It is not cheap to repair, and even more so to replace automatic transmissions in car services. Do-it-yourself repair for many motorists has become the solution to this problem. The article will help you understand the main points, and it also contains answers to the most common questions that arise in the implementation of this type of work.
Should I do my own repairs?
Currently, new cars are required to be insured. But insurance can be covered only when the car is in good condition, and when repairs and maintenance are carried out in certain organizations with which the insurance company cooperates. If the parts of the car were changed by yourself, then all warranties are lost.
An automatic transmission is a complex mechanism with many nuances to consider. Otherwise, an independent attempt to repair will lead to an even greater aggravation of the problem, and the cost of repairing the automatic transmission will increase significantly. However, a competent approach to this issue and taking into account all possible consequences,perseverance and desire will help to make an independent repair of automation.
This job will require special tools, space and helpers.
Automatic transmission maintenance during operation
A motor vehicle should not be allowed to be towed long distances, moreover, if the ATF fluid (or oil, as everyone habitually calls it) is not filled.
Don't forget to check the fluid level every fifteen thousand kilometers and at least once a year. At the same time, it is important not to overdo it and not fill in an excessive amount of oil, as this will negatively affect the operation of the car, as well as the lack of ATF. If, nevertheless, its excess is observed, then it is necessary to drain the excess through a special plug or pump it out through a technical hole.
Where to start?
Vehicle idle and all pedals need to be adjusted. Next, check the fluid in the gearbox. It should not have a repulsive smell and unnatural color. Such signs mean that the automatic transmission has serious damage. The presence of bubbles means that there is too much liquid, which causes it to foam. If the liquid is milky, then this means its leakage, to eliminate which it is necessary to find a cable connecting the throttle valve to the box.
Problem with pneumatic actuator
Carefully inspect all tubes and hoses, as well as the connection of the vacuum line. Any cracks or dents in them may impede flowair.
Vacuum proofreader can also cause the box to break. A typical symptom of this problem is blue smoke from the exhaust pipe.
Check Fluid
To identify a fluid pressure problem, attach a pressure gauge to the crankcase fittings. This is done after the car has warmed up.
The problem may be in the filter. If there is a slight blockage, drain the liquid and place the filter in a solvent.
In what sequence do automatic transmission repairs and diagnostics take place?
The automatic transmission repair process occurs as follows:
- diagnostics;
- dismantling;
- dismantling;
- complete with spare parts;
- assembly;
- installation;
- rediagnosis.
The device of all automatic transmissions is the same. However, transmission control is distinguished between hydraulic and electronic. And therefore, the repair in these different cases has differences.
Signs of malfunction
Transmission problems are important to detect at an early stage. In this case, complex repairs can be avoided. There are a lot of signs of such breakdowns. Often, when shifting gears, extraneous sounds are heard - a crunch or clicks, a characteristic smell. If shifting is slower or a gear will not engage at all, then this is a serious problem.
Under the car should always be clean. Red spots found under the car indicate an oil leak. It is necessary to check its level regularly. Ideal isreddish, translucent oil without the slightest smell and turbidity. Otherwise, it must be replaced.
Causes of malfunctions
Transmission breakdowns are often caused by operating errors.
Insufficient oil level or overheating can cause a malfunction, as the gears wear out and the car may jerk when changing gears. Because of this, in the end, any parts of the automatic transmission may break.
Keep in mind that sudden braking and acceleration lead to rapid wear of parts. Traffic jams and slipping also contribute to this process. The box is overheating and its overall condition is deteriorating.
In case of a malfunction, the box goes into emergency mode - to the third speed, and does not switch from it. Before repairing, it is necessary to understand the cause of the automatic transmission malfunction. Do-it-yourself gearbox repair will not lead to anything if there are problems with the electronics.
Automatic transmission diagnostics
Its main purpose is to obtain information and interpretation. It is best to entrust specialists to diagnose automatic transmission. Do-it-yourself repairs will then take much less time. Diagnostics can be done mechanically and computerized.
To do this:
- oil check;
- engine inspection;
- determination of error codes for operation of the control unit;
- testing automatic transmission without movement and in movement;
- pressure test.
Diagnostics of the electronic control system
If a problem is found in this part, then it may not be necessary to remove and disassemble the automatic transmission. Diagnostics in this case is carried out by the control unit that controls the sensors of the automatic transmission, its gear ratio and the resistance of the output targets.
Different sensors send signals to the transmission computer. The latter, in turn, saves all codes of emerging problems, which are decrypted by a special scanner.
Mechanical and hydraulic diagnostics
This is where the main automatic transmission problems occur, which can be of a different nature. Among them:
- Transformer failure;
- problems with the mechanical part of the hydraulic plate;
- problems with other mechanics.
Removing the gearbox
For dismantling, you will need a lift or inspection pit, a special jack and keys. The automatic transmission weighs a lot, so the help of strong guys will be useful to move the box to the right place. It is located at the bottom of the car, so for dismantling, you need to partially disassemble the car, that is, remove its individual parts from the top, side and bottom. And in this case, special devices are indispensable.
Next you need:
- disconnect cables and tubes;
- unscrew the bolts;
- move automatic transmission;
- evaluate the problem and finally proceed to repair.
It is not necessary to drain the oil before removing the gearbox. But in this case, you need to substitute a special container under it so that the liquid does not spill onto the surface.
Dismantling neededdo it carefully, without sudden movements.
Repair
When working, it is advisable to have an automatic transmission repair manual on hand. Then the whole action will be easier. Similar parts, as well as the order of disassembly and assembly of the gearbox, will no longer be confused. First, the automatic transmission is inspected as a whole, all its fasteners and blocks. To repair, you must perform the following sequence of actions.
- Disassemble, wash and dry parts, and check their condition.
- Replace gaskets and seals without fail. Then - those parts that are worn out.
- Remove pads and pan, clean them from dirt.
- Remove the ring wires from the plug.
- Remove and wash the valve body.
- Check gears, clutches and planetary gears for wear and replace if necessary. At the same time, all the rubber bands inside must be changed.
- Open the oil pump and check the parts.
- Pull out all the springs and valves. Rinse and change if necessary.
- Put everything back together without confusing anything.
- Reinstall the oil pump.
All parts are assembled in reverse order, do not confuse anything and do not forget.
Features of valve body repair
There are features that you need to know for those who decide to repair the automatic transmission valve body or other parts of it. Often problems can be related to the filter. And its replacement is impossible without disassembling the entire valve body. Dismantling and repair of the automatic transmission valve bodywill also be required in the event of failure of the accumulator spring. When disassembling and then reassembling the valve body, you should be careful not to mix up the gaskets, because they are very similar to each other.
Torque converter repair
An automatic transmission torque converter will need to be repaired if the following characteristic features are present:
- when this or that gear is engaged, a noise is heard, gradually disappearing;
- vibration is felt at speeds from sixty to ninety kilometers per hour due to a malfunction of the locking mechanism;
- car does not accelerate well.
If the malfunction of the automatic transmission is connected with the torque converter, then a simple disassembly is indispensable here. You will have to cut the device and then inspect the internal parts. If necessary, the automatic transmission torque converter is repaired and its parts are replaced. After that, the device must be welded again, check the tightness, fastening strength. Having mounted the torque converter on the automatic transmission, be sure to balance it.
Automatic transmission assembly
Assembling a gearbox after its repair is a troublesome and responsible business. You can't rush through this. The following guidelines will help you assemble the gearbox.
- When installing an automatic transmission, it is necessary to check the membrane for end runout and, if necessary, replace it.
- The radiator is washed until the gasoline is completely clean, after which oil is poured into the gas turbine engine and put on the primaryshaft. Next, the engine is docked with the automatic transmission.
- After that, the bolts are tightened, oil is poured in and, finally, the car is started, since the automatic transmission needs to be checked at operating speed.
Following these recommendations and observing the procedure and accuracy, you will be able to assemble the automatic box correctly.
Many motorists think that it is impossible to repair automatic transmissions at home. Do-it-yourself repair, however, is a very real task. But before that, you need to understand what you will have to face in the implementation of work. Then all sorts of troubles will bypass the motorist who decides to repair the automatic transmission. Its replacement and repair, of course, are also carried out in a car service. This saves time, but not money. Everyone decides for himself which method he will resort to. Although the cost of repairing an automatic transmission bites, it will be easier for someone to give their car to a car service than to mess around on their own. In any case, this article will help motorists understand how automatic transmission repairs take place and what parts will have to be changed.
