Clarification on VW & Audi Transmission codes- May 2016
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Transmission Diagnosis:What Is Wrong With My Transmission?
Today’s Automatic Transmissions use a variety of sensors on the engine and throughout the car, along with a computer system that control its functions. Most computer-controlled transmissions use a TCM (Transmission Control Module) however; some systems use a single computer for both the engine and transmission control. These are commonly referred to as an ECM (Electronic Control Module).
It’s common today to have over a dozen separate control modules communicating through a network; all sharing information about the operation of the car. Because of this sophistication, there are a lot of sensors and control modules that play a role in transmission operation.
This means problems with your suspension, lighting system, or even something as innocuous as a malfunction in your radio can cause a problem with your transmission.
That’s why it’s important to have these systems check by a trained transmission technician anytime you think you might have a transmission problem. Many times it turns out not to be a transmission problem at all but something else in another system; something far less expensive than a rebuilt transmission.Only a well trained, experienced transmission technician can be sure you actually have a transmission problem.
So, you have a transmission that’s not shifting right? Make sure you check with local ATRA member shop first. They’ll be happy to check your car’s computer systems and find out why.
All-O-Matic Transmissions is a proud ATRA Member and will be at your service!
Published by ATRA 18/11/2011
How Do I Know I Need A New Transmission
Your transmission suddenly isn’t shifting right. So what’s wrong with it? Do you need your transmission rebuilt? Good question. Unfortunately, the answer is: No one knows. At least, not yet.
To find out what’s causing your transmission problem, a technician is going to have to perform a series of tests. Basically, these tests are designed to answer the simple question: “Is it inside or outside?” That is, is the problem inside the transmission, or in one of the many control systems that operates the transmission?
That’s because there’s a lot more to transmission operation than the transmission itself. Nearly every transmission on the road today is controlled by a computer system. That system is integrated into the rest of the vehicle. So a problem in the engine — or for that matter, even the brakes — could have a dramatic effect on transmission operation.
In fact, today’s transmissions are so integrated with the rest of the vehicle that many technicians with years of auto repair experience can have a difficult time determining whether a problem is inside the transmission or not.
Until a properly trained and experienced transmission technician examines the vehicle and performs the necessary tests, there’s no way anyone can tell you for sure what’s wrong with your car’s transmission.
Once those tests are performed, a qualified technician should be able to tell you precisely whether you’re dealing with a transmission problem or not. And he (or she) will be able to let you know what it’ll take to fix your car and put it back into proper running condition.
The really great news is that the vast majority of customers who bring their cars in with transmission problems don’t actually need their transmissions rebuilt. In most cases the problem turns out to be external, which usually costs far less than a transmission rebuild.
But the only way you can be sure you’re only paying for the work you need is by bringing your car to a qualified transmission repair shop.All-O-Matic Transmissions is a proud member of ATRA and will be at your service!
Published by ATRA 11/11/2011
ATRA Minimum Rebuild Standards
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]No member or person or firm shall represent that any reprocessed automatic transmission has been “rebuilt, according to ATRA specifications:, unless such transmission has been reprocessed in the following manner; and members further agree to extend nationwide, inter-shop warranty coverage only on such transmissions as have been reprocessed in the following manner:
- All internal and external parts shall be dismantled and thoroughly cleaned and inspected, including the case and bell housing.
- The following parts shall be replaced with new, each time; all lined friction clutch plates; all gaskets and rubber parts; metal sealing rings as are used in rotating applications; disposable type filters.
- All bands as are used in dynamic applications shall be replaced with new or re-lined bands, each time.
- The valve body shall be thoroughly cleaned and inspected; all dirt and varnish and foreign substances removed; all non-serviceable parts replaced, and new gaskets installed where applicable.
- The torque converter shall be considered to be a part of the transmission; and any torque converter which is installed along with a rebuilt transmission shall be internally cleaned and inspected for wear; externally checked for leaks, cracks, weld failure and hub wear; and starter ring gear wear, where applicable. Any converter which is judged as not capable of delivering new converter performance and life shall be replaced with a new or rebuilt converter. Any converter which is installed along with a rebuilt transmission main body shall be guaranteed by the member along with the rest of the transmission.
- Any and all other impaired, defective, or substantially worn parts which are not mentioned above, but which would not be expected to deliver new part performance, shall be restored to a sound condition, or replaced with new, rebuilt, or unimpaired used parts.
Published by ATRA 24/10/2013
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
How To Check Your Transmission Fluid
Most auto manufactures recommend servicing your transmission every 50,000 miles or so (check your owner’s manual for more details). But it’s a good idea to check your transmission fluid periodically. One of the best times is during a normal engine oil change. If your transmission has a filler tube and dipstick you can check it yourself. If not, you’ll need to have it check by a transmission specialist.
It’s simple. Just follow these steps:
- Make sure the engine is at normal operating temperature.
- Park your vehicle on level ground.
- Place the shifter in Park and set the parking brake.
- Locate the transmission filler tube (note: some transmissions, particularly newer cars, do not have a transmission filler tube. If your car doesn’t have one you’ll have to take it to a specialist to check).
- Remove the dip stick and wipe it dry with a clean cloth.
- Reinsert the dipstick (all the way) and then remove it to view the fluid level. Dipstick design varies from manufacturer but they all have a “low” and a “full” mark. In this case they’re holes in the stick. In most cases the distance between the low mark and the full mark is one pint.
- In addition to checking the fluid level, check the condition of the fluid as well. Transmission fluid comes in a variety of colors but in all cases the fluid should be clear and not have a burnt odor. For more information on transmission fluid condition see the ATRA article that address the color and smell of automatic transmission fluid.
- If the condition of the fluid is poor or the level is low you’ll want to have your transmission checked by a specialist. You can locate a qualified transmission specialist with ATRA’s Shop Finder. If the level is low, chances are you have a leak. Make sure you add fluid before driving any further.
To add transmission fluid:
- Place a clean funnel in the dipstick tube.
- Add fluid based as needed.
- Recheck the level as you did in step 6 above
Published by ATRA 21/07/2014