Automatic transmissions
Automatic transmissions are becoming more and more popular with us. They are in luxury European cars and almost every American.
Automatic transmissions are becoming more and more popular with us. They are in luxury European cars and almost every American.
By "automatic transmissions" we mean devices consisting of a torque converter, an oil pump and a series of planetary gears. Colloquially, “automatic” is also sometimes referred to as continuously variable transmissions or automated manual transmissions, which work on a completely different principle.
Benefits Only
Automatic transmissions have 3 to 7 forward gears. In practice, there are many design solutions for automatic transmissions. The technologies and materials used to make these sophisticated devices ensure a long service life. With proper operation, mechanical repairs are sporadic, and maintenance is limited to checking the oil level and changing the oil. An added benefit of using these boxes is increased engine repair mileage.
However, it must be remembered that a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission must not be towed or pushed. To start, you need to use an additional battery and special cables. When the light on the instrument panel lights up indicating a malfunction of the transmission, it is necessary to visit a specialized workshop.
How to check
When buying a used car equipped with an automatic transmission, you should read its history very carefully, and before making a final decision, it is worth inspecting the power unit at an automatic transmission repair station. There are a number of symptoms that indicate the condition of the machine, and they can only be noticed by professionals. These include: the technical condition of electrical and mechanical components, oil leaks from the gearbox housing, oil level, the operation of the gear lever and the smoothness of gear changes throughout the vehicle speed range. Since the engine and gearbox form a drive unit, additional checks should be made to ensure that the engine runs correctly, without jerking or misfiring, and that there are no vibrations in the drive system that are transmitted to the gearbox.
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The machine must be filled with oil according to the manufacturer's specifications. Oil is the working fluid in the gearbox valve body, cools the entire unit and lubricates the planetary gear teeth. The oil also flushes out the contaminants it has deposited on 
metal parts that can cause damage. Changing the type of oil is possible only in a specialized workshop after a thorough cleaning of the inside of the box.
Automatic transmissions of cars produced since the 90s were filled with synthetic oil. Its replacement is planned in about 100 - 120 thousand. km, but if the car is operated in difficult conditions or used in a taxi, the mileage is reduced to 80 XNUMX. km.
In the newest automatic machines, subject to the operating conditions, the transmission oil is enough for the entire service life of the mechanisms. The oil level must be checked at every technical inspection. Lack of lubrication can damage the gearbox. Excess oil will foam, cause leaks, knock out seals, or may cause damage to mechanisms inside the box. When checking the oil, its temperature should be taken into account, because. when heated, it increases in volume. Oil should be added in small increments with frequent level checks.
There are many places in boxes where oil can leak, such as the oil pan gasket, slow boil seals, or o-rings. The cause of hardening and premature loss of tightness of these seals is a variety of reasons for overheating of the gearbox. The replacement of sealing elements should be entrusted to a workshop specializing in the repair of automatic machines. These operations require specialized knowledge, experience and often the right tools.
Temperature
Oil temperature is very important in the operation of automatic transmissions. Oil and seals wear out faster as the temperature inside the box rises. An oil cooler will do the job if it's clean. If the radiator is clogged with insects and dust, it must be carefully cleaned to allow air to circulate.
Automatic transmissions are repairable, although repair costs are often high. In the event of a breakdown of vending machines installed on cars of "exotic" brands, repairs may be difficult or even unprofitable.
