We’d all like to be the kind of person that can repair his or her vehicle on their own. The kind of person who doesn’t mind getting a bit greasy and knows their way around a monkey wrench. But it’s not often practical. Sure, it’s better to know how to change your oil, change your windshield wiper fluid, and how to pump up your tires. But automobiles can be quite complicated and most of us have jobs, families, friends, and other obligations. We can’t spend every weekend watching YouTube videos about transmission repair (hope the videos are right) and then fiddle with our transmissions. Can we? How complicated is transmission repair, anyway?
Automobiles, like all things, have changed with time. And, if you haven’t noticed over the past 20 or so years, technology can change a lot. Fast. And this is especially true of transmissions. The transmission is one of the most intricate and complex components of your automobile; so expecting to be able to repair it yourself is pretty unreasonable.
With increased computerization, transmission performance has become noticeably better than in its analog days. But this process of digitization does have some drawbacks. For one, it makes transmissions more complicated. All of this is to say, if you notice your transmission is not working properly –and you won’t always notice it, at least not right away– determining the cause of the problem can be little more than a guessing game if you don’t know what you’re doing.
It is true that many transmission repairs are relatively minor and simple matters, meaning they can be done without removing the transmission from the vehicle. But that doesn’t mean you can just start fiddling around with a wrench and expect to correct the problem. Especially if your transmission is a computer-controlled one.
For example, a computerized transmission that is not shifting properly often has a problem with its computer sending incorrect signals due to a faulty sensor, or the transmission is not reacting to the command because of a bad connection or defective solenoid pack. Is that something you think you can fix yourself? No. Properly trained and skilled technicians use special machinery and computers to determine and repair such problems. Transmission repair is quite complicated, because even minor repairs require skill and special computerized tools.
One type of transmission problem that is easily identified is a transmission fluid leak. You can see the evidence of this underneath your car as you drive away. In such a case, your transmission will require a re-seal job. Most of the external seals can be replaced while the transmission is still in the car but, if the front seal must be replaced, the transmission must first be removed from the vehicle to gain access to it. If you’re an experienced mechanic with the proper tools and winches, go for it. If not, best leave transmission repairs to the experts.
The above examples are the more straightforward examples of transmission repair, and even they can be quite involved and complex. And this is to say nothing about replacing parts or complete overhauls. But if you wish to know more and perhaps have your transmission repaired or serviced, please get in touch! We’d love to take a look at your vehicle’s transmission.
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