Eastern Automatics Ltd - Automatic Transmission Specialists

Staff Recruitment


1) How often do I need to service my automatic transmission ? ... Every 20,000 km or 12 months (whichever comes first). However we recommend that certain vehicles such as early model Honda and Nissan Bluebirds be serviced every 15,000 km.
2) What does an automatic transmission service entail ? The transmission fluid is drained and the oil pan removed from the transmission. This exposes the valvebody, oil filter screen and in some cases the band(s) adjustment location. Where applicable the band or bands are adjusted, the oil screen renewed and the valvebody assembly retorqued. The transmission is checked for fluid leakage from gaskets, seals or o-rings. The manual linkage is checked for wear and the transmission to radiator cooling hoses are checked for wear, damage or leakage. With electronically operated transmissions, the solenoids are tested and associated wiring checked for damage or evidence of moisture. Where necessary electronic cleaner is sprayed onto electrical components and connectors. The oil pan is cleaned and refitted using a new oil pan to case gasket. The transmission is then refilled with the correct type transmission fluid. The vehicle is then road tested, during which a torque converter stall test is carried out. The transmission fluid is then checked for correct level. Footnote: Servicing a transmission is preventative maintenance and will seldom fix a problem once it has developed. PREVENTION IS THE CURE !!!
3) How do I check the fluid level in my transmission ? This is a difficult one. Many modern cars are no longer equipped with dipsticks, making this task almost impossible for the car owner to carry out. To check these, it is necessary to follow guidelines set by the vehicle manufacturer and this should be carried out by a qualified transmission specialist. Where the vehicle does have a dipstick, (with the exception of a few vehicles) the transmission fluid should be checked in neutral or park, with the engine running and at normal operating temperature.	... Hot: 50c - 80c (122F - 170F)
4) Should I select neutral when stationary (e.g. at traffic lights) ? ... Technically this does reduce load on the torque converter, but so minimally it is not necessary to do this.
5) When should I use overdrive ? ... When driving a vehicle equipped with an overdrive, this should only be engaged when travelling at speeds exceeding approximately 80 kph. Utilization of the overdrive at lesser speeds will in most cases damage the overdrive band and/or clutch assembly (usually less durable than the lower ranges). This however may in many cases conflict with vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.	...
6) What does the power/economy switch do ? ... As it may incorrectly suggest, vehicles fitted with this option do not gain extra power when the switch is moved to the power position. Instead, when switching from economy or normal mode to power mode it electronically boosts transmission throttle pressure. In simple terms, what this does is allow for firmer and later transmission shifting. In some cases power mode will render the lockup torque converter ineffective. Operating a vehicle in constant power mode will not have as detrimental an effect on fuel economy as might be expected, but will however prolong transmission life.	.. . .

7) What do we mean when we tell you your transmission needs a flush?
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When a transmission service is carried out the oil pan is removed and the fluid is drained. However with the exception of a few model vehicles where it is not possible to drain all the fluid from the transmission and if the fluid is extrordinarly dirty the fluid added at the completion of the service will be immediately contaminated by the remaining oil in the torque converter and oil galleries of the control unit.

To flush the transmission, oil flow is interrupted by removing a transmission to radiator cooling pipe. New fluid is added to the transmission while the engine is running. This pushes the old fluid out through the disconnected cooling pipe (see diagram below).

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8) Why can't you tell me how much it is going to cost to repair my transmission without taking it apart first?
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