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| What to look out for. |
Watch for leaks or stains under the car
If there is a persistent red oil leak that you are sure is
coming from your car, you should have your us check to see
if it is coming from your transmission.
Check fluid for colour and odour
Most manufacturers require that you check transmission fluid
levels when the vehicle is running and on level ground. Pull
the transmission dipstick out and check the fluid for colour
and odour. Transmission fluid is a transparent red oil that
looks something like cherry cough syrup. If the fluid is
cloudy or muddy, or it has a burned odour, you should have
it checked.
Noises, vibrations and shift behaviour
A modern transmission should shift smoothly and quietly
under light acceleration. Heavier acceleration should
produce firmer shifts at higher speeds. If shift points are
erratic or you hear noises when shifting, you should have it
checked out immediately.
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Q:
Can I drive with a transmission leak?
A: It depends on
the rate of fluid loss. A minor or slow leak will
allow you to drive as long as you maintain the level
in the normal range. You will have to establish the
rate of loss and replenish as necessary. It should
be obvious that if fluid is running out as a stream,
that you won't go very far. A transmission will
usually operate "normal" until the fluid loss is a
quart or more. Then the unit will exhibit abnormal
operating symptoms and internal damage is occurring.
What started as only a leak can result in a major
repair bill if ignored!
Q: I have a leak.
Can you tell me how much it will cost to repair it?
A: There are
numerous places that a transmission can leak. They
include: the pump, shift lever seals, kick down
seal, electrical connection/s, governor cover,
speedometer, rear output seal or axle seals, servo
cover/s, filler tube, throttle cable, pan, side
cover, cooler lines, and differential cover. The
real question is: What is/are the source/s of the
leak/s. Most people can only see the bottom of the
unit, and therefore conclude that the bottom pan
gasket is leaking when, in reality, the leak is from
above and running down and around the pan. It is
therefore imperative that the unit be visually
inspected to evaluate the leak situation! So, the
answer to the question is: No, I can't without
seeing the vehicle.
Q: Can you tell me
how much it will cost to overhaul my transmission?
A: My first
question back to you is: Which model transmission do
you have and how do you know it needs to be
overhauled? Occasionally, a poorly running engine,
restricted exhaust, computer or sensor, poor
electrical ground, or other problem not internal to
the transmission will be the cause of abnormal
operation. Tragically, I have had numerous vehicles
brought into the shop having had major work done on
the transmission itself or the unit replaced, but
the operation problem is still present. This usually
turns out that the problem was never in the
transmission, therefore never resolved. What a
waste!
Q: How long will a
transmission normally last?
A: The is no
accurate answer to that question. The mileage or
time of use before major problems occur will vary
greatly, and therefore, I don't see a correlation
between mileage and expected transmission failure.
It is not unusual that the first few years after a
newly designed transmission hits the road, that
early failures occur. But, in later years with
updates to the original design, the units become
more reliable. The three major factors in the life
expectancy are periodic maintenance, maintaining
proper fluid level, and driving habits.
Q: How often should
I have my transmission fluid changed?
A: It is
recommended that you change your fluid every 30,000
to 40,000 kilometres
Q: How do I know if
I have a transmission problem?
A: The following
symptoms may indicate that your vehicle's
transmission requires service.
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