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2. I have a leak. Can you tell me how much it will cost to repair
it?
There
are numerous places that a transmission can leak. They include: the pump,
shift lever seal/s, kickdown seal, electrical connection/s, governor cover,
speedometer, rear output seal or axle seals, servo cover/s, filler tube,
throttle cable, pan, side cover, cooler lines, and differential cover.
The
real question is: What is/are the source/s of the leak/s. Most people
can only see the bottom of the unit, and therefore conclude that the bottom
pan gasket is leaking when, in reality, the leak is from above and running
down and around the pan. Therefore, it is imperative that the unit be visually
inspected to evaluate the leak situation!
So,
the answer to the question is: No, I can't without seeing the vehicle.
Back to the Questions
3. Can I drive with a transmission leak?
It
depends on the rate of fluid loss. A minor or slow leak will allow you to
drive as long as you maintain the level in the normal range. You will have
to establish the rate of loss and replenish as necessary. It should be obvious
that if fluid is running out as a stream, that you won't go very far. A transmission
will usually operate "normal" until the fluid loss is a quart or more. Then
the unit will exhibit abnormal operating symptoms and internal damage is occurring.
What started as only a leak can result in a major repair bill if ignored!
Back to the Questions
4. Can you tell me how much it will cost to overhaul my transmission?
My
first question back to you is: Which model transmission do you have and how
do you know it needs to be overhauled? Occasionally, a poorly running engine,
restricted exhaust, computer or sensor, poor electrical ground, or other problem
not internal to the transmission will be the cause of abnormal operation.
Tragically, I have had numerous vehicles brought into the shop having had
major work done on the transmission itself or the unit replaced, but the operation
problem is still present. This usually turns out that the problem was never
in the transmission, therefore never resolved. What a waste!
Back to the Questions
5. How long does a transmission normally last?
The
is no accurate answer to that question. The mileage or time of use before
major problems occur will vary greatly, and therefore, I don't see a correlation
between mileage and expected transmission failure. It is not unusual that
the first few years after a newly designed transmission hits the road, that
early failures occur. But, in later years with updates to the original design,
the units become more reliable. The three major factors in the life expectancy
are periodic maintenance, maintaining proper fluid level, and driving habits.
Back to the Questions
6. How can I make my transmission last longer?
Just
like the dentist tells you, "Don't ignore them." Check the fluid level and
condition periodically, repair any leaks/problems promptly, service the unit
on a regular basis, and add an auxiliary cooler if the vehicle is used for
towing, commercial, or high ambient temperature climates. Some units should
have a shift kit installed. Synthetic fluid may benefit some applications.
Check with us for advice to your specific application and needs.
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7. What is a "shift kit?"
The
kit is an aftermarket service pack that has been researched and developed
to compensate for design deficiencies discovered in a particular transmission.
In most cases, the kit improves the quality of shifts, increases the internal
pressure that operates the unit, and provides better lubrication.
Note:
Not all transmissions need the kit.
Back to the Questions
8. Will it hurt to overfill the transmission?
In
a word, no! Although, it is possible that gross overfilling can cause the
fluid to be subjected to moving parts and become aerated which could cause
abnormal operation. You may also notice leaks that ordinarily would not occur.
Back to the Questions
9. Will overfilling "blow" seals?
In
a word, no! The transmission case is vented preventing pressure buildup in
normally un-pressurized areas. Severe overfilling can raise the fluid level
such that the transmission may lose fluid through the vent or leak from seals
that are above the normal fluid level, but the fact remains that the seals
that are under pressure and those that are not will not change because of
the fluid level.
Back to the Questions
10. If I tell you the symptoms, can you tell me what will repair
my problem?
I wish
it were that simple. Don't get me wrong, but rarely have I had such an accurate
description from a customer covering all needed information that the conclusion
reached from that description was the correct one. In most cases, if I performed
the repair based solely on the customer's perception, the problem would not
have been resolved. Most people, including general technicians, don't have
the depth of knowledge to adequately diagnose transmission problems.
The
best I can do is give you information that might help you understand the
problem or symptom, and provide some insight into some of the possible solutions.
Back to the Questions
11. I had repair work done, and now the transmission is acting
up.
If
you notice problems with your transmission right after other repair work
has been done, call it to the attention of the technician or facility that
performed the repair. Occasionally, a problem may be inadvertently created
during a repair. But, don't wait too long; this "unintended consequence"
should be investigated as soon as practical. Logic dictates that if the transmission
worked well before, it should after. Just remember to use some diplomacy.
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12. I have a computer controlled transmission and now the transmission
is acting up. What could it be? Do I need a new transmission?
If
you notice problems with your transmission, don't automatically assume that
the problem is actually in the transmission. Computers receive information
from numerous sensors, process the information, and then signal/operate the
transmission. Often, the problem is in one of the sensors, an electrical
connection, or system ground. In such a case, any work on the transmission
will not resolve the problem. Equipment called scanners can "read"
sensor values along with any codes stored in the computer and help pin point
the source of most problems.
Therefore,
it is imperative that the entire control system be diagnosed before the
transmission is attacked. Just remember, "It's not your Father's Oldsmobile
from the 60's. "
Back to the Questions
13. How do I find a good repair facility?
Maintaining
you vehicles today can represent a major investment. Therefore is it financially
important that you establish a relationship with a facility that you can
trust and have confidence in. As far as transmission repair, I generally
recommend the shop with the latest equipment and technology and adequately
trained technicians to solve any of your problems in a timely and professional
manner.
As
far as general repair, the most reliable approach is to ask friends, co-workers,
or members of any organization that you may belong to, who they use. That's
usually the best source to get reliable information about their experiences
with local repair facilities.
Contact
your local Better Business Bureau to find out how long they've been in operation,
how their track record has been in handling customer complaints, and other
valuable information.
When
you drive into a facility, use common sense. Does the shop present a credible,
professional appearance? Does the shop look clean and organized? Do the
employees appear to show pride and competence? Don't be afraid to use your
gut feeling.
If
you find a facility that you think will be right for you, have them perform
a minor repair or periodic maintenance service to see how they operate. Note
whether the final bill matches the estimate, if they keep you informed about
the progress of the job, and if the repair was done in a timely manner. Did
they push for more repairs than you felt were necessary?
When
you talk to the service writer, is he/she knowledgeable, concerned, listen
to you with the indication that they care about you as a person and not
a potential profit? Were all of you questions and concerns addressed to your
satisfaction, or did you feel intimidated? Most good shops will be interested
in helping you form a long lasting relationship, so tell them what your criteria
is from the start, and see if their answers match your expectations.
A good
relationship with a repair facility takes some investment of your time and
money, and should be done conscientiously, but the effort made can be invaluable
in the long run. The worst thing you can do is run from place to place chasing
all the come-ons, specials, and deals. Those never work out well.
Note:
Good service is not cheap, but bad service is a total waste of your time
and money!
Back to the Questions
14. Can I tow in overdrive?
It
is our advice to not tow while using overdrive; We recommend instead that
you use the "normal" drive position. You can also find advice in your vehicle's
operating manual. This will give you a chance to use the vehicle operating
manual to find the answer to the overdrive question. While you have the
manual out, checkout the required service intervals, recommended tire pressures,
etc. This is a book that is often ignored, but is filled with valuable information.
Back to the Questions
15. What does "scanning" a transmission do?
This
procedure involves attaching a hand-held diagnostic computer to a terminal
in your vehicle if your transmission is computer controlled. This device
is then used to communicate with your vehicle's computer to determine if
any trouble codes are present and to "read" the output from numerous electrical
sensors that feed information to the on-board computer. All of this information
is useful in determining the integrity of the electrical control system
for the transmission. Scanners have become very important in the diagnostic
process.
Note:
Expect a nominal charge for this service.
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