Spotting problems before they get worse
1. Watch for leaks or stains under the car
If there is a persistent red oil leak that you are sure is coming from your car, you should have your workshop check to see if it is coming from your transmission or possibly from your power steering system (most power steering systems also use transmission fluid and leaks can appear on the ground in roughly the same area as transmission leaks.) If all you see is drops on the ground, you may be able to postpone repairs as long as you check your fluid level often (but check with your mechanic to be sure.) If transmission fluid levels go down below minimum levels, serious damage can occur (the same advice goes to power steering leaks as well.)
2. Check fluid for colour and odor
Most manufactures require that you check your transmission fluid level while the engine is running and on level ground.
Pull the transmission dipstick out and check the fluid for colour and odor (smell.) Transmission fluid is a transparent red oil that looks like cherry cough syrup. If the fluid is cloudy or muddy, that is a burned odor. You should have it checked by you mechanic who will most likely advise you to have a transmission drain and refill or transmission tune-up. See the maintenance section below for details on this service.
3. Be sensitive to new noises, vibrations and shift behavior
A modern transmission should shift smoothly and quite under a light acceleration. Heavier acceleration should produce firmer shifts at higher speeds. If shift points are erratic or you hear noises when shifting, you should have it checked out immediately. Whining noises coming from the floorboard are also a cause of concern. If caught early, many problems can be resolved without costly transmission overhauls. Even if you feel that you can't afford repairs at this time, you should at least have it checked. The mechanic may be able to give you some hints on what to do and not to do to prolong the transmission life until you can afford the repair.
Maintenance
Transmission fluid should be changed periodically. Your owner's manual should give you the recommended intervals which could be anywhere from 30,000km to 150,oookm. Most transmission experts recommend changing the fluid and filter every 40,000km.
Few transmissions have drain plugs to drain the old fluid. In order to get the fluid out, the mechanic removes the transmission oil pan. This is quite a messy job and generally not recommended for the casual do-it-yourself. Even if the transmission have a drain plug, the only way to also change the transmission filter is to remove the pan. when the pan is down, the mechanic can check for metal shavings and other debris which are indicators of impending transmission problems.
Im most cases during these transmission service, only about half the oil is able to remove from the unit. This is because the oil is in the torque converter and and cooler lines and cannot be drained without major disassembly. The fluid change intervals are based on the fact that some old fluid remains in the system.
When the transmission is serviced, make sure the correct fluid is used to re-fill it. Each transmission manufacturer has their own recommendation for the proper fluid to be used and the internal components are designed for the specific formula.
Toyota sometimes uses Type IV which is only available through Toyota and Lexus parts departments.. A transmission will not work properly or may even slip or shudder with the incorrect fluid, so make sure that you double check. You owner's manual will tell you which fluid is required. Naturally, you owner's manual will convince you to only use the manufacturer's branded fluid, but they will also provide you with the specs for the oil.
If the aftermarket products indicates on its container that they meet or exceed the specs for a particular type of transmission fluid, it is generally ok to use that product.
Trans Cooler
Running a cooler transmission especially in Tropical Climates
The key to automatic transmission life is keeping the fluid fresh, clean and cool. When the fluid temperature exceed the optimum operating range of 71'C to 93'C it begins to break down, decreasing the life of the fluid and in turn the life of the seals, bearing and all moving parts. Installation of a transmission cooler such as Perma-Cool will extend the life of the transmission and prevent costly repairs.
- Extends life of transmission and fluid
- Improves Performance
- Helps prevent radiator boil over
