Does a 4AT Transmission Only Have 4 Gears?
2 Answers
4AT transmission only has 4 gears. A 4AT transmission is a 4-speed automatic transmission, which is a basic type of transmission in automatic cars. The 4 gears refer to Park (P), Reverse (R), Drive (D), and Neutral (N). AT transmissions do not require clutch operation for gear shifting, making them relatively simple to operate. The maintenance methods for transmissions include: 1. Changing the automatic transmission fluid every 12 months or 20,000 kilometers; 2. Avoiding coasting in neutral; 3. Regularly checking the fluid level; 4. Avoiding skipping gears when upshifting; 5. Not forcing the transmission into neutral; 6. Not shortening the warm-up idling time; 7. Avoiding gear grinding when shifting; 8. Cleaning the transmission; 9. Performing regular maintenance on the automatic transmission.
From my experience driving many cars, the 4AT transmission indeed has only 4 forward gears, including gears 1 through 4, and does not include reverse or neutral. This design was particularly popular around the year 2000, and I've seen many older models like the Toyota Corolla equipped with it. It has a simple structure and direct shifting but is not very efficient—RPMs tend to spike when going uphill, leading to higher fuel consumption. The gear shifts can sometimes feel noticeably jerky, not as smooth as newer transmissions. For daily driving, it’s generally fine, but you’ll feel the limitations of fewer gears at high speeds or when carrying heavy loads. If you're wondering why 4AT instead of more gears, it’s because of lower costs and stronger reliability, making it suitable for budget-conscious owners. Repairs are also easier—I’ve helped friends with inspections, and replacing a gear or fluid often fixes most issues. In short, it focuses on 4 forward gears, and with the rise of multi-speed transmissions like 6AT, 4AT has gradually become less common.
