Automatic Transmission Information

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Automatic Transmission Information

These days, automatic transmissions have become more reliable. However, they remain one of the most susceptible and expensive parts of a vehicle to repair. If heavily abused, an automatic transmission can easily be destroyed within just half an hour. For example, my friend burned up the transmission in his shiny Audi while trying to free it from the snow on the day after he bought it. It cost him around $2000 to rebuild, but it broke down again after just one year.

Moreover, the quality and condition of the transmission fluid are crucial for the proper functioning of an automatic transmission. Using the wrong fluid type can severely damage the transmission. This information is important to keep in mind, as a person I know added gear oil, intended for manual transmissions, into their automatic transmission, and it caused irreparable damage within just 30 minutes of driving.

If you’re considering purchasing a used car, it’s crucial to carefully inspect the automatic transmission for any potential issues. Look out for warning signs such as delayed engagement or slipping gears. In addition, it’s highly recommended to have a mechanic thoroughly inspect the vehicle before buying it. This information can potentially save you from costly repairs in the future.

How to Check Your Transmission Fast

The automatic transmission dipstick should be removed and wiped with a clean cloth to obtain information about the fluid level while the engine is idling and the transmission is in “Park” (refer to the owner’s manual for specific procedures). The fluid level should be checked by inserting the dipstick back in and pulling it out again. A low level could indicate a transmission leak. The fluid’s condition should be closely observed by examining it for any metal filings or black flakes and by dripping it on white paper. The fluid should be clean, transparent, and red in color if it’s new.

Over time, the fluid becomes brownish, but it should not be black. Smelling the fluid can provide valuable information about the transmission’s condition, and it should not have a burnt smell. It may be challenging at first, but after checking a few similar cars, the difference will become apparent, and important information can be gathered. If the transmission fluid is too dirty, black, or smells burnt, it’s best to avoid buying the car since it could have transmission issues. Finally, it’s important to note that some modern cars do not have a transmission dipstick and require a special procedure performed in a garage to check the fluid level.

How do I Decide to Repair my Transmission?

Many of those who bring their vehicle to our XPO transmission service and repair shop are both surprised and relieved to learn that a problem with their vehicle’s transmission does not necessarily mean a lot of money needs to be spent to repair it. In fact, there are several transmission problems that can be solved without having to remove the transmission from a vehicle. XPO Transmissions has put together the following information in an effort to make you a better-informed consumer when trying to decide if you should repair or replace your transmission. The technicians at our XPO transmission shop are always available if you should have any questions about the information provided below. We also provide a FREE Transmission Inspection to determine the best solution for your particular situation. To request your FREE inspection please complete and submit our online appointment form.

Complete Transmission Overhaul (Rebuild)

A complete transmission overhaul, also known as a transmission rebuild, a transmission is completely removed from vehicle and disassembled in our shop. Each of the transmission_rebuildparts are laid out on a workbench and is inspected for damage and wear. THe parts are then either cleaned in a special cleaning solution or replaced if damaged. If a part has friction surfaces, such as the case with bands and clutches, then it is replaced. In a complete transmission overhaul all gaskets and seals are replaced as well. The torque converter is replaced during a complete tranmission overhaul, being replaced with a remanufactured one. Additionally our technicians will review technical service bulletins to check if the manufacturer of the transmission in question recommends any modifications intended to correct design defects realized after the transmission was built. If a bulletin indicates such a defect then an upgrade kit will be used to resolve any and all design defects.

Transmission Replacement vs. Complete Overhaul

When it is determined that your vehicle’s transmission is in need of an overhaul a replacement unit may be a consideration. Rather than removing your existing transmission only to completely disassemble and reassemble it, another option is to replace it with one that has already been rebuilt or remanufactured. There are several things to consider when deciding to use a replacment unit instead of a complete transmission rebuild. Although a replacement unit will get you back on the road much faster it is not always the best solution. There are situations when any given transmission model will have numerous variations dependent upon factors such as which model vehicle, engine, axle ratio, and even tire size! The resulting problems could vary and might be as simple as a speedometer reading that is too high or low (speedometers are normally connected to a gear in the transmission by a cable). Alternatively though you might incur incorrect shift points or even a complete transmission failure due to your engine being more powerful than the one areplacement unit was designed for. Our technicians are aware of these important considerations and will discuss these in detail with you during a service consultation.

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Automatic Transmission Information