Repair And Fix it

Ask any mechanic and youll be assured that having your transmission serviced on a regular basis is a smart move and will extend its life. Service can range from a basic service check to a pressurized flush. Aside from the fact that a flush replaces the old fluid in your transmission with new fluid, this procedure also cleans the filter and system; in addition, it can identify minor transmission issues before they become major problems.

General Benefits

A general transmission service involves removing the fluid pan, replacing the filter and gasket, and replacing some of the transmission fluid. According to Speed Lube, this routine service extends the life of the transmission. Clean lubricant prevents seals and gaskets from hardening, which can cause metal parts to warp and valves to stick.

Full Transmission Flush Benefits

A flush replaces all of the vehicles transmission fluid. Pressure is used to push all of the old fluid out so that it can be replaced with new fluid. Flushing also does a good job of cleaning out a transmissions internal parts and its filter.

Discovering Transmission Issues

Both general service and a flush can reveal transmission problems but a flush will give a more accurate indication of what is going on inside your transmission. This is because the pressurized cleaning method helps expose decaying seals and cracks. It will be less costly to replace an old seal or gasket than to wait for serious damage to occur and then have to replace the complete transmission.

Hydraulic systems such as a vehicles brake system, are systems that operate, moves or are affected by a fluid. Depending on the system, the fluid may be water-based or oil-based.

Hydraulic Fluid

Hydraulic fluid is a medium that transmits power in a hydraulic system. The viscosity, wear protection, oxidation stability and foaming resistance are typical factors that determines the type of hydraulic fluid. The viscosity of the fluid must match the operating temperature of the hydraulic system.

Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid is oil that lubricates the moving parts within the transmission. Automatic transmissions also use the fluid as a coolant. Transmission fluid is designed for automatic and manual transmissions. Due to the heat operation of the transmission generates, automatic transmission fluid degrades and breaks down with use.

Comparision

Transmission fluid is a type of hydraulic fluid. The transmission fluid is a medium that transmits power from the engine to the transmission. Other types of hydraulic fluid include mulitgrade engine oil and conventional, antiwear hydraulic oil.

The NV3500 is a five-speed manual transmission found in General Motors and Chrysler trucks.



The manufacturer, New Venture Gear, is a company that was formed through the merger of the manual transmission engineering and manufacturing divisions of GM and Chrysler.

Design

The NV3500 is a fully synchronized, constant mesh transmission. The clutch housing, or bell housing, is an integral component to the transmission and is not meant to be removed. According to DodgeRam.org, the NV3500 "has a single shaft shift mechanism with all three shift forks mounted on the shaft."

Variations

The HM290 model, found in GM trucks beginning in 1988, was the forerunner of the NV3500-series transmission. This unit, and the 560 which superseded it, have four shift rails. When this transmission was re-engineered as the NV3500, a single shift rail was used in the design.

There are many design variations of the NV3500, each with unique parts. Two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive variants are available. Another variant is the NV3500HD.

Model Lines

The NV3500 transmission was deployed in the full-size half-ton Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups, Chevrolet S10 and GMC S15 trucks beginning in 1990, and some Dodge Dakota trucks beginning in the 1994 model year.

In the Dakota, the NV3500 is used with V-8 engines including the 3.9-liter and 5.2-liter Dodge powerplants.

Hauling Capacity

According to DodgeRam.org, the NV3500 is rated to a maximum GVWR of 7,200 lbs. and a maximum GCVWR of 11,000 lbs. The NV4500 transmission, built for larger engines, is a heavy-duty transmission for trucks that require greater hauling and towing capabilities.

Ford equipped the 1993 Ranger pickup with a crossmember to support the weight of the transmission. The crossmember bolts to the longitudinal frame members running down the sides of the truck. Due to the exposed position of the bolts, road treatment, moisture and grit tend to corrode the crossmember bolts and make them difficult to remove. Remove bolts that do not release with penetrating oil by using aggressive techniques.

Instructions

1

Place a jack under the transmission. Place a block of wood on top of the jack pad, then raise the jack until the block contacts the transmission case behind the transmission oil pan. Raise the transmission slightly, just enough to take the load off the crossmember.

2

Place the nut splitter over the nut on the crossmember bolt. Tighten the threaded part of the nut splitter until the splitter blade squarely contacts one of the flats on the nut. Ensure the blade only bears on the nut, not the washer.

3

Install a ratchet and socket onto the hex head of the nut splitter. Firmly hold the splitter in place and turn the hex head using the ratchet and socket, until the nut is completely cut through and pops loose.

4

Back off on the splitter until it can be removed from the nut and bolt. Remove the bolts from the crossmember.

5

Install the new bolts and tighten them to 48 to 63 foot-pounds on 3.0 liter models, or 65 to 85 foot-pounds on 2.3 and 4.0 liter models using a foot-pound torque wrench, socket and wrench.

Hayden is a company that has produced transmission parts and tools for many years. The company deals with heavy-load transmissions primarily, rather than lighter transmissions such as the ones used in passenger cars. The transmissions this company caters to are more likely to be found in small buses or hauling trucks.

Miscellanous Tools

Hayden produced a line of general tools that were necessary for transmission work in prior years. Many of these tools can still be found second-hand in good condition. Wrenches, hammers and air-powered impact wrenches were among the most produced of this line. These were discontinued approximately eight years ago due to the company downsizing, though these items can sometimes be purchased in small orders for large companies. Many of these tools come pre-packaged in kits used to repair parts of the transmission.

Specific Tools

Hayden makes a various tools for very specific jobs during the repair of a transmission. The HAYT0171 is a foot press that comes with several different attachments to allow it to be used with both older and newer models of transmission. This is a manual tool that requires a good deal of strength to use. The HAYT0158SP is a clutch spring compressor, for replacing the clutch spring in the transmission. When removed, the clutch spring in a manual transmission extends fully which makes it impossible to force back into the transmission. This compressor forces the spring to recoil and allows a mechanic to replace the spring, or install a new one. The HAYT0033 is a universal pump puller. This allows the mechanic an easier way to pull out the transmission fluid pump for the transmission, as well as hold its replacement steady upon installing it. The term "universal" means that it will fit any model of transmission, no matter what make the vehicle being worked on happens to be.

Kits

Dozens of kits are available for everything from rotors to transmission fluid coolers. These kits come with an assortment of tools and parts to fully fix the problem with the transmission. A bare part, which only includes the part, can be purchased separately from the kit, if necessary. Kits that come with all screws, bolts, wrenches, sockets and other necessary pieces, as well as the part, cost nearly the same price from the Hayden manufacturer. The only kit that is no longer being made by Hayden, but is still sold under the Hayden name, is the transmission gasket-replacement kit.

Changing the valve body in your 1994 Ford Bronco with automatic transmission can give you more control over the shift points of your transmission as well as fix valve body-related transmission problems. With the right tools, this is a job that can be accomplished in around three to four hours.

Instructions

1

Place wheel chocks in front of and behind one rear wheel. These can be 4-by-4-in. blocks. Jack the front end of the Bronco up enough that you can comfortably slide under the transmission area. Place the jackstands under both sides and caully lower the vehicle onto them.

2

Push the drain pan with the umbrella over it under the rear portion of the transmission where you can reach it from under the transmission pan. Bringing the tools, slide under the truck inline with the transmission pan.

3

Verify the correct socket size for the transmission pan bolts. Attach the correct socket to the end of the extension and the extension to the ratchet. It will be either the 7/16 or 1/2-in. socket.

4

Remove the three bolts from one corner by rotating them counterclockwise. Loosen the rest of the pan bolts halfway.

5

Slide the drain pan and umbrella under the transmission pan.

6

Insert the tip of the screwdriver between the pan and transmission case in the corner with the removed bolts and twist, breaking the seal of the gasket. Hold the pan umbrella and center the drain pan under the fluid flow. Wait for the flow to significantly slacken.

7

Remove the remaining bolts, slowly allowing the rest of the transmission fluid to flow out of the pan. Set the pan aside.

8

Remove the three screws holding the transmission filter in place and remove the filter, setting it into the pan umbrella.

9

Verify the size of the bolts securing the valve body and attach the correct socket to the extension. Rotate the bolts counter-clockwise to remove them. Set the bolts aside within easy reach. Set the valve body in the umbrella also.

10

Slide out from under the truck and clean the transmission pan with the parts cleaner and rags. Use the scraper to remove the gasket and through this away. Slide the pan and replacement parts and scraper under the truck and caully remove the drain pan.

11

Slide under the truck and use the gasket scraper to remove the gasket from the transmission case to pan mating surface.

12

Align the new valve body correctly and insert the bolts into the corresponding holes and start them by twisting them clockwise.

13

Attach the socket and ratchet to each bolt and tighten them to approximately 30 pounds per square inch of torque.

14

Align the new transmission with the bolts and fluid holes and insert the three retaining bolts. Twist these clockwise to start and tighten with the screwdriver.

15

Align the pan gasket with the bolt holes in the transmission pan. Use four to six bolts to hold the gasket in place and place the gasket and pan against the transmission case. Start the four or six bolts sufficiently to hold the pan in place by turning them clockwise.

16

Insert and start the remaining bolts. Run them all down to finger tight.

17

Tighten the bolts, moving from the center of each side of the pan to the corners. Torque the bolts to between 30 and 40 foot-pounds of torque. Slide out, bringing the tools with you.

18

Lift the truck off the jack stands and pull them out. Slowly lower the truck completely and pull the jack out.

19

Remove the transmission dipstick and insert the funnel in the opening. Caully pour four to five quarts in. Start the engine and allow the transmission to warm up. Shift gears every 10 to 15 seconds.

20

Place the transmission in park and check the fluid level. Pour enough fluid in for the reading to be full. Shift gears every minute or so again to ensure proper fluid flow.

Proving yet again that the only bad question is the one not asked, heres one with a few different answers. They all involve a "yes," but with a few provisos -- primarily in terms of filter location. The Optimas automatic transmission underwent a few changes in the middle of the 2001 model year that determine where youll find the filter and how youll go about changing it.

Filter Locations

According to Kia technical service bulletin TT651003-005 -- published in the wildly popular Kia Technician Times, Volume 6, Issue 5, 2003 -- the company switched from external to internal transmissions in the middle of the 2001 model year. This goes for both 2.4-liter four-cylinder and 2.5-liter V-6 engines. Check the VIN number and the exact production date of your Optima; cars produced from October 1st, 2000 to December 31st, 2001 used transmissions with an external filter, while later models used an internal one.

A Cause for Change

External filters are a nice touch when it comes to maintenance, but theyre uncommon for one primary reason. If youve ever been under your car, youll notice that Kia left just about enough room for a snake to slither through. While this wasnt anything that Kias engineers couldnt deal with, this particular transmission also saw use in the same-year Sonata, Santa Fe and Trajet; and, Kia being Kia, also likely had designs on selling the design after its production cycle to another manufacturer. So, out went the external filter, and in comes the internal one.

Replacing the External Filter

The external filter is great from a maintenance point of view. It screws onto the the transmission case just above the transmission fluid oil pan and should be clearly visible from the bottom of the car. You should be able to get to it from the top after removing the air cleaner assembly. After removing the old filter with a filter wrench, clean the mating surface and the surrounding area, lubricate the O-ring on the filter and tighten it to 8 or 9 foot-pounds.

Replacing the Internal Filter

Internal filter transmissions are more compact by nature, but changing the filter is a comparative pain. But little more so than any other car. Slide under the car and remove the 10 millimeter transmission pan bolts, starting at one side and working toward the other. Be prepared for transmission fluid to cascade out of the top of the pan. Scrape any gasket material off of the transmission and oil pan. Youll find the filter secured to the bottom of the transmission, inside the pan, by three bolts. Remove them, replace the filter, and reinstall the pan. Tighten all of the bolts to about 10 foot-pounds and ill the transmission with 3.5 quarts of SP3 transmission fluid.

Transmissions allow you to easily shift a vehicle into drive, park or reverse when it is working properly. Low fluid levels or even a bad solenoid cause problems that can be handled without the need to tear down the entire transmission. However, internal problems more serious than these can also occur, bringing about the need to have the transmission rebuilt.

Search

Many transmission shops use to do transmission rebuilding jobs. By replacing transmissions instead of rebuilding them, shops can earn more profits for themselves. Because of this, you may need to do a thorough search before you can find a shop willing to rebuild your transmission.

Cost

A good way to estimate what it will cost you to have your transmission rebuilt is by taking the cost of what the transmission would cost new and splitting that in half. For example, if your transmission cost $2,000 new, you can expect to pay about $1,000 to have it rebuilt.

Labor

The labor performed with rebuilding a transmission starts with a total disassembling of the transmission. Each part is then caully inspected to see whether cleaning is needed or total replacement of the part. Some parts are often replaced regardless of their condition, such as the torque converter.

Without a working transmission, your vehicle is virtually unusable. Having the right information on the costs and facts of automatic transmission replacement will put you in a better position to get your automobile back on the road.

Labor

Labor cost is higher for an automatic transmission because more work is needed than would be for a manual. Besides the transmission, the torque converter will have to be changed out as well. The flushing of cooling lines is also a necessary part of transmission replacement.

Cost

Automatic transmission replacement can vary from place to place. You may be able to locate a shop that will do the job for under $2,000. However, depending on your vehicle type, your bill may end up being well over $3,000.

Considerations

Because of the prices of transmission replacement, you may want to consider having it rebuilt instead. You will first need to find out the seriousness of your transmission problem. If it is only minor, rebuilding the transmission could be a better route.

Volkswagen and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a 2009 recall of 16,000 vehicles due to transmission problems. NHTSA began investigating the issue after hearing reports of power loss in 2009 and 2010 Volkswagen vehicles with DSG automatic transmissions.

Affected Vehicles and Reason for Recall

On August 20, 2009, Volkswagen and the NHTSA recalled Audi A3, Audi TT, Audi TT Roadster, Volkswagen EOS, Volkswagen GTI, Volkswagen Jetta and Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen vehicles manufactured between September 2008 and August 2009. According to the NHTSA, the wiring harness of a temperature sensor in the vehicles direct shift gearbox could contain insufficiently crimped connector wires.

Risk

The improperly crimped wires could cause a temperature sensor to make a false detection of a high gearbox oil temperature, which could abruptly shift the transmission into neutral. In this case, the selector level position indicator within the instrument panel would flash and the "Depress Brake Pedal" indicator light would come on to tell the driver to brake, potentially causing a crash.

Remedy

Volkswagen notified registered vehicle owners of the recall by mail and, beginning on October 20, 2009, began offering free repairs. The NHTSA ordered dealers to reprogram the transmission control module with updated software free of charge. Concerned vehicle owners may contact the NHTSA or Volkswagen with questions.

The Ford T18 transmission was produced by Borg-Warner between 1965 to 1991. The Borg-Warner T18 transmission replaced the earlier T98 transmission model in both Ford, Jeep and IH 1/2-ton, 3/4-ton and 1-ton heavy-duty trucks. There were two variants of the T18 transmission produced by Borg-Warner. It is advised to inspect the model number located beneath the top shaft cover before attempting to install a Jeep T18 transmission in a Ford vehicle.

Borg-Warner Specifications

The standard Borg-Warner T18 transmission has a length of 11.87 inches, a total height of 17.5 inches, and a total weight of 145 lbs. The T18 is cased in cast-iron. The top cover is also cast-iron. The PTO port is located on the passenger side of the vehicle. The T18 has gearing ratios of 6.32, 3.09, 1.69, 1.0 and R7.44. There are slight variations in the length of Ford T18 and Jeep T18 transmissions.

Ford T18 Specifications

The Ford T18 model transmission has a 1 and 1/16 inch diameter. The Ford T18 has a ten-spline shaft extending 6 and 1/2 inches from the front face of the transmission.The Ford T18 pilot tip is 18 mm. The front-bearing retainer flange is 4.85 inches. The diameter of the retainer tube is 1.43 inches in diameter. The front bolt of the T18 is patterned in a typical Ford symmetrical butterfly pattern, 6 and 5/16 inches in length by 8 and 1/2 inches in width.

Jeep T18 Specifications

There were roughly twelve variations of the Jeep T18 transmission released from 1966 to 1984. There are subtle variations present in each of the editions, but the key differences are present in the gear ratios and shaft length. Between 1972 to 1975 the standard gear ratio of the Jeep T18 was 4.02:1. Between 1977 to 1979 the gear ratio of the Jeep T18 was adapted to 6.32:1. The PTO port of Jeep T18 transmissions is located on the drivers side of the vehicle.

The Jeep T18 transmission was originally released with a length of 11.87 inches, a total height of 17.1 inches, and a weight of 145 lbs. Both the shaft and the top cover of the transmission are encased in cast-iron. Variations of the Jeep T18 transmission feature gear ratios of either 6.32, 3.09, 1.69, 1.0,and R7.44, or 4.02, 2.41, 1.41 and 1.0 in the earlier release.

The purpose of a transmission modulator is to decide when a transmission shift should occur. It also informs the transmission of the type of load being placed on it. Pressure is regulated by the transmission modulator as well, allowing the transmission to function smoothly.

Problems

There are several problems that can occur with a transmission modulator, most of which happen naturally over a period of time. The modulators diaphragm is subject to rupturing, and leaks are known to occur as well. These types of problems in a modulator cause driving issues and may even cause the transmission to fail altogether.

Inspect

Often the first thing youll want to inspect is the line leading to the transmission modulator. If transmission fluid is visible once you disconnect the line, this indicates a leaking diaphragm. The modulator can also be checked for leaks directly using a handheld vacuum pump.

Remove

A transmission modulator can be removed from the transmission so it can be replaced. Before pulling the modulator from its housing unit, the retaining bolt and clamp will have to be untightened first. Because the actuating pin could fall when the modulator is being pulled out, special care should be taken to avoid losing it.

The Ford AOD automatic overdrive four-speed transmission, introduced in 1980, was used with most Ford engines of the day. Ford later introduced the AODE, a computer-controlled version of the AOD. The AODE was used from 1992 to 1995, when it was improved with wider gear ratios to become the 4R70W. The AODE and 4R70W differ from the older AOD by an attached cable, allowing computer control. The AOD transmission is identified visually, first to identify the AOD, then to differentiate between the AODE and 4R70W transmission.

Instructions

1

Slide under the vehicle to view the transmission pan. The transmission is under the center of the vehicle, immediately behind the engine. The pan is located on the bottom of the transmission and attached by 14 bolts. AOD, AODE and 4R70W transmissions all have the same pan shape, illustrated on Fordification.coms AOD section on the Automatic Transmission Identification page.

2

Look for the electronic cable and electrical plug. AODE and 4R70W transmissions have a plug on the drivers-side rear of the transmission housing. This is where the electronic control cable plugs into the unit and is what differentiates the older AOD transmission from AODE and 4R70W units.

3

Identify differences between the AODE and 4R70W. Although essentially the same transmission, the Thunderbird and Cougar Club of America identifies their differences as different gear ratios and the 4R70W having a larger outside diameter slip yoke on the drive shaft, requiring a different extension housing. Another identification tool, found on The Ranger Station, identifies the 4R70Ws transmission code as "U," which is located on the Safety Compliance Certification Label on the inside Drivers side door post.

The B10 transmission, officially referred to as the BA 10/5, is a light duty, rear-wheel drive, manual transmission designed by Peugeot in France and used by Jeep in the late 80s. It looks similar to Jeeps heavier-duty, AX-15 transmission except it is smaller in size.

Vehicles Used In

The BA 10/5 transmission was used in numerous 6-cylinder Jeep models, including Cherokees, Grand Cherokees, Comanches, Wagoneers, CJ2As, CJ31s, CJ5s, CJ6s, CJ7s, CJ8s, Jeepsters, Scramblers and Wranglers (in 4.0L models from 1987 to 1989 and in 4.2L models from 1987 to 1990).

General Description

Unlike the AX-15, which uses a one-piece, aluminum case, the BA 10/5 features a two-piece, aluminum case that is split lengthwise, and held together by upper and lower bolts. It features a 1 1/8-inch input shaft with an output spline of 21 or 23. As indicated by the "5" in its name, it is a 5-speed transmission.

BA 10/5 Gearing

This transmission features a factory gear-ratio of 3.39 for first, 2.33 for second, 1.44 for third, 1.00 for fourth and 0.79 for fifth gear.

The AX15 is a five-speed, standard shift transmission made by Aisin-Warner. Although the transmission is no longer used in newer vehicles, Aisin-Warner still produces the part.

Vehicle Models

Jeep used the AX15 in its 1988 Wrangler XJ and YJ models, the Comanche and the MJ Cherokee. The transmission was standard in all XJ, YJ and TJ Jeeps from 1988 to 1999. In 1993, the AX15 came in the ZJ Grand Cherokee in the six-cylinder model.

Description

The AX15 has a cast aluminum case and mid-plate. It measures 16.5 inches in length. It is a top-shifting, overdrive transmission with a split case. All gears are synchronized and helically cut. The gear ratios are 3.83 for first, 2.33 for second, 1.44 for third, 1.00 for fourth and 0.79 for fifth. The AX15 uses a 10-spline input shaft. It has a 23-spline output shaft and uses dowel pins for bellhousing alignment.

Variations

The input shaft pilot tips were smaller in the AX15 made from 1988 to 1991. They measured 19/32 inch, while later models use a 3/4-inch tip. The 1988 to 1993 models had an internal slave throwout, which was switched to a slave cylinder with cross arm design in later years.

A properly functioning clutch gives you total control of the gears of a manual transmission. However, when a clutch is acting up, it can be troublesome, especially in busy traffic where the clutch is used often.

Slippage

When the thickness of the clutch disc has decreased due to wear, the pressure plate can not clamp with the same amount of force as usual. This allows pressure to drop causing the clutch to slip. As the clutch continues to slip it gets hotter and hotter causing damage to the flywheel and pressure plate.

Contamination

Oil contamination cause a clutch to fail before it should The source of the oil is mainly from leaks in either the rear crankshaft seal or the input shaft seal. If the clutch experiences jerking once its engaged, then oil contamination is one likely cause.

External

Several external problems can cause clutch chatter problems, such as engine or transmission mounts that have broken. Drive train and chassis components being misaligned can also cause issues with a manual transmissions clutch.

The transmission vacuum modulator valve determines how much load is on the engine so the transmission can shift properly. It has a vacuum line that connects to the intake and measures the amount of vacuum in the engine.

High Load vs. Low Load

In order to determine if whether transmission should shift, the modulator valve measures the load of the engines vacuum. Engine load is the measurement of how hard an engine works at any given moment. For example, coasting down hill will create a low engine load, while driving uphill with two passengers and a trunk full of luggage will create a high load. Thus, shift points for the transmission are figured according to the valves measurement.

How It Works Within the Transmission

The modulator valve is a part of the transmission vacuum. Inside the canister of the vacuum modulator, the valve works with a diaphragm and a calibrated spring to measure load. When the diaphragm senses changes in engine vacuum because of load changes, the diaphragm pushes against the valve while the calibrated spring moves against the movement of the diaphragm.

Potential Problems

If the modulator valve is not working properly, the transmission will not shift properly. These problems can arise when the hose connecting the transmission to the engine vacuum cracks or burns, or collapses onto itself.

When an automatic transmission is working properly, it allows a driver to move a car or truck forward or backward by simply shifting a lever from one position to another. However, an automatic transmission can go bad and experience problems such as slipping or locking up in one gear. When this happens, an understanding of the challenge of rebuilding an automatic transmission can come in handy to auto owners.

Difficulty Level

Rebuilding an automatic transmission is generally regarded as a difficult undertaking because the repair shop must be familiar with your specific type of transmission. Automatic transmissions vary widely from one vehicle to the next and each requires totally different parts and tools to rebuild. For this reason, many repair shops will not take on the job of rebuilding an automatic transmission.

Solution

If you have trouble finding a shop with specific knowledge of your transmission, many repair shops will offer a simple solution to this problem. Instead of rebuilding your transmission, the shop can swap out your old unit for one that has already been rebuilt by the supplier.

Rebuild Versus Replace

One factor adding to the difficulty of rebuilding an automatic transmission is that it takes a considerable amount of time to tear down the transmission just to troubleshoot for problems. Consequently, serious problems with a transmission will often lead to a shop recommending replacement rather than rebuilding.

If youve driven your car away from your garage or parking spot and noticed a puddle of fluid under it, you could have a transmission leak. Without transmission fluid, your gears have nothing to lubricate them against the effects of friction. Therefore, they become stripped and cannot create motion. In addition, transmission fluid provides the hydraulic force necessary to shift gears. Repairing a leak as soon as you discover it could save you the expense of buying a new transmission --- potentially thousands of dollars.

Diagnose the Leak

Seeing a puddle of reddish-brown fluid under your car when you move away is one sign of a leaky transmission, but there are several other signs. Low transmission fluid can cause gears to be unresponsive or to slip when shifting. Also, if you hear the sound of gears grinding, its a sign that you need to check your transmission fluid levels. According to California State University Automotive, you can also determine the state of your transmission fluid by its color: as fluid ages, it changes color from red to brownish-red or dark pink.

Locate the Leak

To locate the leak, elevate your car with a jack and look under the middle toward the front. Repairing the leak will require you to take the car to a mechanic. Leaks toward the front of the vehicle indicate a bad seal or gasket. Fluid typically leaks from either a seal or from the fluid pan. If fluid is leaking from the front seal where the transmission attaches to the torque converter, your mechanic will have to remove the transmission and add a replacement seal.

DIY Transmission Repair

If you have a minor leak, you can use a commercial transmission sealer until you can get the car to a mechanic. Sealers penetrate worn and shrunken gaskets and seals, causing them to swell and form a seal against leaks. It is applied in the same manner as standard transmission fluid (i.e, poured in the transmission receptacle under the hood.) Only use sealer as a one-time solution.

Add Transmission Fluid

If youve already taken steps to repair the leak, you need to replace the fluid you lost. Use a funnel, paper towel and the transmission fluid that is intended for your vehicles make and model. Start the car and let the engine warm up if your vehicle requires you to do this. Remove the transmission fluid dipstick near the rear of the engine. Its handle may also be marked "Trans Fluid" or similar. Clean the dipstick; any solid debris can damage the transmission. Place the dipstick and take a "Warm" reading. Use a long funnel to add fluid to the proper amount.

Preventive Maintenance

Even after repairing a transmission leak and replacing lost fluid, you need to have it checked regularly to ensure problems do not occur. Regularly check your transmission fluid levels and change it every 30,000 miles.

The clutch is a key part of a manual transmission, which is often considered to be very reliable. However, because the clutch takes all the wear and tear, it can be the weakest link in a manual transmissions drivetrain. For this reason, information on the repair of this part can be beneficial for vehicle owners.

Causes

Certain factors can cause problems to occur with your clutch, such as heavy traffic which produces stop-and-go of driving. Constantly engaging and disengaging the clutch will cause it to wear down over time.

Noises

The noises from a clutch can reveal the problems it is having. A squealing noise from the clutch usually indicates worn out bearings, while other noises can be due to issues such as flywheel bolts being too loose.

Repair

When repairing a clutch, it is recommended to replace all of its major parts---such as the clutch disc and pressure plate assembly---instead of just the parts that have obvious damage. Because oil and dirt on a flywheel can result in later clutch issues, it should be replaced or resurfaced as well.