1 How do I check the
transmission fluid level?
Always check the fluid level with the engine running (except Honda), the
transmission in "park" (except Dodge products which should be in neutral with
the emergency brake applied), and with the engine at operating temperature.
Remove the dipstick and wipe with a rag. Insert the stick fully and remove. Look
at both sides of the stick to verify the same indication. Repeat the process.
The reason to check both sides of the dipstick is that after the fluid
circulates through the transmission, it dumps back into the pan area and will
cause an agitation of the fluid. This creates an uneven level and some fluid
will "slosh" onto the stick and give a false reading. Some transmissions are
worse than others.
Note: If you check the fluid level after the engine has been off for a
long time, fluid from the torque converter will drain back into the pan area
where the level is measured and give you a false high reading. When the engine
is started, the fluid in the pan area is used to fully charge the transmission
and torque converter. Also, the difference of fluid temperature will affect the
measurement. The fluid volume expands when heated to operating temperature.
Another method of checking the fluid is to turn off the engine and immediately
check the level. This will stop the agitation and give an accurate level (no
agitation) before the fluid in the torque converter has had a chance to drain
back into the pan area which would give a false-high reading.
Tip: If you have added fluid, go through the same procedure, but repeat
the process several times before you look for a reading. Some of the added fluid
will adhere to the side of the filler tube and can give a false reading.
Tip: If the fluid level is low, you have a leak! Transmissions do not
consume fluid. Have the leak diagnosed and repaired to prevent more serious
problems.
After you have added fluid, drive the vehicle for a mile or two, then recheck
the level. This is especially important in front wheel drive vehicles.
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2 My check engine, transmission
or overdrive light is on or flashes?
Engines as well as transmissions are controled by on board computers in todays
vehicles. If a malfunction occurs the computer stores a code, that relates to
the malfunction, and warns the driver by turning on or flashing one of these
lights. These warnings should not be ignored. Early diagnosis, by a qualified
tech with proper equipment, can save a customer money and prevent him from
getting standed. We have the equipment and trained personel to help when this
occurs.
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3 How often should I get a
transmission fluid change?
Most automobile manufacturers recommend that you change your transmission fluid
every 3years/36,000 miles (consult your owner's manual). We recommend an annual
fluid change. If your vehicle is older, or is used for towing, it may be
required more frequently. To determine if a fluid change is needed, we recommend
our External Diagnostic Service-- which includes checking the level and
condition of your transmission fluid, a road test, and putting your car on a
lift to check your external transmission controls-- to keep your transmission,
and your vehicle, running smoothly.
4 What is the difference between a
transmission service and a transmission flush?
When doing a transmission service we change the fluid and filter in the pan,
which consists of half of the fluid that is in the transmission. When doing a
transmission flush, we use a power flushing machine that does a complete fluid
transfer. This way old fluid is not being mixed with new fluid.
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5 How often should you get your
transmission flushed?
Typically you should have this service performed every 30,000 miles. On a
regular pan drop service every 15,000 miles.
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6 How long does it take to do a
transmission service?
Normally most cars take approximately 1 and half hours
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7 My transmission is not shifting
correctly do I need to rebuild or replace it?
There are many causes as to why your transmission may not be operating properly,
from small easy fixes to maybe needing to replace it. The VERY first thing you
need to do is find out what is wrong, this can only be accomplished by trained
technicians using special equipment on late model computer vehicles. There is
normally a small fee required and sometimes this is done free, but do not delay,
a small problem can grow
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8 How long does it take to rebuild my
transmission if needed?
It depends on the vehicle, many late model front wheel drive cars are very labor
extensive while most rear wheel drives entail far less. Usually speaking, it
should take 1-2 days for a rear wheel drive, while it may take 3-4 for computer
controlled front wheel drive vehicles.
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9 How long does it take to check my
transmission?
Checking your transmission requires an external diagnostic service. A diagnostic
service includes checking the level and condition of the transmission fluid,
road testing your car, and a diagnosis of the external transmission controls. In
total you can expect this service to take approximately 90 minutes.
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10 How much can I expect to pay for a
transmission repair?
The price to repair a transmission depends on several factors. These include
determining the cause of your transmission problem, the condition and type of
transmission in your car, and the type of service that needs to be done. Our
shop offers an External Diagnostic Service to identify how to fix your problem
and keep your costs to a minimum. An External Diagnostic Service includes
checking the level and condition of the transmission fluid, road testing your
car, and a diagnosis of the external transmission controls. This service
determines if there is a transmission problem, and if the problem can be
corrected with an external repair or adjustment. Contact us to have an External
Diagnostic Service completed.
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11 Check engine, transmission or
overdrive light is on or flashes?
Engines as well as transmissions are controlled by on board computers in today’s
vehicles. If a malfunction occurs the computer stores a code, that relates to
the malfunction, and warns the driver by turning on or flashing one of these
lights. These warnings should not be ignored. Early diagnosis, by a qualified
tech with proper equipment, can save a customer money and prevent him from
getting stranded. We have the equipment and trained personnel to help when this
occurs.
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12 What type of transmission fluid
should I use in my car?
Different transmissions require different types of transmission fluid. Our shop
offers several quality transmission fluid brands. We recommend that you change
your fluid every 25,000 to 35,000 miles as a part of our regular suggested
maintenance --Safeguard Service. This service also includes replacing the filter
or cleaning the screen, replacing the pan gasket, performing a final leak-check,
and performing a road test.
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13 Do I Need a Transmission Fluid
Cooler?
A transmission fluid cooler helps prevent heat from destroying your automatic
transmission. It can cost $1000 or more to repair an automatic transmission. And
90% of all automatic transmission failures are caused by heat. The hotter
automatic transmission fluid becomes, the more quickly it breaks down. This
allows increased friction on transmission parts and creates even higher
operating temperatures inside your transmission. The end result is an expensive
repair bill.
Today's down-sized cars and trucks, with their smaller engine compartments and
cooling systems, generate much higher engine and transmission operating
temperatures. But a transmission fluid cooler reduces automatic transmission
fluid temperatures by up to 20 degrees. That's why many automobile manufactures
have recently started installing auxiliary transmission fluid coolers on
selected new models. If you don't currently have an automatic transmission fluid
cooler on your car, you may need one. It's a relatively small investment that
can help prolong the life of your transmission and avoid costly transmission
repair bills.
14 Tips for Automatic Transmission
Care
DO - Change your transmission fluid every year or every 15,000 miles.
DO - When you stop for gas, check your transmission fluid for level and color.
If any discrepancies are noted, take your vehicle to a reputable transmission
repair center for a closer look.
DO - Check your driveway or garage floor for signs of transmission fluid
leakage. If you notice any leaks, have them repaired immediately. Driving your
vehicle with low transmission fluid will cause serious transmission damage.
DO - If you notice irregular transmission performance such as slipping between
shifts, erratic shifting, no shifting, no reverse, hesitation in the morning
when the transmission is cold, loss of power in forward gears, or unusual noises
such as grinding or whining, have your transmission checked by a transmission
specialist. The longer you drive your vehicle with a malfunction, the more you
will damage your automatic transmission.
DO - If you pull a trailer or carry heavy loads, or if you continually go on
long trips, or if your engine has a tendency to run hot - consider having an
external transmission oil cooler installed.
DO NOT - Shift into reverse until your vehicle has reached a complete stop.
DO NOT - Shift into park until your vehicle has reached a complete stop.
DO NOT - Rock your vehicle back and forth if you get stuck in mud, snow or sand.
DO NOT - Hot rod! Forcing gears to shift at maximum acceleration is just asking
for trouble.
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15 Can I tow in overdrive?
Most transmissions will not allow you to tow while using overdrive; you will be
told to use the "normal" drive. However, there are some that will let you tow in
overdrive. This is a chance to use the vehicle operating manual to find the
answer the overdrive question. While you have the manual out, checkout the
required service intervals, recommended tire pressures, etc. This is a book that
is often ignored, but is filled with valuable information.
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