Information
Diagnosing Transmissions
Though they may be trying their best to do consumers a good service, transmission professionals who quote prices
for major repairs over the telephone are doing just the opposite.
First, even qualified automotive technicians who specialize in other areas of the car seldom have the ability
to observe and then relate all the information necessary to come to an accurate conclusion related to modern
transmissions. Then, there is the ever constant problem of conveying their observations in a manner that is
meaningful to the transmission specialist. For example, will one's definition of the terms slip, squeak, grind, squeal
and bump be the same as the transmission professional who is trying to interpret those terms? Categorically-no!
Next, have all the complicated diagnostic procedures been performed which are necessary to provide a correct
and cost effective repair recommendation? The odds are poor at the very best.. With today's sophisticated, electronically
controlled transmissions, in many cases accurate diagnosis requires "high tech", very expensive diagnostic test equipment
before even the professional can render a qualified "opinion".
Further when it has been determined which system(s) in the transmission have failed, then the extent of the internal
damage must be determined before a meaningful price can be discussed. Short of performing the essential diagnostic
procedures, persons who quote prices are either guessing, with virtually thousands of variables or stating a meaningless
price which will have to be adjusted (usually upwards) once the work is in progress.
We could compare this situation to a patient who calls their dentist describing oral pain under a given set of circumstances.
Is the pain caused by a gum infection, a cavity, the need for root canal or is the only remedy complete tooth removal? The
average person would be less than confident if the dentist were to recommend root canal or extraction with such incomplete
information. The same is true in transmission diagnosis. Any meaningful diagnosis can only be rendered after a complete
inspection is performed.
Today's Transaxles/Transmissions
Your car's transmission is the vehicle's most complicated and least understood major component. In later model
cars, it is a combination of very sophisticated hydraulics and computer-controlled components.
Later model front wheel drive cars also incorporate the third major component. The differential or final drive,
into the body of the transmission itself. These types of transmissions are known as transaxles.
Front wheel drive configuration is efficient in terms of fuel economy, handling and manufacturing costs, however,
with the additional components housed within the transaxle unit, when it fails, it is generally more expensive to repair.
A transmission/transaxle properly rebuilt/remanufactured can deliver longevity equal to or in excess of your car's original. In
many cases, transmission models are updated in their component design(s) by the manufacturer to improve performance over earlier
units and/or overcome particular problem areas. A good transmission specialist should incorporate these updated designs
and parts into their rebuild despite any incurred additional expense, in order to make certain that his customer receives the
longest transmission life possible and to reduce any warranty liability from premature failure.
For vehicles used in our severe driving conditions, there are additional precautions which can be taken to insure
against premature failure and make a vehicle better able to deliver the desired performance.
Some severe driving conditions include our very warm summer climate, heavy city(stop and go) driving and towing
trailers. Under these conditions it is essential to install an additional transmission cooler. Also and annual transmission
service can give you an idea of it's general condition.
Why an additional cooler?
Today's emission controls can add 11 C more heat.
Today's power steering can add 6 C more heat.
Today's air conditioning can add 10 C more heat.
Automatic Transmissions can add 10 C more heat.
As shown above an extra 37 C extra heat is created from just normal driving conditions, when you
add extra weight such as boat towing, trailer towing, caravans, etc. temperatures of 130 C are not uncommon.
That is asking for expensive trouble. Yet with a modest investment in an additional cooler, you can extend the life of not only your
transmission but also your engine bearing and other vital components.
If you subject your vehicle to these types of conditions, please feel free to contact us, we will be pleased to make
the appropriate recommendations, and install a cooler to meet your needs from our extensive stock. There is of
course NO obligation on your part.
Do I have a Transmission Problem?
When you come to a stop does your car stall? While driving down the freeway do you feel a shudder?
Have you ever tried to pass another car and felt like someone abruptly applied the brakes? You
would not be alone if you blamed the transmission for causing these problems. In fact, these transmission
problems may be due to something else.
We are all aware that late model cars use a computer to control the engine. Many cars use the same computer
or another computer which shares the same information, to control the fuel injection, ignition and transmission.
Automotive engineers did this in order to achieve more efficiency and better fuel economy. This means that your engine
and transmission are connected together in more ways than just simply being bolted to one another.
Since the engine and the transmission are controlled and work together, they are referred to as a "Powertrain".
Consider that shudder you felt cruising down the highway. The computer is using sensors on the engine and
transmission to detect such things as throttle position, vehicle speed, transmission input speed, stop light switch position, etc.
As you drive the car, you are constantly changing the demands on the powertrain (acceleration, cruising, passing, coasting and idling).
The computer recognizes this by monitoring various sensors. To improve fuel economy, the computer will (under the right conditions) engage
a clutch inside the torque converter.
NOTE: The torque converter is a device located between the engine and transmission. It is filled with hydraulic oil (automatic transmission fluid).
The hydraulic oil coupled with the design of the torque converter allows the engine to run slowly at an idle (like being
disconnected) with the vehicle stopped. At higher engine speeds, torque is transferred through the hydraulic
oil to the transmission.
Without special equipment and experience, no one can tell if a shudder is caused by something slipping inside the transmission, the
torque converter, a weak spark, a dirty fuel injector or a loose electrical connection. We as transmission specialist can best determine
what, if anything your transmission requires.
Should you have any questions of any nature, please feel free to contact us, we will be pleased to assist you.
