Frequently Asked Questions Quality Transmission Service, Tempe, Ariz (In no particular order)

  1- How do I check the transmission fluid level?

  2- I have a leak.  Can you tell me how much it will cost to repair it?

  3- Can I drive with a transmission leak?

  4- Can you tell me how much it will cost to overhaul my transmission?

  5- How long does a transmission normally last?

  6- How can I make my transmission last longer?

  7- What is a "shift kit?"

  8- Will it hurt to overfill the transmission?

  9- Will overfilling "blow" seals?

10- If I tell you the symptoms, can you tell me what will repair my problem?

11- I had repair work done, and now the transmission is acting up.

12- I have a computer controlled transmission and now it's acting up.
What could it be?  Do I need a new transmission?

13- How do I find a good repair facility?

14- Can I tow in overdrive?

15- What does "scanning" a transmission do?

16- Is burnt fluid bad?

17- How often should I have the transmission serviced?

18- I have a GM and occasionally the engine dies when I come to a stop or put the transmission in gear after engine restart.

19- I have a transmission problem and I'm going to change the fluid and filter to see if that fixes it.

20- I want to replace my automatic transmission with a standard.

21- My Dodge/Chrysler transmission has a delayed engagement when I first start it in the morning.  (Also see FAQ #44)

22- Should I drive in overdrive or normal drive?

23- I'm looking for a cheap overhaul.

24- I'm confused about transmission repair terms and definitions.

25- My older vehicle's transmission shifts into reverse ok, but has a delay going into drive when cold.

26- My vehicle needs some expensive repair.  Should I have it repaired or replace it?

27- Should I have the transmission "flushed" or serviced conventionally?

28- My transmission will not upshift for the first few miles when it's cold.

29- I have a noise or vibration.  Where is the source?

30- Which type of transmission gets better gas mileage, a standard or automatic?

31- I have water in my transmission.  Can it be flushed out?

32- What's the difference between a transmission service and a flush?  

33- I found this piece in the transmission pan of my Ford. What is it, and where does it go?

34- Should I fix or replace my vehicle when it needs a major repair?

35- Can I replace my GM overdrive transmission in my 4x4 with a 3 speed unit?

36- What is your opinion about transmission additives?

37- Is this repair a guess or a fix?

38- The estimate includes "soft parts" but not "hard parts.
What's the difference?

39- Why shouldn't I replace my bad transmission with a "used" unit?

40- I've called several transmission shops, and I get wide range of prices.

41- My GM transmission doesn't have a dipstick to check the level.

42- My late model Ford overdrive transmission shudders at about 45 mph.

43- My late model Chevrolet pickup truck makes a thump on acceleration after stopping.

44- My older transmission takes a long time to engage forward and reverse when the weather is cold.

45- I did some work on my transmission and now it doesn't perform normally.  Can you tell me what I did wrong?

46- I am considering the purchase of a used vehicle.  How can I check the transmission?

47- I have a late model GM vehicle and the computer shows a P1870 code.  What does this code mean?

48- I need to have work done on my transmission, but I want to know the "worst case" cost before I take my vehicle in, so I know I have enough money.

49- What does the term "slipping" really mean?

50- What does the appearance of small bubbles on the dipstick mean?

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