TRANSMISSION FLUID CHECK Regular Service When you consider how much work the transmission does, it makes good sense to change the automatic transmission fluid in your vehicle about every two years or 24,000 miles—more frequently if you tow or carry heavy loads. What’s normal Inspection of the fluid may show a certain amount of sediment
TRANSMISSION HESITATES If your vehicle’s automatic transmission hesitates when shifting gears, try checking the transmission fluid level. This involves locating the dipstick (easily accessible in the engine compartment), pulling it out, and checking to see if the level on the dipstick is between the “Full” and “Add” marks. The fluid itself should be bright, cherry
Automatic Transmission Fluid Check Concerns If the automatic transmission in your vehicle produces: strange sounds(including grinding) problems shifting gears exhibits slippage while shifting surges unexpectedly delays movement when put in gear it may be time to service the automatic transmission fluid (ATF). Aside from contamination, low levels of transmission fluid may also lead to: clutch
Engine Mounts What they do: Engine mounts support the engine and transmission. Most are of simple design, with metal attachment plates and large rubber insulator blocks that dampen noise and vibration from being transmitted to the rest of the vehicle. Signs of problems: While engine mounts are seldom checked, thumping or rattling noises coming from
A Look At Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) The Goal: With the goal of better fuel mileage, auto manufacturers are introducing more autos with “continuously variable transmissions” (CVTs). How they Work: In contrast to an automatic transmission, which has a set number of gear ratios, CVTs generally utilize a pair of variable-diameter pulleys (shaped like a
IS YOUR TRANSMISSION SLIPPING? If an automatic transmission fails to shift smoothly under acceleration and is instead making noises, creating vibration, or showing signs of altered shift behavior, a check of the transmission fluid and filter are in order. The transmission’s filter is vital to its performance. If it has not been replaced in a
