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Transmission
 

The transmission is a device that is connected to the back of the engine and sends the power from the engine to the drive wheels. An automobile engine runs at its best at a certain RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) range and it is the transmission's job to make sure that the power is delivered to the wheels while keeping the engine within that range. It does this through various gear combinations. In first gear, the engine turns much faster in relation to the drive wheels, while in high gear the engine is loafing even though the car may be going in excess of 70 MPH. In addition to the various forward gears, a transmission also has a neutral position which disconnects the engine from the drive wheels, and reverse, which causes the drive wheels to turn in the opposite direction allowing you to back up. Finally, there is the Park position. In this position, a latch mechanism (not unlike a deadbolt lock on a door) is inserted into a slot in the output shaft to lock the drive wheels and keep them from turning, thereby preventing the vehicle from rolling.

There are two basic types of automatic transmission based on whether the vehicle is rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive

An automatic transmissions that is acting up may need to be repaired or replaced. Replacement is an expensive option (typically $1800 to $2500 or more!), but in many cases it is the only option unless the problem is relatively minor. Why? Because rebuilding an automatic transmission requires special training, experience and tools.

Most general repair shops and new car dealerships won't even attempt a transmission overhaul in-house. They will replace a bad transmission with one that has been professionally rebuilt by a rebuilder who specializes in transmissions. Many transmission shops do the same thing. It is much faster, easier and less trouble to install a remanufactured transmission than to attempt the job themselves. A rebuilt transmission from a transmission rebuilder or a factory-authorized rebuilder comes with a warranty and is usually pre-tested.

The only other replacement option is to buy a used transmission from a salvage yard. You never know what you are getting when you buy a used transmission, so it is a gamble. Some salvage yards will exchange a transmission they sold you for another if the first one turns out to be no good, but others may not.

Automatic transmissions are more difficult to diagnose than manual transmissions. If the transmission is slipping, shifting oddly, making noise, won't go into a particular gear, etc., the list of possible causes runs the gamut from low transmission fluid to a faulty pump, solenoid, valve body or controller. With electronic automatics in late-model vehicles, scanning the on-board diagnostics may reveal one or more to shed light on what may be wrong with the transmission. But on older mechanical automatic transmissions, there are no fault codes. Diagnosis typically requires pressure tests and/or a road test.

Out with the old and in with the new. Transmission fluid flushing is a service that replaces old worn-out with fresh new fluid to prolong the life of the transmission. Considering the fact that it costs $1,500 to $2,200 or more to replace a transmission or transaxle these days, the cost of a fluid flush is peanuts by comparison. Spending $30 to $90 every 30,000 miles to have the ATF replaced can be one of the smartest investments you can make in protecting your transmission. Just like regular oil and filter changes, replacing the ATF for preventive maintenance can reduce the risk of a premature transmission failure and the need for expensive repairs.

Flushing can prolong the life of a transmission, provided it is done fairly regularly, say every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. But if the transmission on a high mileage vehicle (say over 100,000 miles) has near been flushed, it's probably best to NOT flush the fluid. Here's why: The detergents in new ATF may loosen up accumulated crud inside the transmission, which could cause some problems within a few thousand miles or so after the flush. So if your fluid has never been changed and your vehicle has a lot of miles on it, it is probably best to just leave the fluid alone and top off the fluid level as needed if it is low.