The automatic transmission should be serviced at regular intervals, if maximum operational economy is to be realized.
Industry authorities recommend that the fluid and the filter (if it's a "disposable type") should be changed every year or 12,000 miles - whichever comes first.
During the service - and usually Free Of Additional Charge - a road check should be made, accompanied by an under-hood and under-car inspection to determine the condition of all driveline components and transmission accessories.
Automatic transmission fluid should be checked every 10,000 miles, and its level, color, and smell noted.
Low fluid will literally always indicate a leak or a malfunction in the transmission, or its other related components.
LEAKING FLUID is often-times "your transmission's way of 'yelling for help'."
IF LEAKS ARE DETECTED, then you should consult with an A.T.R.A. CERTIFIED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TECHNICIAN right away.
BE AWARE OF CHANGES IN DRIVING CHARACTERISTICS OF YOUR CAR - Late or early shifting, slipping -- or noises of any kind should be diagnosed, immediately; both from the standpoint of ECONOMY, AND SAFETY!
Virtually always, the "quiet vehicle" which "operates properly" is a safe vehicle. It costs you little or nothing to have a competent mechanic check your car, from time to time, to determine whether defects exist or the vehicle is road worthy and safe.
EXCESSIVE HEAT is a major cause of premature transmission failure.
The vehicle's cooling system should be checked regularly, and repair made without delay, if necessary.
Rocking a vehicle back and forth when stuck in SNOW OR SAND, will often have the transmission operating in excess of 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Should this occur, you are most certainly in for an immediate transmission failure or problem.
HEAVY LOADS will cause overheating, and can reduce transmission fluid life tremendously.
Care should be taken NOT TO EXCEED THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER'S recommendation for weight limits-loading-or-trailering.
PROPER ENGINE TUNE-UP is extremely important to the
life of the automatic transmission.
Some transmissions use engine vacuum to control shift
quality and hydraulic pressure, and with the types which do -- "engine
tune" becomes even more critical.
EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR -- are without a doubt your "best bet" when searching for minimized vehicle operation cost. Left unattended, small malfunctions can, and usually will, lead to serious, major repairs.
CAN YOU EXPECT A TECHNICIAN TO DIAGNOSE YOUR
TRANSMISSION PROBLEM OVER THE TELEPHONE?
NO. A technician must be allowed to go through a complete diagnostic procedure
to determine whether or not there is a problem, and if there is, what it will
take to repair.
CAN A LEGITIMATE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TECHNICIAN
DIAGNOSE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WITHOUT REMOVING THE TRANSMISSION FROM THE CAR?
In most cases, "yes" Diagnostic checks will usually allow the
technician to localize the problem to a specific area, inside the transmission.
CAN NON-TRANSMISSION RELATED COMPONENTS AFFECT
TRANSMISSION OPERATIONS?
YES. All auto manufacturers offer one or more transmissions that are computer
controlled. Electrical components that are used for engine performance,
cruise control as well as systems that control other electronic features can
cause poor transmission operation. Complete failure of the transmission may be
caused by an electronic component outside of the transmission.
CAN AN EXACT PRICE FOR REPAIRS BE QUOTED BEFORE THE
TRANSMISSION IS COMPLETELY DISASSEMBLED?
It depends largely on what is found during the diagnosis. If an exact price
cannot be determined, then a minimum and a maximum price can be quoted in many
cases pending more in depth examination of the transmission.
ABOVE ALL -- When automatic transmission service or repair is necessary -- LOOK FOR THE SIGN OF QUALITY, displayed proudly by INDEPENDENT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHOPS all over the UNITED STATES and CANADA.
ATRA
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION REBUILDERS ASSOCIATION