The mileage or time of use before major problems occur will vary greatly, and therefore, I don’t see a correlation between mileage and expected transmission failure. The is no accurate answer to that question. What a waste! How long does a transmission normally last? This usually turns out that the problem was never in the transmission, therefore never resolved. Tragically, I have had numerous vehicles brought into the shop having had major work done on the transmission itself or the unit replaced, but the operation problem is still present. My first question back to you is: Which model transmission do you have and how do you know it needs to be overhauled? Occasionally, a poorly running engine, restricted exhaust, computer or sensor, poor electrical ground, or other problem not internal to the transmission will be the cause of abnormal operation. What started as only a leak can result in a major repair bill if ignored! Can you tell me how much it will cost to overhaul my transmission? Then the unit will exhibit abnormal operating symptoms and internal damage is occurring. A transmission will usually operate “normal” until the fluid loss is a quart or more. It should be obvious that if fluid is running out as a stream, that you won’t go very far. You will have to establish the rate of loss and replenish as necessary. A minor or slow leak will allow you to drive as long as you maintain the level in the normal range. So, the answer to the question is: No, I can’t without seeing the vehicle. Therefore, it is imperative that the unit be visually inspected to evaluate the leak situation! Most people can only see the bottom of the unit, and therefore conclude that the bottom pan gasket is leaking when, in reality, the leak is from above and running down and around the pan. The real question is: What is/are the source/s of the leak/s. They include: the pump, shift lever seal/s, kickdown seal, electrical connection/s, governor cover, speedometer, rear output seal or axle seals, servo cover/s, filler tube, throttle cable, pan, side cover, cooler lines, and differential cover. There are numerous places that a transmission can leak. Can you tell me how much it will cost to repair it?
This is especially important in front wheel drive vehicles. Have the leak diagnosed and repaired to prevent more serious problems.Īfter you have added fluid, drive the vehicle for a mile or two, then recheck the level. Tip: If the fluid level is low, you have a leak! Transmissions do not consume fluid. Some of the added fluid will adhere to the side of the filler tube and can give a false reading. Tip: If you have added fluid, go through the same procedure, but repeat the process several times before you look for a reading. This will stop the agitation and give an accurate level (no agitation) before the fluid in the torque converter has had a chance to drain back into the pan area which would give a false-high reading. The fluid volume expands when heated to operating temperature.Īnother method of checking the fluid is to turn off the engine and immediately check the level. Also, the difference of fluid temperature will affect the measurement. When the engine is started, the fluid in the pan area is used to fully charge the transmission and torque converter. Note: If you check the fluid level after the engine has been off for a long time, fluid from the torque converter will drain back into the pan area where the level is measured and give you a false high reading. Some transmissions are worse than others.
This creates an uneven level and some fluid will “slosh” onto the stick and give a false reading. The reason to check both sides of the dipstick is that after the fluid circulates through the transmission, it dumps back into the pan area and will cause an agitation of the fluid. Look at both sides of the stick to verify the same indication. How do I check the transmission fluid level?Īlways check the fluid level with the engine running (except Honda), the transmission in “park” (except Dodge products which should be in neutral with the emergency brake applied), and with the engine at operating temperature.