Automatic transmission identification

[bgofaustin]

can someone please help me figure an easy way to find out whether you have a 3 speed or a 4 speed automatic?

Please send pictures of a 3 speed and 4 speed if you have one.

[fishexpo101]

You mean identification from inside the car or just looking at bare transaxles sitting outside the car?

Inside is a snap - if you see an overdrive on/off button (O/D button on shifter and corresponding indicator lamp on dash) - then it is a 4-speed automatic.

Just looking at the bare transaxles - easist way to tell is from the transaxle pans. If it got 15-bolts, it is the A131L 3-speed transaxle. If it has 18-bolts, it is the A145E 4-speed transaxle.

Here are some pics of the gaskets - to give you a quick idea of the shape of the pan.

3-speed




4-speed




Also keep in mind, that if you are looking for a swap - be mindful of the application. If the original car had a 3-speed, you cannot just throw on a 4-speed and expect it to work. You also have to grab the appropriate ECM from the donor car. Same with going from a 4-speed to a 3-speed or to a 5-speed manual - to avoid problems, grab the right ECM.

[bgofaustin]

thank you so much. I will go check it out.