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1. General Description

The transaxle with automatic transmission is shown in Fig. 1-1. At the right end of the transaxle is the final drive housing, which has an integral bellhousing for the torque converter. Inside the final drive housing are the differential, the ring and pinion gearset, and the intermediate gear-which is between the drive pinion and the ring gear. The governor for the automatic transmission is located beneath the round cover atop the final drive housing.

Fig. 1-1. Transaxle with automatic transmission.

The final drive housing, containing hypoid gear oil for lubricating the final drive gears, is completely sealed off from the transmission case, which contains automatic transmission fluid (ATF). The transmission case contains the ATF pump, the hydraulic controls, and the planetary gear system. The planetary gear system is lubricated solely by the ATF that is circulated through the transmission by the ATF pump. The ATF does not circulate unless the engine is running, so the transmission parts are only partially lubricated when the engine is turned off.

CAUTION-

Towing a Volkswagen with an automatic transmission with the front wheels on the ground can cause damage due to lack of lubrication. See FUNDAMENTALS for more information.

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