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Where is the transmission located?

Where to Find the Transmission on a Vehicle

The transmission is an important part of any vehicle- after all, it ensures that the right of power is sent to the wheels to keep speed where you want it to be, and maintain the ratio of power to efficiency in its sweet spot. It shifts gears, basically, whether you’re doing so manually or your vehicle is automatically taking care of things.

If you want to take a look at your transmission, do some work on it, or are just curious, you may be wondering: where is the transmission located?

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image of a car's transmissionIf your vehicle is front-wheel drive, the transmission is most likely located under the front hood as part of the drivetrain. It’s usually a bit lower than the engine, partly underneath it, and mounted to one side or the other, level with the oil pan.

If your vehicle is rear-wheel drive, the transmission will be behind the engine, usually under the dashboard area. It’s connected to a drive shaft that goes from the transmission to the vehicle rear.

What is a “transaxle?”

On a modern front-wheel drive vehicle, the transmission and differential are combined into one unit called the “transaxle.” This gizmo is combined directly with the engine to form the drivetrain. The whole big honkin’ combination is located under the front hood

Read More: Do I really need transmission fluid in my vehicle?

Help, I can’t find my transmission!

If you can’t find your transmission in the areas mentioned above, it may be worth consulting your vehicle owner’s manual, which can often be found online through a simple Google search. There are, of course, exceptions to the general rules listed above, as cars are made in all sorts of strange configurations. For example, if your vehicle has a forward-mounted engine, then the transmission was likely placed in the rear for balance.

If you have any further questions or need any transmission help, contact us today at Hall Cars!