A Transmission Repair Beats Replacing The Entire Car In A Tough Economy. If you have ever had a malfunctioning transmission, you know the first thing that usually comes to mind is how costly a transmission repair could be. You wished that you had the knowledge to perform the same checks that transmission repair shops do or at least be able to speak knowledgeable with the technician. For example, would you know that hard shifting on standard transmissions may be due to a bad master or slave cylinder and would not necessarily require a clutch replacement?
Having this ability could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars by preventing costly transmission services. Our goal today is to briefly provide you with an understanding of which key items to check before buying a rebuilt transmission or approving major car repairs.
Many transmissions break down due to design flaws. These are shortcomings that were not caused by abuse, misuse, lack of maintenance, or excessive mileage. A design flaw is characterized by a repeated decline in a specific mode of operation in any one type of automotive transmission. Many products are available from the manufacturer and in auto transmission service shops to remedy these type of problems. Do not rush to change your transmission.
Minor Transmission Repair Service There are several minor problems that can be resolved with a simple adjustment. If your transmission is shifting too early or too late, it may require an adjustment to the throttle cable. Since throttle cables rarely go out of adjustment on their own or due to wear and tear, this may signal other car repairs are going to be necessary. If the automobile has a vacuum modulator instead of a throttle cable, an adjustment screw is provided in some designs.
In modulated vehicles however, it is very important that there are no vacuum leaks and the engine is running at its utmost productivity. Engine vacuum is very susceptible to how well the engine is operating. In fact, many technicians use a vacuum gauge to diagnose performance problems. Many problems that seem to involve automotive transmission repair may disappear after a simple tune-up or service at your local transmission shop.
Transmission Repair Prevention Through Proper Maintenance & Driving Habits Maintaining your transmission is a very important part of overall car performance, along with getting your regular engine oil changes. Nevertheless, most drivers don't think twice about doing so until it starts acting up, by then it's too late. Here are a few basic tips to help you avoid future auto transmission damage:
- Schedule maintenance according to your automobile owner's manual
- When getting your oil changed, always select the service that includes a transmission fluid check
- Avoid operating your vehicle without tranny fluid or even if it's just low
- Never spin tires on turns with front wheel drive automobiles
- Do not drive your vehicle with any hint of transmission problems, this may turn into a very costly transmission repair
- Do not engage your 4-wheel drive on dry pavement. AWD or automatic 4-wheel drives are the exception
- Drive on spare tires or mismatched tire sizes with FWD or AWD vehicles in emergencies only
- Most manufacturers require that you check your fluid levels when the vehicle is running and on level ground. To check it, pull the transmission dipstick out and check the fluid for color and odor. The fluid is a transparent red oil that looks something like cherry cough syrup. If the fluid is cloudy or muddy, or it has a burned odor, you should have it checked by your technician right away, especially on Ford Transmission. Not doing so may very well result in a wallet-breaking transmission repair job.