Myth behind auto transmission fluid

compliment on our oil analysis and requested that we cover the aspects of ATF as well.
We believe that transmission is the most complex device in a car and needs very good care despite the fact that the owner of the car might want to sell or keep it for the next few months or not. In the case of automatic transmission have a complex design in comparison to manual transmission gears simply, differences with the clutches and bands responsible for moving gear sets and friction devices in that the automatic ones have a valve body which is like a brain for the transmission that decides when how to shift due to electronic and hydraulics signals.

You will realise that the repair costs for automatic gearboxes are pretty expensive. Hence, ensure that it is in good condition. We suggest that most automatic transmissions must be checked with the engine running and warm enough.
We suggest to the layman on how to check the transmission fluid. If you not sure how to check the automatic transmission fluid and pre-hints being that unlike all other oil products are usually accompanied by SAE and API ratings generally in case of ATF you should be able to find words “DEXRON 11”.

The colour should always be pink (reddish). The self actor should be able to take a drop of the oil and place it on a white cloth or paper towel to check the colour. Brand new oil should be pink but after circulating the colour gets darker and it is normal when the fluid is bright red and does not have any dark shades.

Brown colour is a sign of something wrong inside the transmission and maybe signs of burnt parts. As a result we believe that the clutch should be rebuilt or replaced at your earliest possible time.

• The level of the fluid should be watched because low fluids ruin the transmission more than anything else. Hence the need to have it constantly checked even monthly.

• In case of hot transmission demands frequent checks, hilly roads frequent stops, hot weather and towing influence the condition of the fluid. Because it either evaporates or damages more quickly than in other conditions.

General hints

• A good transmission with no problems gives a smooth ride quite drive and shifts gears without sound.

• Always check the speedometer and the potential engine speed (RPM) which should go from higher to lower when the transmission shifts up. There could be a flaw if the transmission if the RPM jumps up before going down.

• A simple way to check the clutch for proper operation is to analyse how quickly it shifts from park to drive or reverse. It should be done quickly, but if it takes several seconds, the vehicle may need attention.

• Reduce shifting. First of all, every time the transmission has to shift extra gas is used, so if a person neither does nor want to be wasteful, should be wise about shifting. Then shifting is the second cause for transmission wear.

• But at times frequent shifting is necessary especially city driving which needs “stop and go” every few metres or so especially these days in Harare. In such instances check your transmission twice a month. Let;s now look at the process.

• Your engine should idle and engage the parking and foot brakes then move gears through each selector as this affords that the fluids are circulating through the pumps and guarantees correct readings. Put the vehicle in park, but leave the brake engaged and the engine running.

• Pull the transmission dipstick out, wipe it clean with a cloth, the transmission dipstick is normally near the rear of the engine and check the markings on the end of the stick. Normally the usual markings are “FULL”. Inset the dipstick fully and remove it again to take a reading.

In cases when the engine is cool it should be at the upper end of the “COLD” mark. If the engine is hot, the level should be at the upper end of the “HOT” mark. This is typical of Zimbabwean temperatures.
When the transmission is warm, the level should be in the safe zone between the hash marks. If it’s lower, you should add some amount of automatic transmission fluid.

Let’s meet again for more Obel tit bits. Contact us on above cellphone numbers and or through Greenfield Mbeya 0774 215 505 .

PROUDLY ZIMBABWEAN
Check the fluid condition also: If it’s too black and has a burnt smell – your transmission is going to be damaged. Normally it should be clean and transparent, as in the image. Its color may be different, from red to brown. Wipe the dipstick with clean white paper and look at the paper. Normally there should be no black deposits, no metal particles, and no dirt left on the paper.

Never add fluid unless it is below the “ADD” mark and never bring it above the “FULL” mark. Make sure you check the transmission fluid type in the owner’s manual and use the correct transmission fluid for your vehicle. Do not substitute anything else. For example some Chrysler transmissions need only Chrysler specific type of fluid any other can destroy the transmission. The transmission fluid usually comes in 500 mls although some from UAE are in one litres you may need to add a little amount of the fluid at a time. Also, you will need a special funnel to get the fluid into the small tube that the dipstick came out of.

Wait for a couple of minutes for the fluid to flow down. Start the engine and check the level again before adding more fluids.