NOTE:
Due to the complexity of the automatic transmission, it is difficult for the home mechanic to properly diagnose and service this unit. For problems other than the following, the vehicle should be taken to a dealer service department or automatic transmission specialist.
Fluid leakage
» Automatic transmission fluid is usually deep red
in color. Fluid leaks should not be confused with
engine oil, which can easily be blown onto
the transmission by air flow.
» To determine the source of a leak, first remove all
built-up dirt and grime from the transmission housing
and surrounding areas, using a degreasing agent
or by steam-cleaning.
Drive the vehicle at low speed, so that air flow will not
blow the leak far from its source.
Raise and support the vehicle, and determine
where the leak is coming from.
The following are common areas of leakage.
a) Fluid pan.
b) Dipstick tube.
c) Transmission-to-fluid cooler
fluid pipes/unions.
Transmission fluid brown, or has burned smell
» Transmission fluid level low, or fluid in need of renewal.
General gear selection problems
Checking and adjusting the selector cable on automatic transmissions. The following are common problems
which may be caused by a poorly-adjusted cable:
a) Engine starting in gears other than Park or Neutral.
b) Indicator on gear selector lever pointing to
a gear other than the one actually being used.
c) Vehicle moves when in Park or Neutral.
d) Poor gear shift quality, or erratic gear changes. |
Transmission will not downshift (kickdown)
with accelerator pedal fully depressed
» Low transmission fluid level.
» Incorrect selector cable adjustment.
Engine will not start in any gear,
or starts in gears other than Park or Neutral
» Incorrect starter/inhibitor switch adjustment
- where applicable.
» Incorrect selector cable adjustment.
Transmission slips, shifts roughly, is noisy,
or has no drive in forward or reverse gears
» There are many probable causes for the above problems, but the home mechanic should be concerned with only one possibility - fluid level. Before taking the vehicle to a dealer or transmission specialist, check the fluid level and condition of the fluid. Correct the fluid level as necessary, or change the fluid and filter if needed. If the problem persists, professional help will be necessary. |
