Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Transmission, General
The automatic transmission has five forward gears and one back-up gear. The fifth gear is an overdrive which saves fuel during highway driving.
The mechanical components of the transmission are enclosed within the torque converter cover, the transmission housing and valve housing.
Gearshifts are controlled by an hydraulic operating system. Gearshifts take place without freewheeling and completely automatically in terms of load and speed.
The solenoid valves are located under the valve housing cover on the transmission, in the valve housing for the hydraulic system. These are activated by the transmission control module.
The transmission input speed sensor is electro-magnetic and acts on a toothed pulse wheel. By comparing the engine and transmission speeds, the control module can determine the amount of slippage in the torque converter.
The gear-shift position sensor has three separate functions:
- using an electrical route to inform the transmission control module of the selected gear position
- to activate the back-up light when the gear selector is in -position
- To allow engine start if the gear selector is in or -position. This signal is also transmitted to the engine's control system and is used for drive position compensation of idle.
The transmission and final drive share a common oil pan. A dipstick in the transmission is used to check the oil level in the transmission.
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.