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Ten Ways To Prolong The Life Of Your Transmission


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#1
comanche91

Posted 30 June 2014 - 10:38 AM

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The automatic transmission brings the power from the engine to the drive wheels through a series of gear sets and friction devices (known as “Clutches and Bands”). It has a brain (called the “Valve Body”) which responds to electrical and hydraulic signals that tell the transmission when and how to shift. It has a heart (known as the “Pump”) which provides the hydraulic pressure necessary to provide lubrication and apply the appropriate friction devices. Although it may sound simple it is the most complex component in any automobile. It may have as many as 1,000 parts, each having to function perfectly with the others in order to work properly.

Why Maintain Your Transmission?

Anything that has nearly 1,000 parts is likely to be expensive to repair. So investing periodically in replacement of the fluid and filter along with a thorough inspection can only serve to prolong the transmission’s life and might save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

1. Check transmission fluid regularly and properly. (See Owner’s Manual for Details)

2. Check transmission fluid after running hot. Stop and go traffic, hilly terrain, hot weather, or towing can build up excess transmission heat causing fluid to be lost, damaged, or both. Check it no later than your next stop for gasoline.

3. Install an external cooler in high stress conditions. Towing a trailer, hauling heavy loads, or being stuck in traffic often creates excessive transmission heat. An external transmission cooler will help to bring the temperature down to normal operating level adding significantly to the life of the transmission.

4. Change transmission fluid more often in high stress conditions. Transmission fluid cools, cleans, and lubricates the internal transmission parts while providing the hydraulic pressure to make all of the components work together. When the fluid loses its ability to perform those tasks efficiently trouble can’t be far away. Any of the conditions in items 2 & 3 above will shorten the effective life of transmission fluid. In those cases, change the fluid a minimum of twice a year (unless otherwise specified in the owners manual).

5. Check any malfunctions promptly. Repair bills tend to rise in proportion to mileage driven after the first signs of trouble. The longer you drive with a malfunctioning transmis­sion, the more damage you may cause, and the more money it may cost you.

6. Have the transmission linkage and other adjustments checked periodically. Especially after the vehicle has been in an accident or has had any major engine work performed.

7. Keep your engine properly tuned. A poor running engine can, at times, display symptoms similar to a transmission problem.

8. Have other drivetrain components that may affect transmission function checked regularly. Driveshafts and their universal joints, driveaxles and their constant velocity joints, engine flywheels or flexplates, computer system and sensors, radiator and cooling lines to the transmission, engine and transmission mountings can cause problems.

9. Have your vehicle’s cooling system checked twice a year for leaks, proper coolant level and strength. Antifreeze can deteriorate over time causing it to become ineffective creating overheating or freeze-up conditions.

10. Take your vehicle for a complete physical check up at least once a year. This should include all safety components such as lights, brakes and steering. Remember that a poor running engine or certain transmission problems can be a safety hazard.
If you make a habit of buying things you do not need, you will soon be selling things you do - Filipino Proverb

#2
nancylong

Posted 16 October 2014 - 03:03 AM

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Great tips indeed! You can make it a practice to check the transmission fluid in your engine on a regular basis. And the best and easy thing is by referring to your owner's manual to learn the proper procedure for doing so.

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#3
comanche91

Posted 16 October 2014 - 02:01 PM

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Unfortunately owner's manual does not go details into technical
If you make a habit of buying things you do not need, you will soon be selling things you do - Filipino Proverb

#4
vr2turbo

Posted 17 October 2014 - 08:55 AM

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QUOTE (comanche91 @ Oct 16 2014, 02:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Unfortunately owner's manual does not go details into technical

They want you to go back to their SC....... smile_blackeye.gif

#5
comanche91

Posted 17 October 2014 - 09:01 AM

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QUOTE (vr2turbo @ Oct 17 2014, 08:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
They want you to go back to their SC....... smile_blackeye.gif

If they teach you everything very soon they will close shop
If you make a habit of buying things you do not need, you will soon be selling things you do - Filipino Proverb

#6
vr2turbo

Posted 18 October 2014 - 01:19 PM

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QUOTE (comanche91 @ Oct 17 2014, 09:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If they teach you everything very soon they will close shop

But then how many really do DIY.....hahaha smile_tongue.gif