Your Car's Transaxle - Does it Need a Fluid and Filter Change?

!±8± Your Car's Transaxle - Does it Need a Fluid and Filter Change?

To keep your car's transaxle running smoothly you need to keep the fluid checked and changed regularly. Before we start a fluid and filter change, let's check the transaxle fluid level and condition. Let's start by checking the transaxle fluid.

The transaxle should be at operating temperature. The transaxle is considered hot after 20 miles of highway driving time. To keep your car's transaxle running smoothly you need to keep the fluid checked and changed regularly. highway driving time. To check the fluid, park the car on a level surface with the engine idling. Put the transaxle into P and set parking brake. The transaxle dipstick is located in the engine compartment. The transaxle dipstick is marked on the head of the indicator. Remove the dipstick and wipe clean. Reinsert dipstick firmly to be sure it has been pushed all the way in. Remove the dipstick and check fluid level while holding it horizontally. All models have a hot and cold side to the dipstick. COLD -- The fluid level should fall in the cold range when the engine has been running a short time. HOT -- The level should fall in the hot range when the engine has reached normal operating temperature. The automatic transaxle dipstick shows the type of fluid and the level indicators.

If the fluid on the dipstick is not a bright red color, and is discolored (brown or black) or smells burnt, this means serious transaxle trouble, probably due from overheating, and should be suspected. The transaxle should be checked out by a qualified service technician to locate the cause of the burnt fluid.

Under normal operating conditions your transaxle fluid and filter should be changed every 20,000 to 30,000 miles. If the fluid is a bright red we can proceed with the fluid and filter change. First we need a list of what tools we need to do the job:

Jack
Jack stands
Gasket scraper
Wrench set
Torque wrench
Socket set
Funnel
Pliers
Service manual
You may need a few other tools depending on make and model.

All 2WD models use DEXRON II or III Mercon fluid, or its superseding type ATF Fluid.
All 4WD models use type T ATF fluid.

Now let's get started with the task at hand. First jack up car and put jack stands under the frame. If the transaxle has a drain plug, remove it and let all the fluid drain out. Put the drain plug, with a new gasket, back in the pan. Next, remove all the bolts around the transaxle pan. Make sure you take care to hold the pan when you take out the last bolt some fluid may remain. Take down pan slowly, taking care not to spill remaining fluid. Next, remove the strainer. Some strainers have two different size bolts. Some strainers have wires attached to the side of the valve body; remove them.

Be sure to remove all old gaskets, including the strainer gasket from the valve body, and the gasket from the transaxle pan. Inside the transaxle pan you will see two or three magnets, remove and clean. Wash all parts very clean. Replace gasket and strainer and be sure to plug in wires. Be sure to put bolts in proper place on the strainer. Next, replace the transaxle pan and be sure the magnets don't interfere with fill tube. Replace pan gasket making sure all bolt holes are aligned slowly. Put pan in place being sure to snug all bolts. Torque bolt in a crisscross pattern to service manual specifications depending on make and model. Next, let car down and add fluid to dipstick tube up to COLD mark; do not overfill. Next, start car at a idle and slowly run car through the gears. Run car until it is at normal operating temperature. Check fluid and add as needed up to HOT mark. Do not overfill. Now we are finished with transaxle fluid and filter service. This is a good task for a week end.

© Jesse H. Vibbert 2010

Your Car's Transaxle - Does it Need a Fluid and Filter Change?

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Pennzoil 5301012031 Transmission Fluid Dexron Iii/mercon (Pack of 12)

!±8± Pennzoil 5301012031 Transmission Fluid Dexron Iii/mercon (Pack of 12)

Brand : Formula Shell | Rate : | Price :
Post Date : Oct 23, 2011 15:42:22 | Usually ships in 1-2 business days

"FORMULA SHELL" TRANSMISSION FLUIDMercon/Dexron 3 fluid. Used in both passenger cars and light trucks. Recommended for power steering units specifying either type of fluid. Provides seal compatibility, wear protection, and smoother shifting. Recommended where Ford ESP-M2C138CJ or ESP-M2C166H is specified. Meets requirements for Allison C-4. Qurat size.

• "FORMULA SHELL" TRANSMISSION FLUID
• Mercon/Dexron 3 fluid.
• Used in both passenger cars and light trucks.
• Recommended for power steering units specifying either type of fluid.
• Provides seal compatibility, wear protection, and smoother shifting.

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Valvoline VV353 Automatic Transmission Fluid DEXRONIII /MERCON, Pack of Twelve 1 Quart Bottles

!±8± Valvoline VV353 Automatic Transmission Fluid DEXRONIII /MERCON, Pack of Twelve 1 Quart Bottles

Rate : | Price : | Post Date : Oct 21, 2011 16:19:36
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Misconceptions About the 4L60E 4L80E

!±8± Misconceptions About the 4L60E 4L80E

1-What controls the shifts in a 4L60E 4L80E and can I replace the PCM with a vacuum modulator?

The answer is the PCM is in complete control of every aspect of when and how the 4L60E shifts, Line Pressure and Lockup. If the command is given barring any mechanical failure clutches, Band ETC the transmission must make the shift or slip and burn itself up trying. Alternately It cannot shift before its commanded.

Lockup again is strictly a function of the PCM turning on the lockup solenoid and pulsing the PWM solenoid.

I hear a lot of people say my converter locks up sometimes and other not what wrong with it. Well If your converter locks up properly anytime. Then its more than likely a tuning issue and not a TRANSMISSION/CONVERTER issue.

On the matter of the vacuum modulator, It cannot replace the PCM it only takes over the PCM ability to control line pressure's. I have a lot of people ask if I do the "vac mod" will it fix my shift timing issue? The answer is no.

2-Shifts become softer or slipping after a converter install.

No in fact the shifts remain the same as before the converter install. They feel softer because of the converters shift extension/looseness. The transmission it self is doing exactly the same as it did before the converter. Now It can be advantageous to firm the shifts up since more torque is being transferred though the trans at WOT.

3-Increasing line pressure in tuning is a good way to firm up shifts.

Well it will firm the shifts but at a price of more strain on the hard parts and greater load on the pump. A common failure for instance to raising the line excessively can be the failure of the input drum at the 3-4 clutch snap ring or even pump failure due to the extra stress. There is even the possibility of having so much line that there are enough cross leaks to partially apply clutches or bands when they should not be on. In my opinion the proper way to improve shift quality is to install and shift kit. I have no preference to type since all I have seen with only minor variations accomplish the goal not so much by raising line but by increasing the rate or volume of fluid being supplied to the clutch in a given time.

4-Synthetic fluid will make your transmission slip.

I will likely get some flack on this one but this has not been my experience at least not with fluids that meet or exceed the requirements for that particular application. What this means is the product regardless of type or brand must meet the minimum requirements it specifies. For instance if it says meets or exceeds dexron/mercron requirements then it must perform equal to or better than the specifications of that fluid. Now don't think I mean that everyone should go buy synthetic because personally I think its overpriced for what you get. The only real advantage I have seen is the ability to with stand heat better than petroleum based products. However if you have adequate cooling this should not be and issue anyway, IMO use the fluid you like or what your converter or trans manufacturer requires. We have no requirement here.

5- TRANS Fluid can get to cold and gel at subzero temps.

No it can't at least not at any temperature where people can live. Think of it this way if it could then in Canada or Alaska the fluid would be gel in the pan in the morning on start up and would wipe the pump out immediately. I have poured fluid from a bottle at -5 degrees and while it's just a little thicker it's certainly not gel. Transmission fluid is made to have a very stable viscosity at all temperatures. I am sure like all liquids there is a temp where this could occur but none I have seen.

6-Allowing a transmission to set either in or out of the car for extended periods (months/years) can result in failure.

Yes actually it can. As the transmission sets for long periods of time fluid will slowly run down and away from the clutches and hard parts. The seals can even dry rot similar to the way tires do and more in damp climates moisture can enter and cause rust on hard parts and even under the lining of the friction materials and cause them to separate. I have heard the "It worked great when I took it out 2 years ago story" and its likely a true statement only to hear later that someone put it back in and it died in days or weeks or slipped or other wise acted up from sticky valves. My suggestion for storing a transmission for any length of time is to plug all the holes and fill till the fluid begins coming out of the overflow tube. Then cap this to as that will insure all parts are submerged in fluid. You will just need to drain before restarting after storage. This may help avoid some post I see with transmission complaints after taking a car out of storage that has been setting all winter.

Misconceptions About the 4L60E 4L80E

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Use the Correct Type of Transmission Fluid to Prevent Mechanical Problems

!±8± Use the Correct Type of Transmission Fluid to Prevent Mechanical Problems

Ask takes most drivers and riders, what kind of Automatic Transmission Fluid transfer their cars' and you will be greeted with a blank stare. You mean that there is more than one type of gear oil? Never mind that they change their car, truck or van Automatic Transmission Fluid 'on a twice a year.

In short, there are more than one type of fluid self. Next in line is that to change the owner of a car or top up the liquid with the exact haveand the correct type. Maintenance of automatic transmissions that break down the way or need to be repaired for lack of maintenance, including the wrong type and characteristics of the trans fluid, as you hopefully not experienced before (manually in opposition or contrast to standard) - is highly specialized in terms of time and money.

What are the different types and variants of cars automatic transmission fluid? First, there are type "A". "Type A" was very fluid in the past and used for the firstrelatively easy, and no one asking first automatic models and configurations. However, type "A" has been replaced by Dexron fluid. Dexron was in turn replaced by "Dexron II". For the most part now, "F" and "Dexron II" are the two most common types of oil for automatic transmissions, must know that most drivers and car owners, and meet during their career. Most of the transmissions should be the Ford F-type, while the other transfers have used Dexron II. As you can tell. TheFluid must be clearly labeled on the packaging with a clear stamp or emblem visible on the outside of the plastic bottle or

To distinguish it is very important to be able to type F and Dexron II fluids are not the same any way shape or characteristics to use in the transfer of work. In theory, Dexron II is much more "slippery", "F".

So find use in the fluid Dexron II, a pilot when their vehicle moves that have a softerSwitching scheme. But during the design, construction and mechanical engineering, materials for the elements of friction, such as clutch linings tape and coatings selected for use in combination for the type of fluid chosen. For this reason, is to fill the device with the type of shaft false or incorrect fluid can cause your shipment on time to failure

In fact, Dexron II and F-type characteristics are similar to fluid flow and heat resistance. However, each has a differentNumber of friction characteristics. The automatic transmission fluid produced by the Ford Motor Company require fast with little time locking slip clutch to engage. Therefore, the fluid type F is required especially in those brands manufactured or Ford automatic transmission. It has a higher coefficient of friction as Dexron II

Offers on the opposite side of the road, a smooth transition, allows the transfer of local indigenous manufacturers GM and Chrysler built to slidethe plates as their clutches engage. Therefore, the Dexron II product contains a friction modifier chemical compound to reduce the coefficient of friction. What this means in real world automatic transmission operation and driving that compared to Type F automatic transmission fluids, Dexron can be considered to be a more" slippery" fluid component type. The danger is that used accidentally or inadvertently in a Ford transmission or set of Ford automatic transmissions, rapid clutch-plate wear as sell as clutch-plate slippage could well occurs and result.

Using the wrong type fluid in a transmission can result in both serious and costly to repair damage and damages. In such conditions promptly have you mechanic or dealership tech service writer arrange to have the automatic transmission fluids drained and replaced with the proper mechanical materials and components?

Use the Correct Type of Transmission Fluid to Prevent Mechanical Problems

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