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📘 How does an automatic transmission change gears?

Follow torque converters, planetary gears, clutches, hydraulic pressure, and shift control.

lessons

~20 min

to learn

🔬 Science

subject

Adults

level

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What you’ll learn

Power path
Torque converter
Planetary set
Clutches
Hydraulic pump
Valve body
Sensors
Starting in first
Upshift
Downshift
Reverse
Lockup
Cooling
Protection
Efficiency
The complete shift

Questions this course answers

What are the three members of a simple planetary gear set?

A simple planetary set uses a sun gear, planet gears on a carrier, and an internal ring gear.

What does a torque converter allow at a stop?

Fluid coupling lets the engine idle without stalling when the vehicle is stopped.

What applies an automatic transmission clutch?

Pressurized fluid applies clutch packs or brakes through the valve body.

Why does the controller use input and output speed sensors?

Comparing speeds reveals whether the expected gear state is actually occurring.

Why can a lockup clutch improve cruise efficiency?

Mechanical coupling avoids some fluid slip losses after launch.

Grounded in trusted sources

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