How do I identify what transmission I have?
Knowing the type of transmission in your vehicle is important for maintenance, repairs, and upgrades. Whether you have an automatic, manual, or continuously variable transmission (CVT), there are several ways to identify what's under the hood. This article will guide you through the process of determining your vehicle's transmission type.
Identifying Automatic Transmissions
The most common type of transmission is the automatic. Automatic transmissions shift gears on their own based on engine speed and load. To identify an automatic transmission, look for the following clues:
- Check for a gear selector or shifter with "P, R, N, D" markings, indicating Park, Reverse, Neutral, and Drive.
- Look for a fluid dipstick, usually located near the front of the engine compartment. Automatic transmissions require regular fluid checks and changes.
- Listen for a whirring or humming noise when the engine is running, which is the sound of the torque converter and planetary gears in an automatic transmission.
If your vehicle has these characteristics, you likely have an automatic transmission.
Identifying Manual Transmissions
Manual transmissions, also known as standard or stick-shift transmissions, require the driver to manually shift gears using a clutch pedal and gear shifter. Here's how to identify a manual transmission:
- Look for a clutch pedal to the left of the brake pedal.
- Observe a gear shifter with multiple forward gears, typically 5 or 6, plus Reverse.
- Check for a fluid drain plug, usually on the bottom of the transmission housing, where you can check and change the transmission fluid.
If your vehicle has these features, you have a manual transmission.
Identifying Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs)
Continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) use a belt or chain system to provide an infinite number of gear ratios, rather than the fixed gears of a traditional automatic or manual transmission. To identify a CVT:
- Look for a gear selector with "P, R, N, D" markings, similar to an automatic transmission.
- Listen for a high-pitched whine or hum when accelerating, which is the sound of the CVT's belt or chain system.
- Check the owner's manual or manufacturer information, as CVTs are often labeled as such.
If your vehicle has these characteristics, you have a CVT.
Knowing your vehicle's transmission type is important for proper maintenance, troubleshooting, and potential upgrades. By following the clues outlined in this article, you can easily identify whether you have an automatic, manual, or CVT transmission.
How can I check my transmission?
How to Check a Manual Transmission
- Get into the car and, without starting to move, press and hold the clutch pedal.
- Check that all gears are switched up and down alternately on the move.
- Check the operation of all gears alternately under load.
How do I identify my GM automatic transmission?
The easiest method of GM automatic transmission identification is to examine the transmission pan. New transmission designs came with new, unique pan shapes, and the general shape of the pan often paints a fairly clear picture of which automatic transmission you are dealing with.
How do I check my car transmission?
With the car in park and engine running pop the hood. Next wearing disposable gloves remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with a cloth. To get a good reading on your transmission fluid reinsert.
Can VIN number tell transmission type?
Unfortunately, this is not required by the NHTSA VIN standard. Some OEMs still use the same 10-digit VIN patterns for automatic and manual transmission vehicles, meaning that VIN alone will not be enough to determine the vehicle's transmission type.
How do I know if I have a 6L80 or 6L80E?
However, your identification method depends primarily on whether the transmission is still mounted in the vehicle or has been dismounted. If the 6L80E transmission is still mounted in the vehicle, you can only identify it using its RPO tag in the vehicle's glove compartment.
How do I know if my transmission is CVT or ATF?
Discovering if your car has a CVT can be difficult by just looking at the shift lever, and pedal arrangement may be identical to an automatic transmission. A few keys to look for would be a lack of shift points while driving and the type of transmission fluid that is recommended for your car.
How do I find out my transmission type?
Placard on the driver's side door
This card contains specific details about the year the car was made, its transmission, engine specifications and other details. To determine what type of transmission system you have under the hood, write down the code that appears underneath or beside the “TR” symbol.
What kind of transmission do I use?
That depends on your needs and driving habits. If you want something simple that's easy to use, go with an automatic transmission. If you want better fuel economy, consider a CVT. And if you prefer the traditional driving experience, go for manual transmission.
How do I tell if I have a TH350 or TH400?
Check the Connection. There's a cable that may be connected to the transmission's side and next to the location of the shifter linkage. In this case, you are to ascertain if the cable is connected to the engine. The cable is a kick-down cable and the TH350 has this cable whereas the TH400 does not have this feature.
Can my VIN number tell me what options I have?
By using a VIN decoder--like the one found here - you can learn what each character of a VIN reveals about the unique vehicle in question. Can I look up my vehicle specs by VIN number? Yes. Enter a VIN here to discover vehicle specifications, options, and more.
