The most critical component of a car’s drive train is the transmission. While they are more reliable today than ever before, this is the most neglected part of an automobile. The cost to replace or repair an automatic transmission is second only to an engine overhaul. Neither of which any car owners wants to encounter.
Familiarity with its basic operation, and the ability to recognize minor tale-tale signs before they become major issues, is fundamental to preserving a transmission for the lift of the car.
The lifeblood of an automatic transmission is the fluid. Every automotive manufacturer seems to recommend a specific fluid type for their transmissions. These recommendations must be taken seriously in order to avoid damaging the gearbox. The owner’s manual specific to the vehicle being serviced is the bible when it comes to modern-day fluid requirements. All transmission fluids are not equal, and must not be treated as such.
Check the transmission fluid level every three to four weeks, according to most owners’ manuals. Properly checking the fluid level and condition requires the car to be parked on a level surface, and the engine running before pulling the dipstick to check the level. Wipe the fluid off the stick just as if the engine oil were being checked. Re-insert the dipstick fully before removing again to inspect the color and level.
Replace the fluid every 25,000 to 65,000 miles, depending on the car make and recommendations in the owner’s manual. Typically, transmission fluid pans do not have a drain plug, and the entire pan must be removed. Removal of the pan is also necessary to access the transmission filter. Therefore, the lack of a drain plug is not an inconvenience.
The most common failure mechanism of automatic transmissions is due to overheating. When the transmission is heavily worked, such as towing a load heavier than the car is designed for, the transmission fluid heats up considerably.
Excessive heat causes the fluid to burn, and therefore, lose its lubricity characteristics. Many modern transmissions use an oil cooler either within, or next to, the car’s radiator to keep the fluid cool, much like the radiator maintains the coolant temperature.
Towing a vehicle with the drive wheels contacting the road is another common cause associated with transmission failures. If a car must be towed behind another vehicle, place the drive wheels on a car dolly to avoid creating transmission problems later.
Fluid leaks are often the first sign of trouble with an automatic transmission. If ever-fluid is detected on the ground where the car is normally parked, it should be checked out immediately to avoid bigger problems.
Delayed shifts, or jerky shifts, are indications there is a problem with the transmission. A delay of more than a second or two when shifting from park to either drive or reverse is a symptom of slipping bands or clutches within the transmission. These problems are much cheaper to repair when diagnosed early, versus after the transmission has failed completely.
Performing a routine automatic transmission maintenance schedule, and the ability to recognize potential problems will prevent expensive repairs.
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