How to Avoid Costly Transmission Repairs
Costly transmission repairs can often be avoided if you know what to look and listen for. The follow list of tips could save you a lot of money.
Read and follow the transmission maintenance and service instructions in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Transmission fluid red in colour and has very little odor. If you notice red oil in your drive way do not drive your vehicle until you check the transmission fluid level. Refer to (How to Check Your Transmission Fluid Level – Automatic Transmissions Only) for instructions.
If your transmission fluid level is low, fill it to the proper level with the proper transmission fluid. Refer to (How to Fill Your Transmission Fluid Properly – Automatic Transmissions Only) for instructions.
If the transmission fluid has a burnt smell, your transmission requires immediate service.
Check the level of your transmission fluid every 5000 km and with each oil change.
If you use your vehicle to carry or trailer heavy loads your transmission fluid should be checked more frequently. Heavy loads can cause transmission fluid to degrade prematurely.
Have your transmission serviced every 50,000 km.
If you notice any change in the way your vehicle shifts gears including sounds, shudders or jerking gear, check the transmission fluid level immediately and fill properly if low. Then take your vehicle in for professional service.
How to Check Your Transmission Fluid Level
Automatic Transmissions Only Check manual transmission fluid is more difficult and should be done by trained professional.
1. Start the engine and move the vehicle to a level surface.
2. Allow the engine to warm up to proper running temperature for at least 10 minutes. (Remember to engage the parking brake.)
3. Refer to your owner’s manual for the location and proper reading of the transmission fluid dipstick. (Note that some vehicle manufacturers require that the vehicle be in neutral when checking the transmission fluid.)
4. If the transmission fluid is above the “full” mark, a professional must drain it to the proper level. When the fluid level is too high it may reach the level of the spinning gears. As a result the fluid can get churned up and foamy resulting in serious damage to the transmission components.
5. If the transmission fluid is below the “add” level there is also potential for serious damage to the transmission. Low transmission fluid is also an indication of a leak. Adding transmission fluid may be only a temporary remedy. It should be inspected by a professional.
How to Fill Your Transmission Fluid Properly – Automatic Transmissions Only
It is extremely important not to overfill a transmission.
1. Refer to your car’s owner’s manual for the proper type of transmission fluid and the location of the transmission dipstick filler tube.
2. Turn off the engine.
3. Open the hood and insert a clean funnel into the filler tube.
4. Fill in small increments to avoid over filling.
5. Start engine. With foot on brake shift gears to allow fluid to penetrate the entire transmission.
6. Once engine is warmed up to operating temperature, check fluid level.
7. Add additional fluid in small increments if more is required.
8. Follow the above procedures until proper fluid level is reached.
Remember, if your transmission fluid is low and needs to be topped up, you probably have a leak that needs to be repaired. Continually filling the transmission is not a solution and you run the risk of costly damage to your transmission.