Ten Tips to a Healthy Transmission
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Table
of Contents
1.
Get to know your Automatic Transmission
(Show Me)
2. Ten ways to prolong
the life of your Transmission. (Show
Me)
3. Want your transmission
to live longer? Here are ten things you
should not do. (Show
Me)
4. Twenty indicators of
possible transmission trouble. (Show
Me)
5. Ten vehicle problems
sometimes misinterpreted by customers as
transmission trouble. (Show
Me)
6. Ten sounds that can
give early indication of transmission trouble.
(Show Me)
7. Ten things you should
not do when you think you have a transmission
problem. (Show Me)
8. Fluid Leaks are the
main cause of transmission failure. (Show
Me)
9. Why choose Lee Myles?
(Show Me)
10. Ten steps to the Lee
Myles diagnostic and repair procedure. (Show
Me)
Frequently Asked Questions.
(Show Me)
INTRODUCTION
This
information is produced by the Lee Myles TRANSMISSIONS & AutoCare Professionals. Taking
a few minutes to read it will better acquaint
you with the services we provide and allow
you to learn more about the proper care
of the automatic transmission in your
vehicle.
A
TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE
Lee
Myles is the most experienced name
brand in the transmission repair industry.
Our first Service Center opened in 1947,
not long after General Motors' Oldsmobile
Plant rolled the first automatic transmission
off the production line. Several years ago
Popular Science Magazine referred to Lee
Myles as "The Most Trusted Name In Transmissions"
and the description has stuck with us ever
since. Over more than a half-century our
experts have passed along their cumulative
experience through a system of training
developed by Lee Myles. This technical expertise
is your assurance that your vehicle's transmission
will be serviced, repaired, or replaced
properly and economically the first time.
It will also ensure that service at a Lee Myles TRANSMISSIONS & AutoCare Center will get you
back on the road quickly and confidently.
If you have any questions or concerns, just
call Lee Myles National Customer
Relations at 1-800-LEEMYLES. We
are here to help you.
(Table
of Contents)
Healthy
Transmission Tip #1.
GET
TO KNOW YOUR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The automatic transmission
brings the power from the engine to the
drive wheels through a series of gear sets
and friction devices (known as "Clutches
and Bands"). It has a brain (called the
"Valve Body") which responds to electrical
and hydraulic signals that tell the transmission
when and how to shift. It has a heart (known
as the "Pump") which provides the hydraulic
pressure necessary to provide lubrication
and apply the appropriate friction devices.
Although it may sound simple it is the most
complex component in any automobile. It
may have as many as 1,000 parts, each having
to function perfectly with the others in
order to work properly.
Why Maintain Your Transmission?
Anything that has nearly
1,000 parts is likely to be expensive to
repair. So investing periodically in replacement
of the fluid and filter along with a thorough
inspection can only serve to prolong the
transmission's life and might save you thousands
of dollars in the long run.
(Table
of Contents)
Healthy
Transmission Tip #2.
TEN
WAYS TO PROLONG THE LIFE OF YOUR TRANSMISSION
1. Check
transmission fluid regularly and properly.
(See
Owner's Manual for Details)
2.
Check transmission fluid after running hot.
Stop and go traffic, hilly terrain, hot
weather, or towing can build up excess transmission
heat causing fluid to be lost, damaged,
or both. Check it no later than your next
stop for gasoline.
3. Install
an external cooler in high stress conditions.
Towing a trailer, hauling heavy loads, or
being stuck in traffic often creates excessive
transmission heat. An external cooler can
help to prolong the life of your transmission
by reducing heat and friction.
4.
Change transmission fluid more often in
high stress conditions. Transmission
fluid cools, cleans, and lubricates the
internal transmission parts while providing
the hydraulic pressure to make all of the
components work together. When the fluid
loses its ability to perform those tasks
efficiently trouble can't be far away. Any
of the conditions in items 2 & 3 above
will shorten the effective life of transmission
fluid. In those cases, change the fluid
a minimum of twice a year (unless otherwise
specified in the owners manual).
5. Check
any malfunctions promptly. Repair bills
tend to rise in proportion to mileage driven
after the first signs of trouble. The longer
you drive with a malfunctioning transmission,
the more damage you may cause, and the more
money it may cost you.
6. Have
the transmission linkage and other adjustments
checked periodically. Especially after
the vehicle has been in an accident or has
had any major engine work performed.
7. Keep
your engine properly tuned. A poor running
engine can, at times, display symptoms similar
to a transmission problem.
8. Have
other drive train components that may affect
transmission function checked regularly.
Drive shafts and their universal joints,
drive axles and their constant velocity
joints, engine flywheels or flex plates,
computer system and sensors, radiator and
cooling lines to the transmission, engine
and transmission mountings can cause problems.
9. Have
your vehicle's cooling system checked twice
a year for leaks, proper coolant level and
strength. Antifreeze can deteriorate
over time causing it to become ineffective
creating overheating or freeze-up conditions.
10.
Take your vehicle for a complete physical
check up at least once a year. This
should include all safety components
such as lights, brakes and steering. Remember
that a poor running engine or certain transmission
problems can be a safety hazard.
