The Basic Parts of an Automatic Transmission (Part 1)

Visit me at: www.ericthecarguy.com/
This is part one of my front wheel drive (FWD) automatic transmission dissection video. In this video I cover the operation of clutches, bands, accumulators, clutch drums, the oil pump, the valve body, valves, check balls, seals and 'o' rings, as well as the construction and function of many of the internal hard parts of an automatic transmission. To be honest a rear wheel drive transmission isn't much different as many of the basic components are the same. I guess what I'm saying is that you could use the information in this video to have a basic understanding of a rear wheel drive automatic transmission also. It is just a basic overview of the main components. I don't get into theory and operation so much. Just the general operation and identification of the parts. I may make more videos on this topic based on the comments I get so feel free to ask questions and perhaps I'll answer them in a future video on this topic. There will also be a separate video on the parts and operation of the torque converter as well. When that is posted I'll post links below to that video.
Part 2: • The Basic Parts of an ...
Torque converter dissection: • Video
Discussion about this video: www.ericthecarguy.com/kunena/...
Stay dirty
ETCG
Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.

[@btarrh]

This tear-apart rocks the house, thanks for taking the time to post this. I'm a car guy myself and love repairing these items, my friends think I'm crazy but it's an addiction and adrenaline rush. I guess some guys get it, most guys don't.

[@godbwithme7586]

Man I love this dude. I have fixed all my cars and trucks from these videos and literally saved thousands of dollars. More Mullah for me BABY!!! Thanks Eric :-)

[@godbwithme7586]

lol Only in love with the knowledge my man.

[@idlecalvin83]

Lol that’s crazy

[@ColettaHughes]

I have learned so much from you it's amazing. Not that I'd ever want to work on a transmission, but knowing how one works when talking to the mechanic is very reassuring. Thank you.

[@cj92157]

Your videos are awesome! Being in the auto field, the on line tutorials from work are hours long, and not interactive at all. I learn so much watching your videos... right to the point. Keep on doing what you do!

[@crosstolerance]

Thanks for a very detailed and informative video about the inter-workings of a automatic transmission. As a car enthusiast, I appreciate your time and effort put into this video to educate us!

[@2005jgkay]

Whoever designed Automatic Transmission is a mad man who could think of this its amazing

[@justinp8946]

agree

[@DannyZabolotny]

+Jason K Well you have to keep in mind that it wasn't one person. It took many years of trial and error to get a smooth, reliable automatic transmission. So there were a lot of brilliantly smart people who were involved in the making of this. Same goes for most other engine components. It's really amazing to see how far car technology has come!

[@UndefinedSlope]

+Jason K It's a product of the free market. That little things Sanders wants to get rid of.

[@bradleypreston5282]

+Danny Zabolotny very true! hard to believe that 45 years ago people had clothespins on their fuel lines in the summer and points in the distributor. Now we have computer controlled fuel injection that can self adjust constantly, depending on current situation. also thankfully,no new car ignition systems require points! which I am very happy about.

[@evancourtney7746]

Henry Ford. All planetary gear automatic transmissions are adaptations of Ford's model T transmission. He thought of using a pair of planetary gears with bands to arrest the ring gears thereby changing the drive ratio. The T's transmission bands were operated by foot pedals, not hydraulics, but the operating principle is Henry Ford's.

[@aguilayserpiente]

Educational. Eric is the Mr. Rogers of auto tutorials.

[@ryanrabi]

who are you man ? you have dedicated half of your life for others to learn .God bless eric ii salute you

[@jeremybentley820]

Brilliant! Eric. Truly wonderful mentoring. Refreshing to see such clare tutoring on the bench. Good one -Thank you

[@vernonbocock1516]

Hey Eric thanks for all the info and help with understanding trans And how to match up the stall speed with the HP tork of the engine.

[@PKwhl]

Thanks Eric, I have been an Automotive Engineer and no one ever explained the Torque Converter, as you did. I wish I had seen this about 10 years ago. Thanks again. Pl keep teaching us.

[@teiwakohiti1727]

Really love this guy. Really easy to understand his explanation. I didn't know anything about transmissions. Now I can understand everything about how they work. Keep up the good work Eric the Car Guy

[@ernst2]

Great video, I 've driven manuals my entire life. I never imagined a AT Trans was going to be this interesting. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@waynefish888]

Thank you very interesting, it looks like a lot of work,

[@Djhg2000]

Never seen the inside of an automatic transmission before, amazing stuff!

[@istishhadi]

Awesome video. I love how you explain how pressure is created. (most people would think the pump creates pressure). But really its the small passages that it goes through "the resistance of flow" that creates pressure. The explanation/visual representation of the the two gears that drive the pump was spot on. It almost resembles a turbocharger and how the turbine contains the air within the fins.

[@Nikiaf]

Informative videos like this should be mandatory for all drivers to watch. Understanding how components work can lead to less ripoffs at the garage, and potentially better drivers for understanding what's going on inside their cars.

[@zarkosarar7378]

Thank you for your presentation. It was helpful to understand how work AT on my car, and what I must to do for long life of my car . Zarko (Croatia)

[@rickjames5998]

Zarko Sarar you seem like you could be an evil villain from a spy movie

[@Sagetower7]

Amazing video, I've never dissected one of these and I found the video very informative. Keep up the good work

[@rgseven6557]

I am a final year engineering student and I this video is something I can truly relate to. Thanks a lot Eric!

[@andygarner4798]

I would have to watch this 13 times to really understand everything. Thanks for all your informative videos

[@automatictransmissionexper1456]

Automatic Transmission is a piece of art

[@filmaker256]

This is great My Camry is extremely similar. One thing To know when your trans gets too warm it shifts very loose .

[@jersoneslao7655]

Filmaker25 what could be the solution for this problem? I have similar one, when my trans gets hot it shifts very loose,..

[@scottouimet2865]

Out of all the car guy videos I like how you show and explain things best, keep up the good work brotha!

[@marinedoc0311]

Thank you so much for educating the masses Eric! You really are doing a service for humanity. I haved learned soooo much from watching your videos and you have helped inspire & motivate me to tackle many jobs that I would have never attempted prior.

[@ericthecarguy]

The TQ has it's own video after this series is done.

[@Richard1979hush]

holy smokes! i have a whole new respect for mechanics

[@bpettett29]

They are not called mechanics anymore, they are called technicians.

[@xXSethTheGreatXx]

A mechanic can fix cars. A technician knows exactly why what they're doing is fixing the car.

[@aceable7202]

True Mechanic/Technician Is whole truly knows what’s his doing doesnt give up till its fixed and doesn’t let the car leave till street safe Trust Me Experience is proof

[@beaubryan5525]

Thank you for your videos and your deep deep insight into vehicles. I am a novice, and you have taught me much. Thanks again. Keep 'em coming. Videos on older cars and electrical stuff are recommended.

[@bamboo59.52]

Absolutely Incredible the engineering and genius of people that work all this out! Would love to see a dissection of a C V T transmission.

[@SianaGearz]

Epic the Car Guide.

[@jordanlevibutton]

Eric I noticed someone else also had this concern that If you haven't changed your ATFluid in a long time and then change the trans fluid it could cause more harm than good. Is this true?

[@romansmirnov3351]

Yes. In fact in newer cars you don't ever need (or should) change transmission fluid. I've never gotten an exact explanation for this, but was told that a sort of harmony is created between the fluid and different clutches and assemblies.

[@frugalsolutions]

Roman Smirnov Its called job security, they don't make money if you prevent your transmission from failing prematurely

[@romansmirnov3351]

That's pretty pessimistic Matt

[@alcool0828]

If you have a new car, it is best to keep up with automatic transmission maintenance. Have the fluid drained and refilled every 30,000 miles

[@fredrickmfungati305]

First Name Last Name Fredrick mfungati

[@Dillithium]

So many questions I want to ask you right now. Everything you showed in this video just makes me want to take one apart myself and try to figure it out. Thank you for this video, I can't wait for part two.

[@1SourceSEO]

Eric, you are a role model... Nice professional video. I am inspired that one day our team can create nice in-depth technical videos such as yours.

[@ericthecarguy]

Stay tuned. That's covered in the torque converter video that will be out after this series completes.

[@bryan10444]

It's a a245e transmission from corollas from 93 to 08 lol it's bulletproof if you dont let metal shavings contact the solenoids

[@MrNamegame]

+Bryan So metal shavings contacting these solenoids somehow is actually possible let alone a common defect here?

[@evan937]

I agree. Built by Aisin Seiki in Japan for Toyota. My 2000 Corolla has 220,000km and going strong.

[@angellawless7413]

Evan93 mine has delayed engagement now, 175k miles. Bought it used a few years back tho

[@ramsurntashan9920]

Hi Eric , you are one of my most favorite teacher you are just too amazing .Your tutorial are so explicit that its simple to understand thanks a lot . You are a genius.

[@Sheehanjacobks96]

The quality of your video is outstanding. You spoil us with amazing videos. And I thank you for each and every video you produce.

[@elimalinsky7069]

so many moving parts and the complexity is astonishing compared to manual transmission. No wonder so much power goes to waste in automatic transmission. Stick shifts for life!

[@wasafifanstv6317]

Eli Malinsky What he's shown is just 20% of the auto, he hasn't got to the details, its crazi i tell ya, he hasn't got to the solenoid and the sensors that work in unison with tha AT networked by the car's ECU and ETC, its madness!

[@buzahraful]

I thought engine is most complicated thing in vehicle , I was wrong

[@nsxt290]

Normally, I have understood all of Eric's videos. Awesome explanation and an apprection of how cars are made, service etc. This video, I had to watch 3x times to undestand this. You are right a complex work of art. Thanks for keeping us educated!! ;)

[@PerryCS2]

I think its absolutely fantastic that some geek way back said, if we put these thousands of pieces together we can have an automatic transmission. Fluids. Pressure. Grooves. Electronics. Precision machinery. All working together usually in harmony. The genius of the human race is absolutely astounding. Too bad we weren't smart about other things... but technology rocks! :) Great video. Clearly presented. Much appreciated :)

[@aquarius9491]

I'm just wondering how many mechanical engineers, hydraulic specialists, electricians, Mathematicians, Software & computer programmers, to design this ?

[@ghost.protocol]

Mostly, mechanical or automobile design engineers with a knowledge in design and simulation softwares. I don't think u need a mathematician, electrical engineer or a software engineer to design this. I am a mechanical engineer btw.

[@aquarius9491]

@@ghost.protocol so true, What the hell do I know ??? LOL

[@o0DraastiK]

Not going to lie, when I got my current car (which is Manual, first one) I was worried about traffic. After about 2 weeks of owning the car, you're right. You really don't think about the motions after a while.

[@aaronw2522]

Thank you for taking the time to share this knowledge Mr.Eric!

[@gooddad1975]

One of the best transmission take aparts I've seen yet

[@ericthecarguy]

Unfortunately those transmission fail on a regular basis. It's likely you'll have to replace it.

[@mpnistal]

Is it true for all ATs? Or just specific types of AT?

[@1061shrink1061]

Auto transmissions are just unreal.... The fact that we can even build something this complex is beyond me. I find RWD autos more impressive to look at it bits though.

[@rrbrian222]

Yep, the transmission is an Aisin-Warner A245E (Toyota part number 30500-1A640) from an 8th generation (1998-2002) Toyota Corolla with a 1ZZ-FE engine. I have one parked in my driveway right now. ;) Great little car. Better, IMHO than the 9th and 10th gen. 'Rollas. Thanks for the unbelievably relevant video, Eric!

[@jefflitman773]

Eric, great high level overview. I started doing my own tranny rebuilds a few years back. If you have a large CLEAN working table space, they are not that tough if you lay each assembly out as they go together. SOOO many seals come with your rebuild kits. Many are very close in size but if you put the wrong size in the wrong spot.... You are screwed. Also, I do a pressure test manually using an air chuck on each clutch assembly before I reinstall them.

[@TheDrunkardHu]

... All the king's horses and all the king's men could never put the automatic transmission back together again.

[@nultari1]

ha.

[@RaptorDiablo]

Never mind I don't wanna be a mechanic lol

[@bradleypreston5282]

+Theist God couldn't have said it better myself, today we have so many specialists in the automotive industry and it makes sense when you think about it. there are so many different systems making up a modern car that it tends to be easier and more sense able for some to specialize in one area (transmission, electrical, suspension etc.)

[@cherondavis2603]

🤦😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣

[@imaderobotsoccerteam]

ETCG you are effin awesome!!! You have a video on literally everything car related!

[@KelseySry]

Thank you so much!! I have an auto transmission test in class tomorrow and I'm in high school. This helps A LOT!!!

[@ericboyles7208]

Very interesting! It blows my mind that people thunk this stuff up!! Just blows my mind! But, I'd need a xanax the size of a hockey puck to assemble it all again :(

[@wildbill23c]

If you stop, slow down and think the process through and take your time disassembling and reassembling one isn't too bad, use the factory manual and go step by step and don't try and take short cuts. They're not as complicated as people think, just a lot of smaller parts to try and not lose or forget...and you really don't want to forget any as often times if you do the whole transmission has to be pulled apart again due to the way they're assembled. Many of the components are broken down into smaller groups of components, which helps a lot, so disassembling or reassembling the smaller groups of components makes the whole process much easier to understand.

[@filmaker256]

And never let mechanics "road test" your vehicle. They will make sure it comes back with more problems.

[@michaelkennedy8573]

Bull shit. Absolutely bull shit. Isn't the mechanics fault your car is problematic

[@filmaker256]

@@michaelkennedy8573 UM no garage in history wants to make more money? EVERY mechanic is honest?? Tell the truth

[@michaelkennedy8573]

Filmaker25 okay so a mechanic does a suspension arm and finishes it up, gives you the keys and says there ye are, you drive it and it knocks its brains out who you going to complain too?

[@Zzeke]

Troll

[@filmaker256]

@@michaelkennedy8573 Yeah, and some of those wise ass grease monkey's don't go and peel out with your car, right?? When he he is given me the keys back with that grin on his face -- I know exactly what he did!

[@to2055]

Wow, I learned so much from many of your videos. This one is just amazing - can't wait for the secons part. Thank you! Tobias

[@davsaltego]

It’s incredible how much work an engine has to do

[@FORDmustangs100]

Manual Transmissions are easier than Auto's

[@Tr33People]

"If I find a problem with an automatic transmission I just replace it". I understand why mechanics do this (less chance of future failure, easier than fixing, make more money), this thinking creates a lot of waste and makes things much more expensive for your customers. Put simpler this way of doing things is better for you than for the customer.

[@nikolaibreckenridge2287]

Ra0king maybe, maybe not. the transmission being removed usually gets rebuilt and sold to someone else. Meanwhile buying a rebuilt instead of having a mechanic try and repair it, when it may not be his speciality, is more likely to leave you with a more reliable car. Sure, a bit more expensive, but sometimes reliability is worth the expense.

[@RzVids]

You could fix it yourself then 🤷‍♂️. Instead of simply remove and replace with warranty for a labor intensive job like this you could attempt to repair it w/o warranty and see how she goes

[@wildbill23c]

Well in the case of tearing an automatic transmission apart to replace say a $5.00 bearing, they've pulled the transmission out, torn it apart, removed the old bearing, installed the new bearing, inspected the transmission for possible other faults, reassembled it, put it back in, test driven it....that's a lot of hours so yes, it makes sense monetarily to just replace it at that point. The transmission rebuild for my 1988 Ford Bronco 2 (A4LD) was $2400 that included removal, tear down, inspection, rebuild with upgraded components, reinstall, test drive, etc. As well as a 2 year warranty. It shifts great now, and haven't had any issues from the rebuild 3 years ago. They said they could have just replaced whatever broke, but by the time they did all the removal, tear down, inspection, part replacement, and reassembly and install it was actually about the same cost as just having it rebuilt since it was already apart anyways, and it just made the transmission better....a good shop will not only do a rebuild but they'll also do all the newest updates and upgrades within reason, and can always add additional upgrades like shift kits, higher grade parts, etc. if the owner wishes to pay the additional cost of whatever additions they want.

[@ZE7379]

Thank you Eric, to share your knowledge. It helped me here on Brazil to study more on our cars at my auto course in Brazil, we have got many good cars here to study, thank you.

[@trucktechie]

Thanks, for your thorough explanation Eric. I can't wait for Part 2 of this dissection and to see a Torque Converter taken apart.

[@filmaker256]

Good point at 16:00 I do put the e-brake up but sometimes the car may still lunge a little. One thing I have always noticed for some reason when you let your car heat-up for a little longer than normal -- it comes outta park flawlessly .Or another trick I used to do to my 2000 dodge neon was go to the front or back , whichever direction the car rolled in, step out and say it rolled forward, push back on it some, and that always seemed to help to.

[@TheOnlyTeenBeach]

Awesome to see a trans video! Now i am not entirely clueless what goes on in a auto trans and where parts are generally located! Thanks eric!

[@jesseharlan5700]

Thank you for an incredibly useful and informative video. I've always wondered how this thing worked!

[@PM-sx9vb]

Thanks Eric I heard a metallic sound coming from the final drive. People tell me it's not possible. It's a 99 corolla with 90k. But you just showed me. I know it's the carrier in the final. Thanks again.

[@BryanRamirez16]

Thank you for your feedback! I feel honored that you replied! Once again thank you and keep up the videos, there always of good help!

[@johnervin8033]

Awesome service you provide for us knuckleheads, I know nothing about cars, and thanks to you now I do!

[@getredytagetredy]

You are a great human being...Thank you for all of your work that you do to smarten up dummies like me....

[@k0vert]

First time seeing the inside of an automatic transmission, what a beautiful piece of machinery!

[@sc0tte1-416]

That's a correct simple explanation...Automatic transmissions are pretty complex pieces of engineering

[@formulaonehotwheel]

Really informative. I had no idea what a torque converter was or what it looks like, till now! I can see that low transmission fluid can really wreek havoc on a transmissions life expectancy!

[@johnofe]

I am so happy you're doing this! I love it.

[@JesseFK]

When I see this, I marvel at how amazing humans are. So many inventions created are so amazing. It just boggles my mind to see all the components of this transmission and how it was thought of and changed to work so well. Same with computers and how small the "transistors" in a CPU are 22 nano-meters and shrinking. It's like 100 times smaller than a blood cell! Humans are amazing. I only wish I was smart enough create something so intricate.

[@alimcanuff6056]

My brother thanks much you make it so easy to understand you are one of the best channel to watch thanks again bro for these wonderful video keep up the good work blessings on you and family one love from jamaica

[@roverrovert6406]

Hey thanks eric, this video alone has helped me with my transmission class !

[@Dommy2Hotty]

What an awesome video! Very informative and thorough. Your explanations are filled with knowledge. Thank you very much!

[@Chisox636]

I can do a lot of things on cars by myself after watching your videos, but transmissions...I'll leave that to the dealership. There's no telling how bad I would mess things up if I got inside one of those. One of the most complicated devices I have ever seen.

[@prepaidbrian]

Thanks Eric...your videos teach me more than my college instructors!

[@RJ-eg2nx]

Eric Awesome video.....very well explained, in my opinion. I have a 2004 Chevy Impala and just having the transmission overhauled. So, this was quite amazing to see the innards of a front wheel drive transmission. Looking forward to viewing more of your video's.

[@Seegalgalguntijak]

For the explanation of how a differential works, there is a great vintage movie on youtube, it's called "Around The Corner (1937) How Differential Steering Works" and was uploaded by the user "USAutoindustry". After having watched this, I knew how a diff does its job, it's a great piece of film. So old and still so good for learning.

[@-BEASTOR-]

I love this kind of video's. For me this is the best learning progress :) If you ever run into a manual transmission do the same thing. The other side of the world doesn't use auto transmission that much. But this is verry usefull. Love it.

[@Seegalgalguntijak]

Wow, thank you Eric! I really wanted to watch a video that explains this since a long time! I haven't watched it yet, but am really looking forward to! And if it's anything like your engine explanation video, I know that for the first time in my life, I'll be able to understand how an AT works! Could you also do that same kind of video with other transmission types, like different CVTs and a comparison of a manual transmission to one of these new double-clutch transmissions etc?

[@jamessipiczky8830]

This is great video , I now feel like I understand how my auto transmission works.

[@gladeye2]

Cheers mate, I could rebuild a whole car by watching your videos

[@rwbishop]

I'm not an auto trans guy either, but a few thoughts: I think the Teflon rings at 17:10 are actually 'back up rings', there to help protect the actual 'O' rings. The front pump @ 18:42 is a gerotor type 'gear pump' Pretty sure the bearing at 21:10 is actually a one way 'Sprag Clutch' All the quoted items above have good looking Wikipedia articles. The 'gear pump' article has a good animation of the Gerotor pump operation. Also check 'Automatic Transmission'

[@jjamesstewart]

When I started watching this I didn't expect to watch the whole thing, but it was fascinating.

[@netdoctor1]

A transmission range switch. Honda calls it a Position Sensor switch. The shift cable comes down from the center console and connects to the end of the Control Shaft. The Pos Sensor is attached to the Control Shaft to tell the ECU what range the mission is shifted into. The control shaft also moves the manual valve in the valve body to channel fluid to achieve clutch pressures, etc.

[@ugwuekesunday8075]

Thanks Eric the car guy. I appreciate you.

[@jermainerodgers]

This hepls me alot. Im studying automotive . This is our final exam.. its hard but i really enjoy

[@s0nnyburnett]

This is the video I've been waiting for. I can die happy now.

[@scflooring8658]

That’s one amazing piece of engineering!!!Thanks Eric very interesting!!

[@saarike]

Simply excellent review and information! Thank you.

[@JoseRodriguez-ks9ju]

By the way man your the best i wish i can heng out with you for a weekend just fixing cars because your knowledge is awesome

[@Youngsoldier93]

This stuff is amazing how people can create things like this! Found a new appreciation:)

[@darnellkaehler6899]

Thank you for the sharing your knowledge. Great video

[@chelsea7xhf]

Thanks for showing the AT! great job

[@DingalingPlays]

very true, i have been in traffic in dallas texas and fort worth for 2 hours in my 5 spd, never once did my hand or feet get tired.

[@0820patjr]

Love your videos Eric...your a thorough dude when it comes to explanation of the parts and how they work, kudos Eric this is good shit!!

[@Desertratgarage]

Really enjoyed the video eric! Keep them coming!

[@hg2.]

8 minutes in... Well done, well organized, well presented. I'm subscribing. Have found my Transmission "start here" home.

[@hg2.]

I'm watching this again and was going to make the same comment at the same place. 😜

[@EricwatrousITGS]

Great video, really looking forward to the rest of them! Also, could you go over the engaging and disengaging of clutches in a little more detail. I understand how the pressure pushes them together and causes them to more or less form one solid piece but then the pressure is let off why don't they continue to spin with the object? Do they move out of the way? Thanks for the great videos.