This transmission combines the mechanical gearsets and physical clutch of a standard manual gearbox with electronic or hydraulic actuators. The vehicle's computer handles all clutching and shifting duties, eliminating the clutch pedal. While highly efficient, early single-clutch versions are notorious for jerky, unpredictable shifts at low speeds.
The customer is complaining about hesitation off the line, but that's just how this automated manual transmission drives.
These units often require regular clutch initialization procedures via a scan tool to compensate for friction disc wear.
Also heard as
- AMT
- clutchless manual transmission
Do not mix it up with
- Automatic transmission: An automated manual has a physical clutch disc and gears inside, whereas a traditional automatic uses a torque converter and planetary gears.
Related terms
DCT
A dual-clutch transmission uses two separate clutches for odd and even gear sets to enable lightning-fast shifts.
Manual transmission
A gearbox requiring the driver to manually select gear ratios using a shift lever and a clutch.
Clutchless
Describing a gear shifting method or transmission system that operates without manual clutch pedal input.