“How Can I Tell What Kind Of Transmission I Have?”

July 7, 2021 | By Mister Transmission

"How Can I Tell What Kind Of Transmission I Have?"

“What transmission do I have?” It’s a question we hear a lot at Mister Transmission. The question can be fairly easy to answer or it can be somewhat complex, depending on what you mean by the question.

“What Transmission Do I Have? Manual Or Automatic?”

Many people asking us or themselves, “What transmission do I have?”, want to know what type of transmission it is, i.e., manual or automatic. This is a basic question and it might seem obvious to many of you reading, but for new drivers, the transmission is often a mysterious and confounding component of their vehicle. It’s natural to be confused about these things when you first start driving. Especially since here in Canada, the vast majority of drivers drive an automatic transmission. (Manual transmissions account for only an estimated 9% of cars.)

When you see it in practice, it’s pretty easy to discern an automatic from a manual transmission. A manual transmission vehicle requires the driver to use the gear shift stick and the clutch pedal to shift gears based on the vehicle’s speed. A vehicle with an automatic transmission does not require the driver to shift of gears in this way. Usually, when driving an automatic transmission, one only needs to shift gears from park, to reverse, to drive, and so on. Automatic transmissions are easier to drive, and they allow the driver to focus on the road, while manual transmissions allow drivers to have more control over their vehicle and they don’t use as much gasoline.

“What Transmission Do I Have? A CVT?”

CVT stands for “continuously variable transmission”. The difference between a CVT and an automatic transmission is not as easy to identify because, in practice, there is very little difference to notice as a driver. Indeed, a CVT is actually a kind of automatic transmission. A CVT seamlessly changes through a limitless range of gear ratios while other automatic transmissions offer a fixed number of gear ratios and can have hard shifts between these ratios. In many ways, the CVT is an improvement on the traditional automatic transmission, so they’re becoming more common in newer vehicles.

“What Transmission Do I Have? Which Make And Model?”

To know the specific make and model of transmission you have might have to have a transmission technician look at it. If you drive a Nissan, you probably have a Nissan transmission. But which make? And it can get complicated when car companies combine on transmissions, as with the GM-Ford 6-speed automatic transmission.

Mister Transmission

Mister Transmission can help you identify the make and model of your transmission, as well as offer full transmission maintenance and repair services. To learn more, please contact us. We also have a comprehensive COVID-19 policy to keep everybody safe.

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Customer Reviews
These guys have been the...
JIllian Mayo
These guys have been the best to work with! When I needed a new transmission, they squeezed me in and got me back on the road in no time. Then when I had trouble down the road with said transmission, they again got me in quickly and back on the road in only a couple days.They went over and above guaranteeing their warranty and I wouldn’t hesitate to refer anyone. They were nothing but helpful and understanding. This a place where they’ve got you covered for whatever tranny troubles you may be having.👍👍👍👍👍
Date: May 6, 2025
Website: Google
Amazing advice and customer service...
Kristine Lewis-Charles
Amazing advice and customer service from the folks at Mr. Transmission, Took our Fiesta, Ford and spoke to both Denise and Sean, who gave there honest feedback on our options. was able to explain our situation and instead of just looking to charge us for necessary work, was able to help us make a good decision. If you are looking or consultative, responsible, advise and true solutions, I recommend the Whitby Mister Transmission.Thank you to Denise and Sean, for your outstanding honesty.
Date: May 6, 2025
Website: Google
Diagnosed the issue immediately. Friendly...
Paul Carrigan
Diagnosed the issue immediately. Friendly and knowledgeable. Took care of everything. Highly recommend this place best costumer service ever!
Date: May 5, 2025
Website: Google
I brought my vehicle here...
Olivia Blum
I brought my vehicle here for a second opinion after my regular mechanic said it needed a new transmission. They were able to find a service bulletin for a reprogramming and suggested I get that looked at first. It is sometimes hard to find a mechanic who doesn’t take advantage of women/people who don’t know much about cars. However, their suggestion saved me $5000 when they could have just told me I did in fact need a new transmission and done the work themselves. I am very grateful for the honesty and customer service at Mr.Transmission and would recommend them to anyone who asks!
Date: May 5, 2025
Website: Google
Very pleased with the service...
Jim Watters
Very pleased with the service provided in checking my concerns on my vehicle!
Date: May 5, 2025
Website: Google
The people at Mister Transmission...
Randy Mazak
The people at Mister Transmission at exeter rd in london were curtious very experienced and met the time line they set out. I would recommend this dealership to anyone.
Date: May 3, 2025
Website: Google
Knew how to fix my...
Lost
Knew how to fix my truck right away without having to replace my transmission. Very knowledgeable and friendly service I would highly recommend thos place to everyone.
Date: May 2, 2025
Website: Google
Highly recommend Mister Transmission! From...
Raven Nicolay
Highly recommend Mister Transmission! From my first phone call, Dawn was incredibly knowledgeable—she was nearly able to diagnose the issue just over the phone. To confirm, they scheduled me in the same day for a test drive and diagnostic. Chris promptly provided clear options and pricing estimates, ensuring I knew what to expect. Before I left, he confirmed parts availability and even offered a helpful recommendation for a rental car while mine was being serviced.I was relieved to receive good news and that the more affordable repair option was the solution. While it can be a little difficult to get through to them due to how busy they are, they genuinely do their best to respond promptly. When a minor issue came up shortly after, they got me back in right away and resolved it quickly.Thanks again to the whole team for the excellent service!
Date: May 2, 2025
Website: Google
Being a widow I was...
Wendy Langill
Being a widow I was scared to death to have to take my car in to a transmission shop I was so pleasantly surprised to find out that the problem is had was caused by a squirrel and they fixed it quickly and at no charge. Julie was wonderful and I would recommend this shop to anyone that think they have a transmission problem.
Date: May 2, 2025
Website: Google
I would highly recommend them....
Ann Paterson
I would highly recommend them. They were amazing to work with and went over and above to help solve my problem.. Thank you.
Date: May 2, 2025
Website: Google
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