Auto Transmission Troubles: Gear Shift Symbols & Transmission Fluids

Not knowing the letters and numbers associated with each gear can be confusing if you’re having trouble with your car’s automatic transmission. If you are experiencing automatic transmission problems and the gears are not shifting correctly, don’t worry! You are not alone.

Many people do not know the symbols that correspond with different gears on an automatic transmission. Cutter Mazda Honolulu will discuss what each letter and number means so that you can troubleshoot your transmission problems.

Automatic Transmission Problems

If your car suddenly loses power or the gears slip, you may be experiencing transmission problems. Automatic transmissions are complex machinery, and it can be challenging to figure out what is wrong when they are not working correctly.

To make matters worse, many people do not know the symbols that correspond with different gears on an auto transmission. If you get any issues in shifting gears or your car is losing power, read on to learn more about the various symbols associated with automatic transmissions.

Automatic Gear Letters and Numbers

The first letter in an automatic transmission designation is typical “P” for the park. The following letter is usually “R” for reverse. After that, there are a variety of letters that can be used, including “N” for neutral, “D” for the drive, and “L” for low gear.

The number following the initial letter is typically the gear ratio. This number tells you how many rotations of the input shaft are required to turn the output shaft once. A higher number indicates a lower gear, while a lower number indicates a higher gear.

Transmission Fluid and Production Code

Letters are also used to indicate the type of transmission fluid used. The most common types are “D” for Dexron and “M” for Mercon. Finally, the production code is listed through a number, which indicates when the transmission was built. This code is generally unnecessary when ordering parts or fluids, but it can help diagnose problems.

Potential Solution to the Common Transmission Problem

If you’re having trouble shifting gears, the first thing you should do is check your transmission fluid. If the fluid is lower than the required level or dirty, it should be refilled or replaced. If the problem is not solved, you may need to have your transmission serviced by a qualified technician.

If you’re unsure what transmission fluid to use, consult your owner’s manual or a qualified technician. And if you’re still having trouble shifting gears, don’t hesitate to ask a qualified technician for help. They can identify the problem and get your car back on the road in no time.

Ending Note

Suppose you’re still unsure about automatic transmissions or want to learn more about how to drive your car fuel-efficiently. In that case, Cutter Mazda Honolulu serving Honolulu, HI, is here to help.

We’ll go over each letter of the automatic transmission guide and explain what it means for your driving experience. Plus, we have an extensive inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles for you to choose from, so if you want a new car, stop by our dealership today.

We can’t wait to show you around!

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