537
10-24-2003, 11:40 AM
Over the years I've seen a few automatic transmissions malfunction. They have either locked up completely, refuse to shift, or shift terribly. I'm here to give you some friendly advice on how to take care of your transmission.
Keep in mind these are only guidelines and common best practices, so if you get killed while driving, it's really your own fault and not mine.
What is the main culprit in damaging your auto-tranny?
Most transmission troubles start after overheating. If you put the transmission under heavy load -- which could be as complicated as towing a heavy trailer, or as simple as driving in continuous stop and go traffic in hot weather -- chances are the transmission may overheat. At high temperatures, the transmission fluid undergoes viscosity breakdown, losing lubricating properties and leaving deposits on the tranny's internals. Rubber seals and gaskets are also subjected to this heat, and tend to harden up and lose their ability to stop fluid leakage.
Fine, overheating = bad. How do I protect my tranny?
1. If you don't read on any further, at least remember this. Leaks are the devil. The one thing I notice about the general populace is that nobody looks under their car anymore, and nobody cares about checking out their usual parking spaces for new drops of fluid. About the only thing that is OK is drops of clean water dripping from your air conditioning compressor. Anything else is simply BAD. If you notice anything leaking, get it fixed as quickly as possible. Don't put it off until the next weekend, and absolutely do not ignore it.
2. Check your transmission fluid regularly. Once a month for normal driving in normal weather. Every other fuel stop if you drive like a maniac, or in hot weather. Every fuel stop if you tow heavy stuff constantly (not including your fat sugar momma). The fluid level should fall within specs, and should be a light or dark reddish brown. If you're feeling adventurous, smell the fluid: if it smells like burnt ass then you better change it. If the fluid itself is dark brown or peuter and sparkly, it's time to change it. Since every vehicle is different, consult your vehicle manual for instructions on how to check this. One thing for sure is that automatic transmissions can't be consistently drained completely without taking the sucker out. The reason for this is because some fluid is always still left in some internal tranny components such as the torque converter or valve body. Usually you can only drain about 60-75% of the fluid with the tranny in the car.
3. Driving tips for preventative care: Never shift to Park or Reverse until the car is at a complete stop. Never shift from Park to anything else if the engine speed is above idle. Always step on the brake when shifting from Park to anything else.
Side Note: never allow a tow truck to tow your car with its drive wheels on the road. (Front wheel drive vehicles must be towed by its front, vice versa for rear wheel drive vehicles. For All Wheel Drive/4X4 vehicles or for those of you that either don't know what your vehicle is/don't want a conventional tow truck, you need to request a Flat-Bed tow truck.)
Ok, what if I've already got problems with my tranny?
Ask mrazntre to fix it for you. Very nicely. Mention beer.
I'd advise you to take it in to get serviced. Sometimes the fluid just needs replacing. Other times, if the tranny issues are that advanced, it's not a good idea to drive it at all. Use your own judgement. What I mean is if the tranny won't shift at all, you obviously shouldn't drive it. If it shifts rough but is relatively stable, you should be able to go a short distance. If in doubt, call a tow truck. One thing, however, remains constant -- Your tranny will not fix itself, so don't ignore it!
Keep in mind these are only guidelines and common best practices, so if you get killed while driving, it's really your own fault and not mine.
What is the main culprit in damaging your auto-tranny?
Most transmission troubles start after overheating. If you put the transmission under heavy load -- which could be as complicated as towing a heavy trailer, or as simple as driving in continuous stop and go traffic in hot weather -- chances are the transmission may overheat. At high temperatures, the transmission fluid undergoes viscosity breakdown, losing lubricating properties and leaving deposits on the tranny's internals. Rubber seals and gaskets are also subjected to this heat, and tend to harden up and lose their ability to stop fluid leakage.
Fine, overheating = bad. How do I protect my tranny?
1. If you don't read on any further, at least remember this. Leaks are the devil. The one thing I notice about the general populace is that nobody looks under their car anymore, and nobody cares about checking out their usual parking spaces for new drops of fluid. About the only thing that is OK is drops of clean water dripping from your air conditioning compressor. Anything else is simply BAD. If you notice anything leaking, get it fixed as quickly as possible. Don't put it off until the next weekend, and absolutely do not ignore it.
2. Check your transmission fluid regularly. Once a month for normal driving in normal weather. Every other fuel stop if you drive like a maniac, or in hot weather. Every fuel stop if you tow heavy stuff constantly (not including your fat sugar momma). The fluid level should fall within specs, and should be a light or dark reddish brown. If you're feeling adventurous, smell the fluid: if it smells like burnt ass then you better change it. If the fluid itself is dark brown or peuter and sparkly, it's time to change it. Since every vehicle is different, consult your vehicle manual for instructions on how to check this. One thing for sure is that automatic transmissions can't be consistently drained completely without taking the sucker out. The reason for this is because some fluid is always still left in some internal tranny components such as the torque converter or valve body. Usually you can only drain about 60-75% of the fluid with the tranny in the car.
3. Driving tips for preventative care: Never shift to Park or Reverse until the car is at a complete stop. Never shift from Park to anything else if the engine speed is above idle. Always step on the brake when shifting from Park to anything else.
Side Note: never allow a tow truck to tow your car with its drive wheels on the road. (Front wheel drive vehicles must be towed by its front, vice versa for rear wheel drive vehicles. For All Wheel Drive/4X4 vehicles or for those of you that either don't know what your vehicle is/don't want a conventional tow truck, you need to request a Flat-Bed tow truck.)
Ok, what if I've already got problems with my tranny?
Ask mrazntre to fix it for you. Very nicely. Mention beer.
I'd advise you to take it in to get serviced. Sometimes the fluid just needs replacing. Other times, if the tranny issues are that advanced, it's not a good idea to drive it at all. Use your own judgement. What I mean is if the tranny won't shift at all, you obviously shouldn't drive it. If it shifts rough but is relatively stable, you should be able to go a short distance. If in doubt, call a tow truck. One thing, however, remains constant -- Your tranny will not fix itself, so don't ignore it!