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Frequently Asked
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Frequently Asked
Questions |
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17- How often should I have the transmission serviced?
Normal service intervals will vary as a result of the use of the vehicle and the operating temperature of the transmission. When you check the fluid level periodically, note how it smells. You will notice a burnt smell long before the color changes. And, when you notice a strong burnt smell, have the transmission fluid changed. The mileage from the last service to now becomes your service interval.
Also, if there are lots of small bubbles in the fluid on the dipstick, it's time to change it.The fluid life expectancy is directly related to the operating temperature of the transmission. Normal operating temperature is about 215 degrees Fahrenheit, but the cooling efficiency of you vehicle's cooling system and the type of driving you do will be the real determinate of it's life expectancy. At 215 degrees, it should go for 100,000 miles, but for each additional 20 degrees, the mileage is cut in half.
Back to the Questions 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.
Occasionally, a GM front wheel drive (or rear wheel drive) equipped with a 3 speed automatic transmission will experience the engine dieing when coming to a stop after the vehicle has reached operating temperature. When the engine is started again and the shifter put into gear, the engine will immediately die. This problem will repeat until the unit has cooled. This is caused by the lockup torque converter failing to disengage when it should. (The lockup feature of the torque converter provides a mechanical connection between the engine and transmission similar to the clutch with a standard transmission.)
The problem does not occur when the unit is cold due to a temperature sensor that prevents the lockup portion of the torque converter from functioning before the transmission is up to operating temperature.
The transmission pan should be removed to inspect for internal damage residue that could be contaminating the system. If the pan is relatively clean, then the TCC (Torque Converter Clutch) solenoid is at fault and should be replaced.
In an emergency only, you can locate the wiring harness that routes to the transmission and disconnect it at the transmission. It is located on the front of the unit toward the driver's side on a front wheel drive and can be easily seen from the top. On a rear wheel drive transmission, the harness is on the driver's side of the transmission. Once the harness is disconnected, the torque converter clutch should not engage. The harness allows other functions to occur, and you will probably see a "check engine" light after it is unplugged. Do not continue to drive the vehicle in this condition. This is just to allow you to drive the vehicle long enough to have it repaired!
If the symptoms continue after the harness is disconnected, then there is a mechanical problem with the torque converter and/or transmission.
Back to the Questions 19- I have a transmission problem and I'm going to change the fluid and filter to see if that fixes it.
Please don't! Changing the fluid and filter is a periodic maintenance operation that rarely "fixes" a problem. What it does is takes away some important clues that will help in the evaluation of the problem.
Any material in the pan will be lost as well as the actual condition of the fluid. Pan residue can provide important information on the type of internal problem that may exist, so do yourself and the technician a favor and don't disturb the evidence.
20- I want to replace my automatic transmission with a standard.
You're asking for a major challenge! Don't get me wrong, but we don't do that type of job at this facility because I don't think it's cost effective.
There are several considerations that have to be accommodated. You will need to purchase the standard transmission, all of the clutch assembly, engine flywheel, the clutch linkage assembly, as well as, the shifter assembly.
You will probably have to modify the supporting assembly, possibly change or modify the driveline or axles, account for the electronic controls such as the speedometer sensor and other sensors that the automatic may have that feed information to the computer.
Considering all of the labor and parts involved, I would suggest that this is not a wise decision. You'd probably be better off selling the vehicle and buying one already configured the way you want. As they say at the auction, "Fair Warning."
Back to the Questions 21- My Dodge/Chrysler transmission has a delayed engagement when I first start it in the morning.
When the vehicle sits over night, fluid from the torque converter drains back into the pan area. When the vehicle is started, it takes a few seconds for the fluid to refill the converter. This "refilling" process will not fully occur until the unit is placed into any other gear position than park. This is a normal idiosyncrasy of a torque flight transmission.
Also, if the engine/transmission mounts are bad and the engine rpm is above idle, there will be a noticeable "thump" when the reverse engagement occurs.
If this symptom occurs after the vehicle is driven, there are other problems with reverse.
Note: There is a valve body kit that will eliminate this symptom in the rear wheel drive versions only.
Back to the Questions 22- Should I drive in overdrive or normal drive?
When overdrive equipped vehicles fist came into the inventory, it was advised to not use the overdrive option while driving in town, but to use it when driving on highways. This recommendation has been dropped as the history of problems with these units showed no relationship with failures due to in-town use of overdrive.
Therefore, you can use the overdrive position anytime. However you may want the manually select the normal position when driving on highways in hilly terrain to avoid a "busy" shifting transmission especially while using cruise control.
Back to the Questions 23- I'm looking for a cheap overhaul.
You can't be serious! I hope you realize that you're setting yourself up for a BIG disappointment. To me, the primary concerns that come before price are:
Is the work recommended necessary?
Does the facility has the necessary expertise?
Will they use quality parts in the repair?
Will they omit any necessary steps or procedures in the repair?
Will they honor the warranty?
Will they be around to handle a problem during the warranty period?
Now, the question cost comes in to play. The facility better charge enough to be able to do a quality job. If parts and/or labor are cut, the entire job will be jeopardized and you may loose all of your investment as the following quote says!It is unwise to pay too much, but it is worse to pay too little. When you pay too much, you lose a little money... that is all. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because what you bought was incapable of doing what it was bought to do.
The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot... it is well to add something for the risk you run. And if you do that, you will have enough to pay for the something better.
John Ruskin
Back to the Questions 24- I'm confused about transmission repair terms and definitions.
Go to the ATRA By-Laws page for answers.
Back to the Questions
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