Caution! You may not need a new or re-manufactured transmission!!
Sometimes there can be problems with your transmission that are easily fixed. Some disreputable shops and dealers may try to convince you that your transmission is shot when the problem may be something as simple as low fluid or a broken wire on a solenoid.
The difference? A few hundred dollars versus thousands of dollars.
What should you do?
- Ask the repair shop or dealer for a written estimate
Bring the vehicle to us for a free diagnosis. We will hook up to your car’s computer to analyze diagnostic information and take it for a test drive- We will give you a written estimate. Since we are a family-owned business we have no franchise fees or expensive overhead, so we can often offer you a lower price
- You decide
Some examples of easy repairs:
Sluggish shifts or drops out of gear:
Your transmission fluid may be low. If the fluid is low, your transmission may not be able to generate the force needed to shift gears. Low fluid may also cause excessive heat in your transmission.
How do we diagnose? The Transmission Control Unit may collect codes that we can read from your car’s computer diagnostic port. Of course, on most transmissions there is a dip stick where we can check both the level and condition of your transmission fluid. We can inspect the under-side of your vehicle looking for signs of leaks.
The solution? We may be able to solve the problem by adding fluid. If the fluid is discolored, we may recommend draining the fluid, cleaning out the pan and putting in new fluid and a filter. If there are signs of leaks, we may also replace the gasket or lines where the leak is occurring.
Slow shifting or stuck in gear:
Electronically controlled automatic transmissions shift gears by using a solenoid to regulate the fluid pressure to select the appropriate gear. If the shift solenoid is not receiving proper electric current, a wire is broken, or dirty transmission fluid has caused it to become stuck open / closed, the gears may not engage properly.
How do we diagnose? Quite often when we hook up to the vehicle diagnostic port, we can view codes that your car has collected which will often pinpoint a specific problem.
The solution? Remove and clean oil pan, replace solenoid, replace fluid, and transmission filter.
The transmission doesn’t correctly shift out of a low gear when you accelerate or doesn’t downshift when you stop at a light
You could have a problem with the Transmission Control Module (TCM) or Transmission Control Unit (TCU). This is a computer programmed to change gears in your transmission for optimum performance and fuel economy. Transmissions used to be controlled with hydro mechanical controls but since the 1980’s, they have been evolving to more electronics and automation. Today’s unit senses vehicle speed, wheel speed, throttle position, turbine speed, transmission fluid temperature, brake plus inputs from the Traction Control System (TCS) and Cruise Control Module (CCM). The TCM translates these inputs to operate pressure control solenoids, shift solenoids, torque converter clutch solenoid and may output to the engine control unit to change timing or reduce fuel for a few milliseconds to reduce the load on the transmission when shifting.
How do we diagnose? We will connect to the car’s computer diagnostic port to see if error codes have been collected. We will test the TCM by comparing actual readings to the manufacturer specified readings
The solution? if we can’t reset it, we will unplug the old TCM and plug in a new one.
Transmission Fluid Leaks Out Dip Stick
For antique or hot rod cars that are only driven occasionally, sometimes insects such as mud daubers may clog the vent tubes on the transmission. For off-road vehicles that drive thru mud, it may cake up on the top of the transmission and clog the transmission vent tubes. When the fluid gets hot when driving, it expands and with no vents, it may be forced up the dip stick or may cause a gurgling sound.
How do we diagnose? Visual inspection of the transmission will reveal the problem. When re-filling the transmission with fluid, it may not drain out of the funnel.
The solution? Clean out the vent tube