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Identify The
Problem� |�
Check Transmission Fluid�
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Check Fluid Condition
Check The Engine To Transmission Communications Link
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Check Electronic Data
Accurate Documentation
The automatic transmission, the most complex mechanical
component in your vehicle, is directly connected to the engine,
emission and computer control systems.
These systems, which combine to form the power train, are so
interconnected that a malfunction in the transmission can appear as
an engine, computer or electrical problem. Worse yet, a fault in the
engine, computer or electrical system could be diagnosed as a
transmission problem.
To avoid misdiagnosis, we need to invest quality time in your
vehicle.
So please be patient.
We are doing a thorough job so that you can be sure your vehicle has
been accurately diagnosed.
To understand what your technician is doing, we?ve outlined
below the basic checks he must perform in order to make an accurate
diagnosis.
1)
Identify The Problem
Diagnosing and repairing your vehicle is our top priority.
In order to do that, however, we need to identify the cause of your
complaint. That?s why our diagnostic procedure includes a few simple
questions and a road test.
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2)
Check Transmission
Fluid The automatic transmission will not
operate correctly unless it contains the correct amount of
transmission fluid. If the fluid level is low, hydraulic pressures
will drop and eventually cause serious damage to internal
components. By checking the fluid level we can determine whether
your cars? malfunction may be due, in part, to a low fluid level;
which is often times caused by a minor leak.
Too much fluid can also cause serious problems. When the fluid level
is high enough to reach the spinning components inside the
transmission, the churning action traps air in the fluid, causing it
to foam. ?Foamy? fluid increases oxidation and can reduce pump
efficiency which could reduce internal pressures and cause serious
problems like band and clutch failure.
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3)
Check Fluid Condition
The condition of the fluid can reveal a great deal about an
automatic transmission. When the fluid is clean and red it usually
means that the unit has not sustained any internal damage and that
it has not been exposed to excessive heat.
If the fluid is still translucent but is slightly brown, it is worn
and needs to be replaced.
If, however, the fluid is either brown and smells burnt or is no
longer translucent, it indicates exposure to excessive heat, and a
serious problem with either the cooling system or the transmission.
When the fluid is pink and has the consistency of a strawberry
milkshake, it means that water has entered into the transmission. In
most cases, water in the unit means that both the transmission and
the cooling system will have to be repaired.
A sure sign of a serious transmission problem is black transmission
fluid. When the fluid is black, it indicates a serious internal
transmission problem.
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4)
Check The Engine To
Transmission Communications Link
For an automatic transmission to operate properly, the engine
and the transmission must communicate with each other at all
times via a communications link.
This link, which can vary depending on the vehicle, the
manufacturer and the transmission, can be a cable, a linkage,
a vacuum line, an electric sensor or a switch.
The link tells the transmission what the engine is doing so
that it can adjust accordingly. When the engine isn?t working
hard?under light load or light acceleration?neither should the
transmission.
Conversely, if the engine is under heavy acceleration or under
heavy load, the transmission must respond accordingly.
When a poor communications link exists, it can cause hard or
soft shifts, no shift at all or a torque convertor clutch
malfunction. And because any of these conditions can cause a
premature transmission failure, a thorough check of the
communications link should never be overlooked.
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5)
Check Electronic Data
Most vehicles on the road today are equipped with a variety of
sensors and electronic data gathering devices which include an
on-board computer, throttle position sensor, MAP and BARO sensors,
oxygen sensor and coolant temperature sensor. All of these
electronic controls send and receive information which can effect
the performance of both the engine and the transmission. As a
result, specialized diagnostic tests and equipment may be needed to
check these and other components to determine whether or not they
are contributing to the problem.
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6)
Accurate Documentation
Part of any complete diagnostic procedure includes
documenting the vehicles? performance and condition. An
accurate, well documented diagnostic procedure is critical to
our technicians who may work on any number of different
vehicles during the course of the day. Proper documentation is
also invaluable when ordering parts, sourcing technical
information and for future.
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QUALITY PARTS AND WORKMANSHIP
Whether it?s a filter for routine preventative maintenance, or
clutches and bands to completely rebuild the transmission, you
expect quality replacement parts and that?s why we use
Raybestos�, Borg Warner�, Transtech� and other various
products that meet O.E.M or higher specifications. Raybestos�,
an original equipment supplier to General Motors, Ford and
Chrysler is a leading supplier of products to the automotive
aftermarket and is your assurance of quality transmission
parts for your vehicle.
Good preliminary diagnostics, quality parts and pride in the
work we do are our ingredients for success. Now that you
understand the importance of a good diagnostic process, we
know you?ll appreciate the time we?ve invested in your
vehicle. After all, our goal is to do the job right and keep
you on the road mile after trouble-free mile.
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