Automatic Transmission Repair

What is involved in an Automatic Transmission Service and how often should it be done?

Automatic transmissions are complex systems that operate under extremes of load, heat, pressure and friction. Under normal operation, over a period of time, your transmission produces millions of tiny abrasive metal particles that are carried through your transmission by the oil. As a result the transmission, if not regularly serviced, incurs wear that could lead to parts failure, overheating or a complete breakdown.

An Automatic Transmission service should, at minimum, include the following:

-Old fluid must be drained out.

-The transmission oil pan should be removed and cleaned.

-The specialist will inspect the old oil and residue in the transmission oil pan for signs of metal filings or debris from the clutches which will indicate any internal damage or impending transmission problems.

-The filter should be removed and cleaned. (Some transmissions have a "throw-away" filter in which case a new filter should be fitted).

-The bands and controls (where applicable) must be checked and adjusted.

-The filter must be refitted.

-The transmission oil pan must be refitted using a new gasket.

-The transmission must be filled with new transmission fluid.

-The transmission should be checked for fluid leaks.

-The car should be road tested to check the transmission operation.

Please note that if your transmission oil is extremely degraded or contaminated, the technician might recommend a transmission flush to remove any contaminated oil that remains trapped in the cooler pipes or the torque converter.

This helps prolonging the life of your transmission; as the vehicle gets older, the transmission should be serviced every 12 months or 20,000 km (whichever occurs first). This is especially important if you do a lot of driving in heavy stop/start traffic.