JATCO

The location of the automatic transmission differs for FF vehicles (front-engine, front-wheel-drive), for which the front wheels are driven by the engine power, and FR vehicles (front-engine, rear-wheel-drive), for which the back wheels are driven by the engine power. For the former, the automatic transmission is placed at the side of the engine. For the latter, it is placed behind the engine.

The automatic transmission is characterized by the insignificant changes in driving force that occur alongside with changes in the number of revolutions in the engine. As such, by shifting gears automatically, the AT is able to travel powerfully at low speeds (such as in gear 1), and travel at high speeds with relatively low power (such as in gear 4). This allows for optimal drive corresponding to various driving patterns.

This differs depending on whether it is an FF or FR vehicle, the mechanism of the transmission, and the number of steps. However, generally, it is a high-precision equipment composed of approximately 300 to 500 parts.

Typically, it is not necessary to replace the oil. Depending on the type of vehicle, it may be advisable to change the oil in the AT. We recommend replacing the oil with genuine oil, upon consultation with the car retailer.

Conventional AT could only use fixed gears. As such, the engine rpm varies widely where keeping favorable fuel efficiency continuously is difficult. In comparison, the CVT allows the engine to operate without leaving the zone of good fuel efficiency, and is able to shift gears continuously and without steps. It is therefore able to eliminate loss of driving force during a shift of gears and facilitate smooth drive. Furthermore, the CVT is able to operate the lock-up, which connects the engine and the transmission directly, at low vehicle speeds through step AT.

JATCO uses steel belts in our transmission systems. The contact surface of the belt with the pulleys is extremely durable, and can be safely used for the entire lifespan of the vehicle. This is achieved through advanced technology such as oil pressure control during stepless gear shift. It is not necessary to change the belt based on typical usage. An accumulated number of more than 21.4 million vehicles worldwide are already using the CVT (as of end March 2014).

It is the 7th product that JATCO has developed and mass produced successfully since 1997.