Automatic transmissions in cars, trucks and even Sports Utility Vehicles just seem to work and get the job done “automatically”. They sure are a lot easier to drive for novice drivers – certainly when compared to clutch and shift manual or standard trannies. Yet what are the basic fundamentals of these marvelous transportation automotive components that we take for granted in our everyday travels and vehicles.

Automatic transmissions do the job and functions of shifting gears in automatic transmissions without assistance what so ever from the driver. Most start out in first gear as the car begins to move forward. Then they shift from first gear into second and then third and in newer models currently into overdrives. Some will function onwards into direct gears as the vehicle picks up further speed and speeds along the roadway and highways. These actions are produced hydraulically by oil pressure as opposed to manual mechanics and manual gears meshing.

There are fundamentally three basic parts integral to the workings and setups of the majority of automatic transmissions on the road today in our vehicles and automobiles. These are first the torque converter, the gear system and the hydraulic control system. The torque converter passes the engine power from the crankshaft to the planetary-gear system.

Although there are several variations of automatic transmissions, all basically work in essentially the same way, means and manner. All have either a selector lever on the steering column or alternatively as a different sportier style and automatic “stick shift” on the floor or in the center console on the floor. In some automatic transmissions there are five (5) selector-lever positions. These are P (park), R (reverse), D (Drive), L (low) and in some newer or more sophisticated vehicles and overdrive switch or position. Others have six (6) selector lever positions. In addition to “D”, there are a two and one positions, generally to the right of the letter “D” or alternatively below it. (The “D” position)

In P, the transmission is generally in a locked position so that the car cannot move or roll. In N (neutral), no power flows through the transmission itself but the locking effect is off. In 1, there is maximum gear reduction through the transmission. In “2”, there is some gear reduction through the transmission unit, which provides for extra torque at the drive wheels themselves for climbing steep grades or alternatively for engine-compression breaking when descending long hills or steep grades. In drive “D”, the transmission automatically shifts up or down according to car or truck speed as well as throttle position.

Lastly some automatic transmissions have a select-shift feature, which conveniently enables the driver to select the desired gear or gears. Then the transmission will stay in this gear itself until the driver manually shifts out of it. Some drivers prefer totally automatic transmissions and transmission functioning, whereas others prefer the greater control over engine and transmission function, functioning and performance that such extended manual controls offer. For example in such a case if the transmission is manually shifted into first gear, it will stay in it until changed otherwise by the driver themselves. Then when the shift lever is placed in 2, the transmission starts out and will remain in second gear regardless of automobile speed or throttle position. Its all a matter of personal preferences of the automobile owner , driver or mechanic themselves as to which systems are chosen , are installed and used in day to day or highway long trip drives and driving.

Author Bio: Ralph P Stofman Derrick Dodge Chrysler Edmonton Alberta Edmonton Ram Mega Cab Fort mcMurray 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 2500 Alberta Ram Quad Cab Trucks Online 2011 2010 new vehicle truck autos model years