transmission you are

dealing with.

Call Eagle Transmission Repair in Mesquite for more help identifying your vehicle transmission.