Hello, my name is Roy. For many years, I drove a 1976 Ford estate car around Sydney. The car had belonged to my grandpa. It was passed down to me when I had just passed my driving test at the age of 18. That was in 1986 and the car was already in a pretty bad condition then. Fast forward to 2006 and I was now aged 38 and still driving the same car around. Sometimes the car wouldn't start, white smoke came out of the exhaust and the gearbox made a terrible sound. I did my best to patch it up, but eventually, I had to scrap the car and buy a new one. I decided to start a blog to encourage others to service their cars.
It is easy to assume that the convenience that an automatic transmission offers is the sole reason for its popularity today. However, low maintenance is the reason why most drivers are attracted to automatic transmission cars. It can be attributed to the fact that an automatic transmission has few moving parts compared to a manual transmission. Consequently, it is easy to service an automatic transmission car at home, but you need to avoid certain mistakes. Read on for more information in this regard.
Mixing Transmission Drain Pan Bolts
Draining old and dirty transmission fluid is a crucial aspect of servicing an automatic transmission. Therefore, you will have to remove the transmission drain pan and clean it to ensure there is no debris remaining. However, you need to be careful when unbolting a transmission pan to avoid mixing the bolts. The reason is that mixing the bolts increases the chances of screwing them back in different holes. If a bolt does not fit snug in a hole, you will experience transmission fluid leaks down the road. An excellent strategy is to use cardboard with holes around it as a template for a transmission fluid pan. It will help you put to back each bolt in its hole for a tight fit.
Avoid External Pumps to Flush Transmission Fluid
You will come across different sources recommending transmission oil pumps as the easiest way to flush your automatic transmission system. While the pumps are convenient, they are more likely to introduce metal particles and clog ports inside a transmission drain pan. It is particularly the case if you do not configure a pump correctly. The best approach is to connect tubing to a transmission fluid tank, start a vehicle and let the transmission system do the pumping. Although it might take time, the procedure protects an automatic transmission system from impurities and enhances longevity.
Ignoring Signs of Drain Pan Magnet
Every transmission fluid drain pan is fitted with a magnet that traps all the metal shavings that drop into the pan. However, it is common for car owners to clean the metal shavings from the magnet but leave a transmission fluid filter on. However, it is a mistake because the amount of metal shavings present on a drain pan magnet indicate the level of filter deterioration. Therefore, if there are fewer metal shavings on the magnet, you do not have to replace the filter. However, if there is a thick layer of metal filings on the magnet, it is a clear sign the filter is failing and needs replacing.
Share9 September 2020
