subject: Tips for Automatic Transmission Repair [print this page] Tips for Automatic Transmission Repair Tips for Automatic Transmission Repair
Most modern vehicles have automatic transmission systems and problems with these systems are common and very expensive. More people are doing DIY or do-it-yourself auto repair for various reasons such as to save on repair costs, as a hobby, and as a way of spending time with family and/or friends. Such things as oil changes are easy to do, but if you have serious problems such as trouble with your brakes, you should enlist the services of a professional.
Knowing how to do transmission and auto repair is important in that, even if you have to take your vehicle to a mechanic, you will avoid getting overcharged. To understand automatic transmission repair, you first need to understand how the automatic transmission system works. The key parts in this system are the gears, the transmission fluid, the bell housing, and the filter. The two scenarios of automatic transmission problems is the car failing to run and the car failing to run smoothly. The first step when handling an automatic transmission problem is troubleshooting. The most common cause of automatic transmission problems is running low on transmission fluid. You will know you have this problem if you have low drive power, if the transmission is rough or noisy, and if the transmission slips. You should not wait until you have this problem check the fluid level regularly. This is a dangerous problem because it can damage the whole transmission system.
Another common problem with automatic transmission systems is having a leak. This leads to drastic drops in the fluid level. Transmission systems are closed systems, meaning it is easy to pinpoint the places through which the transmission fluid can leak. These are at the filler tube's base, at the selector shaft, at the drain hole, at the mounting of the speed sensor, between the transmission and the engine, and at the radiator if your vehicle comes with a cooler. To remedy this problem, go to your transmission shop, buy a sealant, and cover the parts that are leaking. Most vehicle manufacturers recommend the type of sealant you should use.
Another of the common automatic transmission problems is clogged filters. Filters are important in transmission systems because they filter out debris from the fluid. If you do not unclog your filter regularly, transmission fluid will not reach the gears and this will lead to tear and wear. There is also a risk of big pieces of debris reaching the gears and this will also lead to tear and wear. To remedy this problem, take your vehicle in for transmission service, which includes the replacing of filters.
Yet another problem with automatic transmission systems is the transmission failing to downshift and the pedal being completely low. This problem is usually caused by a defective throttle valve cable. To remedy this problem, buy another throttle valve cable from your local tune-ups shop and replace it. This is easy since most vehicle user manuals indicate how it should be done. To avoid the accidental deployment of airbags, disable your vehicle's airbag system before removing this cable.
If the car is not starting and/or the park and neutral gears are not functioning, this might be an indication that the neutral start switch is defective. The car repair option for this problem is disabling the vehicle's airbag system, disconnecting the negative terminal on the vehicle's battery, putting the vehicle on the neutral gear, and then replacing the neutral start switch.
