One of the most costly parts of an automobile to have repaired is the transmission. Sometimes though, the repair cost is only so high, because a shady mechanic has informed a car owner that something needs to be fixed, that really doesn't. If you have just a bit of basic knowledge about your transmission, then you stand a better chance of preventing yourself from being scammed by a dishonest auto technician.

Crucial Components of the Automatic Transmission. -> Gears Planetary gears- this set consist of the sun gear, a ring gear, and at least two planet gears. They all operate together and spin on pinions, (shafts).-> Seals and Gaskets This is what prevents the oil in the transmission from leaking out into the parts of the engine.-> Torque Converter In an automatic transmission, this is what allows the car to stop while in gear, like a clutch.-> Bell Housing When you look under your hood, you should see a cone shaped metal case; this is what holds the transmission.-> Transmission Fluid Without fluid, none of the transmission components will work very well, or not at all.-> Filter The fluid has to be kept clean, and the filter is what does this. The fluid flows through the filter, and the filter catches all the little particles of dirt.-> Hydraulic System Pretty much runs the transmission, by sending the fluid sent by the oil pump through the valve body, which controls the clutches and the bands, which control the planetary gear sets.-> Computer Newer vehicles have electrical solenoids, which enable the oil flow to reach the component needed at the appropriate time. The computer controls the shift points, which direct the solenoids.-> Throttle cable-> Vacuum Modulator-> Governor Each of these components monitor speed and throttle position, and determine when shifting is needed.-> Oil pump The oil pump in the transmission creates and maintains the pressure needed to power the transmission.-> Valve body Basically, this is the control center of an automatic transmission, the hydraulic fluid is directed through the valve body, without it, the engine could not function.

Do Not Let The Repair Technician Intimidate You. Now that you know what the basic parts of your automatic transmission is called, and how each one contributes to the workings of the transmission, you have a small advantage over less informed car owners. When the car starts acting odd, or making funny noises, take it in to be fixed, but do not allow yourself to become a victim of auto repair fraud. Ask the mechanic to explain what he needs to fix, and why he believes it needs to replaced or repaired, and you have the right to know how he intends to go about the process. You will feel less intimidated by the technical jargon, now that you know what the mechanic is talking about.