Ario's Auto Repair

Historically, manual transmissions preceded their automatic cousins by several decades. The first automatic transmission was invented by General Motors 1938. There are two types of manual transmissions: The basic or sliding-gear and the constant-mesh. The basic or sliding-gear is a thing of the past. All modern transmissions are of the constant-mesh type, which still uses a similar gear arrangement as the sliding-gear with the exception that the mainshaft gears are in constant mesh with the cluster gears.

Automatic transmissions contain mechanical, hydraulic, electrical systems and computer controls, all working together in perfect harmony which goes virtually unnoticed until there is a problem. The transmission is a device that sends the power from the engine to the drive wheels. The transmission’s main job is to make sure the power is delivered to the wheels at a certain RPM or Revolutions Per Minute through various gear combinations.

In its lowest gear (1st) , the engine turns much faster relative to the drive wheels, while in its highest gear (fourth or fifth), the engine is loafing while the speed may be exceeding 70 MPH. A transmission has many speeds, 1st to 4th or 1st to 5th, a reverse position, and a neutral. The neutral position’s purpose is to disconnect the engine from the drive wheels. The reverse’s purpose is to turn the drive wheels backwards. Finally there is the park position. In this position a latch mechanism is inserted into a slot in the output shaft to lock the drive wheels and keep them from turning, hence preventing the vehicle from rolling.

There are 2 types of automatic transmissions. For a rear wheel drive, the transmission is normally mounted to the back of the engine. A drive shaft connects the rear of the transmission to the final drive which is located in the rear axle and is used to send power to the rear wheels. For a front wheel drive, the transmission is usually combined with the final drive to form what is called a transaxle. The engine on a front wheel drive car is usually mounted sideways in the car with the transaxle tucked under it on the side of the engine facing the rear of the car.

Questions & Answers

1. What do I do if I notice a transmission oil leak?

2. What do I need to do when there is a delay in gears?

3. My car won’t go in gear. What should I do?

4. How do I detect water contamination in my transmission fluid?

5. I need my transmission checked and transmission fluid changed. Do I need to call for appointment?

1. What do I do if I notice a transmission oil leak?

You definitely should not ignore a transmission leak. The purpose of the transmission fluid is to cool and lubricate your transmission. With an automatic transmission, the fluid provides necessary pressure to the internal parts of the transmission. A low level of transmission fluid will cause your transmission to start slipping. Slippage causes overheating resulting in damage to the transmission and could ultimately require a major repair. If you are leaking anything give us a call and we will run a diagnostics test on your transmission and recommend the fix.

2. What do I need to do when there is a delay in gears?

A delay in shifting may be attributed to many reasons. It could be caused by an electronic control or a low level of transmission fluid. These could potentially require only minor repairs. If your automatic transmission has been overheated or the transmission fluid has become contaminated, internal parts may be damaged. If this is the case, the transmission may need to be disassembled and rebuilt. Whatever the cause might be, Do not expect the problem to correct itself and the sooner you act, the more affordable the fix.

3. My car won’t go in gear. What should I do?

If your transmission is not going into gear, we recommend you have it towed to the nearest mechanic shop instead trying to force shift. A transmission not going into gear can be caused by various components of the transmission or clutch systems needing adjustment or replacement. This is considered to be a minor repair. Before damage becomes worse, we recommend you take it to a mechanic.

4. How do I detect water contamination in my transmission fluid?

Water in an automatic transmission almost always results in serious failure and major repair bills. To avoid this type of trouble, steer clear of deep puddles. In some case of water contamination, draining and servicing the transmission may be all that is necessary. In other cases, more substantial repair will be needed.

5. I need my transmission checked and transmission fluid changed. Do I need to call for appointment?

We do not take appointments, just walk-ins.