The automatic transmission has many components and systems that are meant to work together in
a kind of mechanical, hydraulic and electrical technology harmony that has
taken years to achieve.
The main components
that make up an automatic transmission include:
Planetary
Gear Sets: These are the mechanical systems that provide the
various forward and reverse gear ratios. Automatic transmissions have gears in
multiple combinations.
The
Hydraulic System uses a special transmission fluid which
is brought under pressure by an Oil Pump via the Valve Body to control the
Clutches and the Bands in order to control the planetary gear sets.
Seals
and Gaskets: these are meant to keep the oil where
it is supposed to be and prevent it from leaking out.
The
Torque Converter: this component acts like the clutch to
let the vehicle come to a stop in gear with the engine still running. A torque
converter is a fluid coupling that is mounted between the engine and the
transmission
The
Throttle Cable looks at speed and throttle position in
order to determine when to shift. The Computer which controls shift points on
newer vehicles and directs electrical solenoids to shift oil flow to the
appropriate component at the right instant.
The
Hydraulic system is a set of passages and tubes that
sends transmission fluid to all parts of the transmission and torque converter.
Transmission fluid is essential for various purposes such as shift control,
general lubrication and transmission cooling. Every part of a transmission’s
functions is dependent on a constant supply of fluid under pressure.