Transmission Tips
Article Courtesy of FindATrans.com
1) Ways To Extend The Life of a Transmission
2) Ways to Ruin a Transmission
3) Watch for Fluid Leaks!
4) The Signs of Transmission Trouble
5) Vehicle Problems That ARE NOT Transmission Related
6) Sounds That May Indicate Transmission Trouble
7) Things You Shouldn't Do If You Have A Transmission Problem
-Check the level of the fluid transmission fluid regularly! Fluid leaks are the main cause of failure. See below for more information on checking for leaks.
-External Coolers: The second cause of failure is from heat. External transmission coolers are good for towing, hauling, or any situation where the car is idling excessively (traffic, taxi, police usage, etc). External transmission coolers can be added to any vehicle and are mounted in front of the radiator and will keep the temperature of the transmission oil at normal operating levels under high-stress conditions. Installed price can vary between $100-$400 depending on the model.
-Have Any Malfunctions Checked Promptly: Having a transmission checked out at the first sign of trouble will save you money in the long run. The longer you drive on a failing transmission, the more parts may be damaged, and the higher the repair bill will cost.
2) Ways to Ruin A Transmission
-Rolling Shifts Into Reverse: Shifting into reverse while your vehicle is still moving can cause abrupt engagement in the transmission causing early failures in components such as the clutches, bands, gears, mountings and other drivetrain components. Always come to a complete stop before shifting into reverse.
-Driving Before Engine is Warm: For a transmission to work normally, the fluid inside must be at operating temperature. Driving a car before the engine and transmission have warmed up can cause shifting problems and internal problems. This is especially true in the cold, winter months.
-Rocking When Stuck: Rocking your vehicle from (D) drive to (R) reverse when you are stuck over and over can cause the transmission to heat up quickly and can burn out the internal transmission components. If your vehicle is stuck, it is cheaper to have the vehicle pushed out, pulled out, dug out or towed rather than damage the transmission (which can cause hundreds or thousands of dollars in damage).
-Drag Racing: Normal vehicles are not designed for drag racing purposes and drag racing runs the risk of damaging all drivetrain components.-Aftermarket Chemicals: No aftermarket chemicals such as "leak stoppers" or "transmission additives" will solve a major problem. It is better to have the transmission checked out by a specialist. Chemicals are only a short-term fix for what may be a long-term problem, and they may even make the problem worse.
-Unqualified Mechanics: Transmissions are highly complicated machines that have electronic controls. Don't let unqualified mechanics work on or attempt to diagnose your transmission problem. Unless they are familiar with modern, computer-controlled transmissions, an unqualified mechanic may do more harm than good.
All transmissions run on hydraulic system that operates with transmission fluid. This transmission fluid both lubricates and allows the transmission to shift gears. When the fluid is low (always from a leak), the lubrication and pressure decreases causing excessive heat, excessive wear, and if the fluid is low enough, immediate failure!
To spot a transmission fluid leak, look for a wet oil stain under the center of the vehicle (or near the engine if the vehicle is front-wheel-drive). Transmission fluid is reddish in color (compared to brown or black for engine oil).
A transmission is a closed system, so if the fluid is low it is always from a leak. If you spot a transmission fluid leak, have the fluid checked and have the leak get it checked out by a shop immediately. Ignoring a fluid leak will surely cause additional damage to a transmission eventually.
4) The Signs of Transmission Trouble
Symptoms of transmission trouble can appear in different ways. Some are shifting related and some are sounds. Not all signs mean the transmission requires a major overhaul--some problems can be as simple as a minor service or fluid change. Below is a list of signs that you may need a transmission checkup by a transmission shop:
-Vehicle Won't Move in (D) Drive or (R) Reverse: This can happen if the fluid is low, the transmission is overheated, or could be the sign of an internal problem.
-Delayed Engagement: The vehicle takes a few seconds to catch up "shift" into gear after you've moved the shift lever. This can happen when the transmission fluid is cold or could be the sign of an internal problem.
-Slipping: When driving, you notice the engine racing up but the vehicle is not accelerating as it should.
-Fluid Leaks: You notice a reddish oil after parking the vehicle. Check the fluid level immediately and have it checked out by a transmission shop.
-Early / Late Shifting: You notice the vehicle is not shifting at the same engine RPM's it used to shift at.
-No Passing Gear: You press the pedal to the floor, but the vehicle will not downshift and give you that extra acceleration.
-Rough Shifting / Clunking: You hear a noise or feel a "clunk" when the transmission is put into gear or when it is shifting.
-Unexpected Shifting: You notice that the shifting sometimes comes at an unexpected time, or changes every time you drive.
-Check Engine Light: Many newer vehicles now have "transmission codes" which will make the Check Engine Soon light go on. This can be checked, depending on the vehicle, by using a code scanner. If there is a transmisison code, have it checked out by a transmission shop.
5) Vehicle Problems That Aren't Transmission Problems
You may notice other problems that may make you think you have a transmission problem. If your vehicle has any of the below problems, it may cause rough shifting or other transmission-related problems (even though your transmission is fine).
- Computer or sensor malfunction.
- Clogged catalytic converter.
- Defective oxygen sensor.
- Dirty fuel injectors or fuel filter.
- Poor fuel system adjustment (too lean or too rich).
- Broken transmission or engine mounts.
- Engine requires tune up
- Electrical problems of any kind.
A qualified transmission shop will verify that these problems do not exist before moving forward with any transmission repairs.
6) Sounds That May Indicate Transmission Trouble
There are several sounds that you may notice that could indicae transmission trouble. Any new sound (that does not go away) should be checked out. Below are a couple sounds that can indicate possible transmission troubles:
-Hum or Low Whine in Neutral (N) or Park (P)
-Hum or Low Whine in all Drive ranges
-Clank when engaging in Drive (D) or Reverse (R)
-Grating or Rumbling in Gear
-Chatter or Clunk when Starting in Drive (D) or Reverse (R)
-Moans or Groans
-Squealing, Screeching, Clicking, Buzzing, Whistling
7) Things you Shouldn't Do If You Have A Transmission Problem
-Used Transmissions: Junkyard transmissions normally have high miles and no guarantees. Added to that, the exact make, model, engine size and computer coded transmission has to be installed in your vehicle. Many times, you will be responsible for the labor costs (several hundred dollars) and fluid costs (around $50) of removal and reinstallation if the first unit does not work properly. For every unit that does not work properly, the costs of installing a junkyard unit will double. If the unit is found to have high mileage (there is no way to tell), the unit will fail at any time.
-Car Dealership: The car dealership is, by far, the most expensive choice for service. Unless the vehicle is under the manufacturer's original warranty, the new car dealership will only offer a OEM remanufactured unit, which will generally cost 40%-60% higher than repairs at a local transmission shop. -Trade-In: Just because your car has a transmission problem, it does not necessarily need to be traded in. If the vehicle will be in good condition after a transmission rebuild, it can be much cheaper than the 3-5 year car payment on a new vehicle. Besides, a car with a transmission problem will not have a very high trade-in value. Even if you decide to trade it in later, a car with a rebuilt transmission (and receipts to back it up) will bring you more money in the long run. We hope this information has been valuable to you and we hope you value our multiple quote service.
Corey Turner
FindATrans.com Operations
