In view of the complexity of the AT design, it will be difficult for an average amateur mechanic to accurately diagnose its failures and restore repairs. In case of problems other than those listed below, the car owner should seek help from a car service workshop. You should also not rush to dismantle a faulty transmission, since many of its checks are carried out in situ (at the regular place).
Symptom | Possible reason |
ATF leaks | ATF is usually dark red in color. Traces of its leaks should not be confused with those from engine oil - the latter can be carried to the transmission crankcase by an oncoming air stream. |
To identify the source of the leak, first of all, clean the transmission case and its surrounding surfaces from dirt and grease - use a quality degreaser or perform a steam cleaning of the unit. Take the car for a short trip at low speed (so that traces of the leak are not carried far from its source). Jack up the car and place it on jack stands. Inspect the transmission case, visually identifying sources of ATF leakage. Most often these are: | |
a) Transmission oil pan (see chapters Car maintenance and automatic transmission (AT)); | |
b) ATF filler pipe (see chapter automatic transmission (AT); | |
c) Transmission connection pipes with ATF cooler and their fittings (see chapter automatic transmission (AT)); | |
d) speedometer sensor (see chapter automatic transmission (AT)). | |
ATF turns brown or smells like burning | ATF burned out and needs to be replaced. The possibility of internal defects in the transmission cannot be ruled out (see chapters Car maintenance and automatic transmission (AT)). |
Transmission does not automatically downshift (kick-down mode) when fully depressing the gas pedal | Kick-Down drive cable misadjusted (see chapter automatic transmission (AT)). |
There are general problems with gear selection | In Chapter automatic transmission (AT) describes the procedure for checking and adjusting the gear shift rod AT. The following are the most common problems that can be associated with traction control problems: |
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Transmission "jumps off" from the selected position, shifting is difficult or noisy, or does not ensure the forward movement of the car forward or backward | There are many possible causes of these failures, but only one of them falls within the purview of the average amateur mechanic - a violation of the ATF level. Check and top up/replace fluid if necessary (see chapter Car maintenance). In all other cases, the car should be driven away for diagnostics and restoration repair / transmission replacement to a car service workshop |