Frequently asked questions
Most automatic transmissions are checked with the engine running, transmission warmed up, and the transmission in the park position. Chrysler vehicles normally require the transmission be in the neutral position. Honda automatics usually require the engine be turned off. The fluid level when warm (oil feels hot to the touch) should be between the add and full marks on the dipstick. Some modern transmissions do not use a dipstick anymore and will require fluid checking on a hoist. If there are any questions about your fluid level or condition, we would be happy to assist.
When automatic transmissions start to act up, there will usually be symptoms. Sometimes the transmission will slip (engine revs up during a shift or while in a particular gear) or will be missing one or more gears, sometimes it will make abnormal noise, sometimes it will be really firm shifting, and sometimes it will leak. Electronic transmissions will often times have a light come on in the dashboard or a light will flash in the end of the shift lever, and the shifts will get really firm. Of course if your transmission does any of these things, you should bring it in to get checked.
This is one of the most difficult questions to answer honestly. You see, there are many variables in deciding the final costs to repair any transmission. When we fix a transmission, we need to decide first if the problem is internal or external. External problems are usually fixed without removing the transmission and are far less expensive. Internal repairs require removal of the transmission and disassembling to find out the exact damages and wear. Our shop will normally quote atleast two different estimates for repair. One estimate will include only those parts which are worn or damaged and will come with a 1 year warranty. The other estimate will be for a complete recondition of the transmission and will include all friction materials, all bands, remanufactured torque converter, pressure control solenoids, all modifications and upgrades to improve overall performance and durability. This job will come with a 2-3 year warranty, depending on the model. On occasion we will quote for a used transmission (if original is damaged badly) or a third party remanufactured unit. We carry a large assortment of already reconditioned transmissions, and if we have the correct unit in stock we can quote for that transmission installed. That is why it is so difficult to accurately tell what the final costs will be, as we usally have more than one option to choose from. Usually if the transmission is only worn out, it is less expensive to repair or rebuild the original transmission.
You should service your transmission every 30-50,000km. Some transmission manufacturer's will recommend more or less mileage between servicing. We live in an area with hills, stop and go traffic, we get hotter than 30 degrees in the summer, we get colder that -10 degrees in the winter.....these are conditions which make your vehicle fall into the severe driving category. You should check with your owner's manual or call to find out the appropriate service intervals.
Just as there are differences in automakers, there are differences in how shops service transmissions. We do things quite differently than your general mechanic will or a quick lube place. We first do a roadtest to make sure things are ok and to see if there are any adjustments we should do during the service to improve shifts quality. Then we perform a computer scan to make sure there are no diagnostic codes stored. Next, we perform a 21 point undervehicle inspection to make sure you know if there are any other problems or necessary repairs. That is when we do the servicing of the transmission, including any adjustments like band adjustments, cable adjustments etc. We have the special training to understand how to make the transmission operate at its peak and can adjust to make sure it lasts as long as possible. You just cannot get that type of service everywhere. Give us a call to make sure your transmission is shifting at is best.
The most obvious answer is to service it regularly and make sure it is not overheating. Every 20 degree drop in temperature will double the life of the fluid and therefore should double the life of the transmission. Another good option is to add a friction modifier to the fluid to promote less heat, less wear, and to stabilize the fluid. You have to be careful here, not all additives are safe for your transmission. Miracles in a bottle type of products should not be used under any circumstances. These products may contain solvents and will swell the seals so much that there will be a failure. Something else that will ensure long lasting transmission operation is to back off the throttle a little bit during the shifts. This will allow the transmission to shift with less load, making it less likely to slip.
A computerized scan consists of hooking up a diagnostic scanner to the vehicle's diagnostic link and scanning for any diagnostic trouble codes. DTC's will usually be stored in the computer's memory and when retrieved can shed some light into what the computer was monitoring during driving, and can in most cases lead to the faulty component. On later model vehicles, there is a tremendous amount of information that can be looked at, and on vehicles where there are bi-directional controls we can command different components to function. This allows certain components to be cycled on or off to make sure they are capable of functioning. If you are requiring a scan, you should look at our specials page to get the coupon.
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