- transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves
-Most automatic transmissions have a defined set of gear ranges
- An automatic uses a torque converter instead of clutch to manage the connection between the transmission gearing and the engine.
-In order to select modes, or to manually select specific gear ratios, the driver must push a button in (called the shift lock button) or pull the handle (only on column mounted shifters) out.
- US Government standards must have the modes ordered P-R-N-D-L (left to right, top to bottom, or clockwise)
