For most automatic vehicles, the manufacturers suggest that the transmission fluid be checked every 30,000 to 40,000 miles. However, unless there is a noticeable issue, such as trouble shifting, most drivers forget all about maintaining their automatic transmission fluid. What eventually happens, is that by the time that a mechanic performs your regular maintenance tune-up, [...]

There are several problems that can be resolved with an adjustment (A simple adjustment is one that can be made without removing the transmission from the vehicle.) or minor repair. If a late model transmission (computer-controlled transmissions started becoming popular in the early ’90s) is not shifting properly, it is often the result of a computer [...]

Transmission fluid should be changed periodically.  Your owner’s manual should give you the recommended intervals which could be anywhere from 15,000 miles to 100,000 miles.  Most transmission experts recommend changing the fluid and filter  every 25,000 miles. Few transmissions have drain plugs to drain the old fluid.  In order to get the fluid out, the [...]

An automatic transmission has many seals and gaskets to control the flow of hydraulic fluid and to keep it from leaking out.  There are two main external seals: the front seal and the rear seal. The front seal seals the point where the torque converter mounts to the transmission case. This seal allows fluid to [...]

Computer Controls The computer uses sensors on the engine and  transmission to detect such things as throttle position, vehicle speed, engine speed, engine load, brake pedal position, etc. to control exact shift points as well as how soft or firm the shift should be.  Once the computer receives this information, it then sends signals to [...]

The valve body is the control center of the automatic transmission.  It contains a maze of channels and passages that direct hydraulic fluid to the numerous valves which then activate the appropriate clutch pack or band servo to smoothly shift to the appropriate gear for each driving situation.  Each of the many valves in the [...]

The Hydraulic system is a complex maze of passages and tubes that sends transmission fluid under pressure to all parts of the transmission and torque converter.  The diagram at left is a simple one from a 3-speed automatic from the ’60s.  The newer systems are much more complex and are combined with computerized electrical components.  [...]