Maintaining Your Transmission
Maintaining your Transmission can be a very simple process because there is really not much that you need to do to your transmission.
Transmissions today are computer controlled and the check engine light will illuminate if there is a malfunction in the transmission itself or with any of the electrical systems in the transmission.
Manual transmissions are very low maintenance also, even the materials that are used for the clutches are made for longevity and most clutches do not even require any adjustments.
The most important thing you can do for your transmission is to keep the fluids changed on a regular basis.
Here are some basic guidelines for checking and maintaining your transmission and fluid.
Transmission Fluid
Inspect: Usually the transmission fluid level is checked with the engine hot and in park, and with the engine running. Check your owner's manual for proper fluid type and proper fluid level inspection procedures. Automatic transmission fluid is usually pink in color. Most standard "stick shift" transmissions will have a drain plug to service the fluid.
Replace: Consult vehicle owner manual for proper fluid type and service interval. If applicable, replace the internal automatic transmission filter or clean the reusable screen when changing the transmission fluid. A transmission pan gasket will also be required during a fluid and filter change. Change the fluid and filter every 30,000 miles to get maximum life and performance from your transmission.
Transmission Flushing vs. Changing the Fluid
Transmission flushing is a very good service to have done to your transmission. What is the difference between changing the fluid and flushing the transmission? When you remove the transmission pan and change the fluid you are only removing about half of the fluid from the transmission. When you flush the transmission, you remove all the fluid from the system and replace it with new fluid. The complete transmission is cleaned including the torque converter and oil cooler.
Transmission flushing is a great way to maintain your transmission.
How do I maintain my transmission?
Transmission fluid should be changed periodically. Your owner's manual should give you the recommended intervals which could be anywhere from 15,000 miles to 100,000 miles. Most transmission experts recommend changing the fluid and filter every 25,000 miles.
Few transmissions have drain plugs to drain the old fluid. In order to get the fluid out, the technician removes the transmission oil pan. This is quite a messy job and generally not recommended for the casual do-it-yourselfer. Even if the transmission has a drain plug, the only way to also change the transmission filter is to remove the pan. When the pan is down, the technician can check for metal shavings and other debris which are indicators of impending transmission problems.
In most cases during these transmission services, only about half the oil is able to be removed from the unit. This is because much of the oil is in the torque converter and cooler lines and cannot be drained without major disassembly. The fluid change intervals are based on the fact that some old fluid remains in the system.
When the transmission is serviced, make sure that the correct fluid is used to re-fill it. Each transmission manufacturer has their own recommendation for the proper fluid to use and the internal components are designed for that specific formula. GM usually uses Dexron, Fords prior to 1983 use Type F while later models use Mercon. Late model Chrysler products use ATF +3 +4 (Not using the correct fluid for Chrysler transmissions is the most common reason for their transmission problems.) Toyota sometimes uses Type T which is only available through Toyota and Lexus Parts departments. Honda also specs out their own formula which is available from Honda or Acura parts departments. A transmission will not work properly or may even slip or shudder with the incorrect fluid, so make sure that you double check. Your owner's manual will tell you which fluid is required. Naturally, the owner's manual will try to convince you to only use the manufacturer's branded fluid, but they will also provide you with the specs for the oil. If the aftermarket product indicates on its container that they meet or exceed the specs for a particular type of transmission fluid, it is generally ok to use that product. Still not sure what fluid to use ? Ask YourAutoAdvisor, we can help you answer all your transmission questions .
Source: automotivesrepair.com
