Automatic Transmission Fluid And Vehicle-Specific Formulations
Why are there so many types of automatic transmission fluid? You might ask yourself this question when you are tasked with ordering a few quarts for an Asian or European vehicle that rolls into your shop. While catering to specific carmaker demands can be a challenge, staying current with manufacturer recommendations is a must for today’s shops.
VIDEO: How Do Transmission Speed Sensors Work?
Andrew Markel shows the importance of the transmission speed sensor, and how it can reveal information such as if an automatic transmission is slipping. Sponsored by Standard.
VIDEO: Transmission Fluids In Modern Vehicles
Andrew Markel goes over the different types of transmission fluid and which applications they are used for. Sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.
Drive Shaft And Drivetrain Vibrations: Understanding The Order And Math
To determine if a vibration is vehicle- or engine-speed related, the easiest thing to do is slip the transmission into neutral and let the vehicle coast when the vibration is most noticeable. If the vibration continues, then the vibration is vehicle-speed related. Likewise, if the vibration subsides, the vibration is engine-speed related.
Solving Automatic Transmission Electronic Control Problems
Troubleshooting an automatic transmission can be one of the most intimidating diagnostic procedures at a shop. The first reaction is typically, “We don’t do that type of work,” but there is profit in performing drivetrain diagnostics and “in-the-car” repairs.
Dual Clutch Transmission Diagnostics
The dual-clutch transmission produces a drivetrain that has the efficiency of a manual transmission, but the ease of use of an automatic. Compared to automatic transmissions, one manufacturer claims a 5–10 percent reduction in fuel consumption from just this one feature.
Complete Clutch Replacement: No Noise, No Comeback
Diagnosing clutch and manual transmission noise can be a difficult diagnosis. There is no way of attaching a scan tool or looking into the bellhousing while the clutch is under load. Clutch diagnostics requires logic and understanding of how the parts interact.
Ford Fiesta Tech Tip: Automatic Transmission Grinding Or Rattling
Some 2011 Fiesta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and built on or before 1/13/2011 may exhibit a grind/rattle noise from the transaxle in 2nd and 4th gears. In some vehicles, the noise may also occur in reverse, in addition to 2nd and 4th gears. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
Dodge Stratus: Automatic Transmission Fluid Usage ATF+4
ATF+4 is being used as factory fill for Chrysler Group automatic transmissions. Mopar ATF+4 has exceptional durability. However, the red dye used in ATF+4 is not permanent; as the fluid ages, it may become darker or appear brown in color. ATF+4 also has a unique odor that may change with age. With ATF+4 fluid, color and odor are no longer indicators of fluid condition and do not necessarily support a fluid change.
Tech Tip: Ford/Lincoln/Mercury Transmission Fluid Leak
Follow these tips to diagnose and fix a transmission fluid leak on several Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models. The first step is to remove the LH halfshaft and inspect the halfshaft journal surface finish.
Get Inside The Mind Of A Modern Transmission
The transmission game has changed. Solenoids, sensors and computers have replaced vacuum lines, governors and kick down cables on modern automatic transmissions. The tools have also changed: Scan tools, scopes and meters have replaced pressure and vacuum gauges. Even with codes and datastream information, you must be able to think like the transmission to find the correct diagnosis, which typically doesn’t involve replacing the entire transmission.
Eaton Launches New Line Of Medium-Duty Dual Clutch Transmissions
Eaton has introduced Procision, a new line of medium-duty dual clutch transmissions that the company says delivers 8 to 10 percent better fuel economy than a similarly equipped vehicle with a torque converter automatic. Scheduled to be available in the North American market mid-year in 2015 and available globally in the future, the new seven-speed