Eli5 what does the transmission on a car do and how does it work?
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Automatic transmissions were invented by a mad scientist who basically made the worlds most popular mechanical computer. It used pressure from the front and rear pump of the transmission along with a governor (weights on the end of a valve that are opened/closed based on speed) along with a vacuum operated valve (to help determine engine load), and, a valve connected to the throttle linkage to determine throttle position. The valve body directs fluid on what clutch pack or packs to activate (via hydraulic pressure) based on gear selector position, throttle position, and, engine load.
You have a torque converter that is like two fans facing each other, except it’s all submerged in fluid. This lets you idle and take off with minimal heat to the clutch packs and lets you come to a complete stop without stalling the engine. It allows some slipping to help you take off from a stop faster and it’s the reason why automatics will sometimes run a less aggressive rear differential ratio than a manual version of the same car.
Modern automatics are pretty much the same except computers and electronic solenoid valves and sensors took over most of the mechanical stuff except for the shift lever, and even the shift lever is done by wire these days.
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