How long should a transmission last?
There is no correlation between
mileage and expected transmission failure. However, it is not unusual the first few years of a new transmission design on
the market that early failures occur. Later, with improvements to the original design, the units become more reliable. The
major factors in the life expectancy are periodic maintenance, maintaining proper fluid level, and driving habits.
When
should my transmission fluid be checked?
During regular auto maintenance such as oil changes or when other fluid
levels are checked. 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. When the smell becomes very strong, then have the fluid changed. The mileage from the last service to now
becomes your service interval. Also, don’t forget to check the owner's manual.
Can I drive with a transmission
leak?
It depends on the rate of fluid loss. A slow leak will allow you to drive as long as the fluid level is
kept at normal range. A transmission will operate normal until the fluid loss is a quart or more. Beyond that the unit will
exhibit abnormal operation while internal damage is occurring. Just remember, if you have had to add transmission fluid often,
what starts as only a leak can result in a major repair if ignored.
I have a leak. Can you tell me how much
it will cost to repair it?
A leak can occur from the pump, shift lever seal, kickdown seal, electrical connection,
governor cover, speedometer, rear output seal or axle seal, servo cover, filler tube, throttle cable, pan, side cover, cooler
line and differential cover. In other words, the source of the leak may actually be from above then run down appearing around
the pan. It is therefore imperative that the unit is visually inspected to evaluate the leak. We can’t estimate the
cost without seeing the vehicle.
Does engine temperature affect the transmission’s performance?
Excessive
heat is a major cause of premature transmission failure. The vehicle’s cooling system should be checked regularly and
repairs made without delay.
I have a computer-controlled transmission and now the transmission is acting up.
Do I need a new transmission?
If you notice transmission trouble, the problem may not actually be the transmission.
Computers receive information from many sensors; they process that information in order to operate the transmission. Often
the problem is in one of the sensors, an electrical connection or system ground. Computer scanners can read the codes stored
in the control system and identify the source of most problems.
I had recent repair/maintenance work done and
now have transmission trouble.
If you notice problems with your transmission right after another repair, call
it to the attention of the technician that performed the repair. Occasionally, a problem can be inadvertently created. But
don’t wait long; this unintended trouble should be investigated as soon as possible. Logic dictates that if the transmission
worked well before, then it should also after. Please remember to be courteous.
Is burnt fluid bad?
Not
necessarily. The fluid will become brown and start to smell burnt as a normal course of operation of the transmission. The
rate at which it changes from its normal red color is a matter of the operating temperature of the transmission and time.
