Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
Keeping all the fluids in your vehicle changed on a regular basis is one of the most important things you can do to keep your vehicle running properly. Let’s take a look at them, as well as when and how to replace them.
Auto enthusiasts have always sought to customize their rides since the dawn of the automobile. Throughout the years, generation after generation of car owners endeavored to set their car apart from the crowd, regardless of make or model. The 2007 Altima is no stranger to customization, as everything from the engine to the exterior of the car can be changed to suit its owner's taste. Oddly enough, small touches can make a big difference in the Altima's aesthetics. Take the lowly shift knob, for example. As utilitarian as the knob is, replacing a worn knob or swapping it for a…
German automakers have been facing an interesting quandary for years. On the one hand, German precision engineering and high-quality construction methods typically make for cars that run far longer and herder than competitors. On the other, reliable parts mean dealer service enters with nothing to do, and little residual income from replacement parts. So, how did Mercedes get around this? By not including little things -- like, say, a transmission dipstick.
Known worldwide for safety for the the better part of the 20th century, Volvo made its name using the latest in technology to save lives. But, unfortunately, those technological innovations don't always make things easier for the weekend mechanic. Evidence the Volvo 850's transmission; buried under a splash shield and with no drain plug, simply changing the tranny fluid on an 850 can make for an hours-long job. It's not necessarily "difficult," but it can be a bit time consuming.
Depending on who you ask, Ford's ninth-generation F-150 might have been the last "real" pickup truck ever produced by the company. America has always had a love affair with the pickup, and showed it when nearly 800,000 F-150s were sold in 1996 alone. Of course, this did create something of a backlash -- to wit, the emergence of the more "civilized" and oxymoronic luxury pickup. But even as tough as this iconic pickup was, using it like it was designed to be used meant plenty of wear on the transmission -- so, at some point, you may find yourself installing…
It's very rare that you find something on a remotely modern car that one might call "easy to replace." Fuses, yes; maybe the odd relay, and probably the air freshener. But speedometer cable replacement generally falls somewhere between "installing a catalytic converter" and "sawing off your own foot." But, fortunately, the Sable -- and its Taurus cousin -- offer a DIY speedometer cable replacement that won't leave you wishing you'd just done the latter instead.
While Mazda's FD chassis may get all the press, the fact is that, in many ways, it wasn't the car that the previous-generation FC was. The FD was absolutely brilliant when it wasn't broken, but it never had the reliability that its forebear did. But the second-generation RX-7 remains a fairly old car, and something's bound to break eventually. And if you're driving it like you should be, then that will probably be the transmission. Removal isn't difficult as such things go, but it does take some muscle and involves a bit of heavy lifting.
Many late model cars and trucks employ electronics to measure and record road speed, but a great number of other vehicles still rely on a cable to drive the speedometer. Motorcycles and base-model cars and trucks usually forgo electronic sensors and gauges in favor of the tried and true cable-driven systems. These type systems were the only ones in use, in any vehicle, for decades. The symptoms exhibited by a faulty speedometer cable are few in number, but blatantly obvious in operation.
The 1994 Dodge Caravan came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and a three-speed automatic transmission. Your transmission, unlike most solenoid-controlled transmissions has all controlling solenoids mounted outside the transmission in a solenoid pack. Anytime a single solenoid has failed, you have to replace the entire assembly because the solenoids cannot be serviced individually. The solenoid pack is mounted on the driiver side of the transmission and is a repair that is well-suited for the home mechanic.
The transmission modulator on a 1973 Ford LTD controls the throttle valve inside the transmission, using vacuum pressure from the intake manifold. A vacuum line runs from the manifold to the modulator, which is mounted on the transmission. Symptoms of a defective modulator include; hard shifting, late shifting and a rough idle with blue smoke from the exhaust. However, check your engine for vacuum leaks before replacing your modulator. A vacuum leak could cause the modulator to operate the throttle valve at the wrong time.
While the base-model Isuzu Rodeo -- formerly Amigo -- came with a manual transmission, the automatic transmission Rodeo is the oddball when it comes to changing fluid. While some might say that it's not exactly the most user-friendly arrangement in the world, the Rodeo's unique refill system is at least relatively idiot-proof. You will need at least one special tool, normally used to refill manual transmissions; but it's worth the 10 to 20 bucks you'll spend on it.
Proving yet again that the only bad question is the one not asked, here's one with a few different answers. They all involve a "yes," but with a few provisos -- primarily in terms of filter location. The Optima's automatic transmission underwent a few changes in the middle of the 2001 model year that determine where you'll find the filter and how you'll go about changing it.
The 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue base model came with a 3.8-liter six-cylinder and a four-speed automatic transmission. To increase the life of the transmission fluid and keep the transmission temperature within operating range, transmission fluid is routed from the transmission to the transmission cooler in the radiator and then back to the transmission. Because the transmission cooler lines are subject to the elements during daily driving, they may need to be replaced if the have become corroded or sustained any damage. Replacement transmission cooler lines are sold as an assembly and are available from your local parts store or dealership.
Automatic transmission are truly amazing pieces of machinery. They're like the ninjas of your drivetrain, masters of numerous disciplines always working toward a singular goal. Of course, one would hope that, unlike the ninja, your transmission won't disappear in a cloud of smoke.
The 2008 Saturn Aura XE came with a 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine and a four-speed automatic transmission. The transmission in your Aura does not have a dipstick, so to check the transmission fluid you have to remove a plug on the transmission case. In general, the transmission fluid should maintain operating level and health for 100,000 miles, but the transmission may require service sooner if the Aura is used in severe conditions like extremely hot climates and hauling or towing. If the transmission fluid is low, add only genuine Dexron-VI automatic transmission fluid.
The 2004 Toyota Sienna base model van came with a 3.3-liter six-cylinder engine and a five-speed automatic transmission. Toyota recommends changing your transmission fluid on a regular basis only if you use your van for towing or hauling, otherwise the transmission fluid should last the life of the vehicle. Even though Toyota doesn't recommend regular maintenance for your transmission, it is a good Idea to replace your fluid every 60,000 miles. This is especially critical if the transmission fluid smells burnt or has an excessively dark color. The transmission filter for your Sienna van is also a lifetime filter that…
Many functions in your vehicle are controlled by the main engine computer, including how and when the transmission shifts gears. To get optimum fuel mileage and performance from your vehicle, computer-controlled shifts are the norm in most modern cars and trucks. In older vehicles, you may not have realized you had a transmission problem until you found yourself stranded. As of 2012, most new vehicles have a warning light that lets you know of transmission problems before they become a major expense.
More myths and rumors seem to surround automobiles and driving habits than most other facets of daily life. Thankfully, the majority of motorists have abandoned most of the more ludicrous legends, like kicking a tire to judge inflation and tread life. That practice stems from a time when dishonest car dealers would stuff a punctured tire with hay to make the tire seem inflated. To this day, the term "tire kicker" refers to persons aimlessly evaluating used cars. The longevity of this term illustrates the stubborn nature of quaint notions about cars. Some attempts to "baby" a vehicle may be…
The LeSabre began as an ultra-modern concept car in 1951, but when Buick released it in 1959, it was a family car. The 1998 LeSabre came standard with a 205-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 engine and a four-speed transmission, which General Motors dubbed the 4T65-E. Buick recommends changing the fluid in the 1998 LeSabre’s 4T65-E transmission every 50,000 miles as a part of its normal maintenance. While changing the fluid, replace the filter and gasket to avoid any contaminates getting into the new fluid and to prevent leakage.
Ford uses a neutral start sensor -- also called the transmission range sensor or transmission position sensor -- on the 1999 F-150 trucks equipped with automatic transmissions. The TR sensor, located on the driver side of the transmission around the manual control lever shaft, controls the function of the reverse lights and interrupts the starter circuit between the ignition switch and the starter relay unless the transmission is in “Park” or “Neutral.” You will need to align the sensor after installation to ensure proper operation.
Chevrolet introduced the Trailblazer midsize SUV in 2002 and produced it through 2009. GMC and Oldsmobile sold versions of the Trailblazer, named the Envoy and Bravada, respectively. The 2004 Trailblazer was powered by a 4.2-liter in-line six-cylinder or a 5.3-liter V-8 engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Two- or four-wheel-drive was also available. The speedometer -- or instrument -- cluster, is easier to remove than on many vehicles and a minimum of disassembly is required, making this a good job for the DIY mechanic.
Your 1998 Volkswagen Golf GL came with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder and the optional four-speed 01M automatic transmission, that has a drain plug for easy fluid draining. If your transmission fluid needs to be changed, it is also a good idea to remove and replace the transmission filter as well. Draining and filling the transmission will replace about 70% of your total fluid and will require between 3 to 4 quarts of transmission fluid. You can identify what transmission you have by looking at the drain pan; if there is a drain plug, you have the 01M transmission. If there is…
It may seem like a rather remote possibility, but engine coolant, or anti-freeze can get into automatic transmission fluid. The temperature of transmission fluid is regulated inside the engine cooling system. The fluid passes through a small tank inside the engine's radiator. Engine coolant surrounds the tank to help keep the fluid inside at a constant temperature. Any rupture of the internal radiator tank can allow coolant to mix with, and contaminate transmission fluid. The engine coolant can also become polluted by the transmission fluid, as the pressures of either liquid vacillate. The extent of damage to either circuit depends…
A cable television filter sits in-line with the coaxial cable coming from the cable service provider. The filter blocks the low-frequency signals that the cable box sends back to the provider, informing them when you access pay-per-view and other premium content. Use of these devices is generally against the law. If you come into possession of a cable box with a filter installed, you'll want to remove it to ensure that your cable usage remains fully legal.
The BMW 3-Series, the replacement for the once-hallowed BMW 2002, arrived in the U.S. in the form of the 320i in the 1977 model year. In 1984, BMW released the 325e, which later became the 325i. To the average driver, the 1993 BMW 325 has only two transmissions, a four-speed automatic and a five-speed manual. But in reality, the 1993 325 has multiple versions of the four-speed automatic, making checking its fluid a little tricky. The manual transmission had only one option and is rather straightforward.
Transmission mounts can break for a wide variety of different reasons, so you should try to be prepared. Find out what causes transmission mounts to break with help from an automotive expert in this free video clip.
There are a lot of myths out there on Planet Car, many of which are based on either outdated facts or assumptions built around incomplete data. The question of rpm-related transmission damage is an interesting one, since it does happen -- just not in the way you might think.
In years past when Cadillac decided to step out of its comfort zone – comfortable land yachts – it didn’t go too well. These experiments resulted in the debacles known as the Cadillac Cimarron and Catera, both of which Cadillac quickly swept under the rug. The CTS’s release in 2003 was yet another breaking of Cadillac’s mold, but in this case Cadillac struck gold. The 2004 CTS came standard with a 220-horsepower, 3.2-liter V-6 engine and a five-speed manual transmission. Draining and filling the transmission fluid on 2004 CTS’s standard manual transmission is a straightforward task that most do-it-yourself mechanics…
The 2004 Cadillac CTS, a model that debuted just a year earlier, came standard with a 3.2-liter V-6 engine that cranked out a respectable 220 horsepower. For buyers who needed a little more “umph” out of their V-6 engine, Cadillac also offered the optional 3.6-liter high-feature V-6 engine, typically called the HFV6, which pumped out 255 horsepower. Checking the automatic transmission fluid in the HFV6-equipped CTS is something Cadillac claims is unnecessary, so the car is not equipped with a transmission dipstick. For in-the-know mechanics who understand periodic inspection of the fluid is necessary, Cadillac did fit a check-and-fill plug…
Since the first fully automatic transmission appeared in the 1948 Oldsmobile, technology has transformed transmissions into computer-controlled units that provide the highest level of efficiency. Today's automatic transmission technology includes planetary gear sets, hydraulic systems and electrical systems. A properly functioning automatic transmission provides drivers with smooth, effortless shifting through the full range of operating conditions.
Ariens snow blowers use a gear case to power and rotate the augers on the front of the machine. The gear case, sometimes referred to as the transmission, requires Ariens' special gear lubricant L-2, which is available at some snow blower repair shops. Ariens recommends checking the transmission fluid level after every 25 hours of operation. Checking the transmission fluid in Ariens snow blowers at the suggested intervals helps ensure the life of the transmission.
Oils and lubricants are a vital part of any mechanical assembly on your car, at least as much so as any connecting rod, bearing or whatever else you care to name. The liquid components of your transmission and differential are as carefully tailored to their tasks as any other part; while they sometimes can interchange, there's simply no substitute for using the fluid for which your transmission or gearbox was designed.
By 2004, the 22-year-old Cavalier was getting a little long in the tooth and quickly approaching its final year. The 2004 Cavalier LS came standard with a 140-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission. Chevrolet also offered an optional four-speed automatic transmission on the LS trim level. Chevrolet expressly states that both transmissions are sealed units with no need for inspection or fluid changes. For those that prefer to check it regardless of Chevy’s statements, there are access points to check and refill the transmission oil on both transmissions.
Under normal circumstances, the drain pan under your washing machine just sits there, doing nothing. In the event of a hose failure, a drum leak or an overflow, the pan is an essential item, potentially preventing serious water damage. Check your washer drain pan periodically for cracks. Ideally, you should replace a cracked pan as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can repair minor cracks in your plastic drain pan inexpensively with common hardware store material.
An HVAC unit adjusts more than just the temperature inside your home. It dehumidifies the inside air, removing the moisture from it. This moisture drips off the evaporator coils inside the unit, down into a drain pan directly underneath it. Frequently inspect and clean the drain pan to prevent it from overflowing, from harboring mold and bacteria or from sustaining damage, which is most likely to be a hole caused by rust. Repair pinhole-sized holes in the drain pan before the damage progresses to the point where you need to remove the entire air handling unit to repair it.
The transmission pan gasket on a 1999 Pontiac Sunfire is designed to seal the transmission fluid pan to the transmission housing. Contrary to old-fashioned paper gaskets, this gasket is made from a combination of metal and rubber and designed to be reusable. As time passes, the gasket material can corrode and cause a transmission fluid leak. Since the transmission pan must be removed in order to replace the gasket, it’s an excellent time to replace the transmission filter that lies beneath the transmission pan. The transmission pan gasket and filter are both available from most auto parts stores.
In 1985, Toyota created a compact SUV in the most basic manner possible. It slapped a cap on the bed of its compact pickup, added upholstery, some seating and voila, the 4Runner was born. The original 4Runners were basic and more tuned to handle off-road adventures than hauling the family to and from soccer games comfortably, but as it progressed, the 4Runner became a formidable player in the sub-luxury SUV realm. The 1994 4Runner came standard with a manual transmission and had optional four-wheel drive in place of its standard two-wheel-drive configuration. Changing the oil in the manual transmission on…
The transmission of a Sears snowblower is responsible for power conversion within the machine. If the flywheel on the Briggs & Stratton engine block needs adjustment, or the motor's clutch shaft has failed, immediate troubleshooting and repair will be necessary before the snowblower can be used again. You can troubleshoot your Sears snowblower's transmission even if you have never attempted snowblower repair before.
A Craftsman lawn machine relies on the transmission assembly to convert power throughout the engine and to different parts of the machine in order to ensure proper functioning. The transmission's efforts can fail due to a faulty flywheel or a clutch shaft that needs to be replaced because of common wear and tear or damage. You can troubleshoot both of these likely faults, even if you lack professional lawn machine repair knowledge.
Automatic and manual transmissions require either a special fluid or oil to lubricate and protect moving parts inside the transmission case. Bearings, bearing shafts, synchronizers and gears must have lubrication to spin, engage and disengage properly. Owner's manuals stipulate regular filter and fluid change intervals to promote proper function and extend transmission life. If a transmission goes without fluid or oil change, the consequences can be catastrophic and permanent.
The 1999 Dodge Dakota pickup was available with either a 2.5-liter inline-four, 3.9-liter V-6, or a 5.2-liter V-8 engine. Available in either two- or four-wheel-drive, the Dakota used either the Chrysler 8.25 or 9.25 inch rear axle and a five-speed manual, or four-speed automatic transmission. Available axle ratios were 3.21, 3.55- and 3.92-to-1 for the manual, and 3.55- and 3.92-to-1 for the automatic transmission. Changing the axle ratio can have a striking effect on performance.
The base model 1996 Chevy Silverado 1500 was designed with the 4L60E transmission and offered with two-wheel drive. A transmission leak from this transmission could come from the front of the vehicle or in the middle below the transmission mounting. Several things could cause a leak including a bad seal or transmission cooler line.
Air conditioners dehumidify the moisture-filled air inside a room in addition to cooling it. Because of this, condensation collects inside the air conditioning unit and has to drain out. Both central air conditioners and room units have drain pans that catch this condensation and allow it to flow outside.
The Cub Cadet LT 1024 lawn tractor uses a hydrostatic transmission system, which means that hydraulic fluid is moved to make it go forward or in reverse. If your mower is on but you can’t move it in either direction, the hydrostatic transmission controls and other related systems should be examined.
Drag-race safely and legally by playing the online video game "Nitto 1320 Legends." Like any race car driver, players can fine tune their vehicles and find the best tournaments. Players can boost their gear ratio with a secret cheat. This cheat increases booster speeds which allow players to drive at maximum power more efficiently. Tune your car with a gear ratio cheat to drive fast while maintaining a low stress level in the engine.
The control knobs on GE washing machines all screw on to threaded posts extending from the control panel, with the exception of the cycle control knob, which attaches differently. Knobs may occasionally wear out or break if struck by a sharp, glancing blow. Replacement knobs are available from GE and appliance parts retailers. Installing a new knob takes only a few minutes.
A car's transmission allows a vehicle to accelerate forward through moving various internal gears. Each car manufacturer has a specific transmission model, such as a 4T65E, that is installed during production. The 4T65E transmission uses a pressure control solenoid (PCS) for regulating transmission oil pressure through electrical impulses. However, the PCS solenoid may develop problems, requiring access into the 4T65E transmission for a replacement and possible rebuild procedure.
Replacing the alternator on a 1987 Honda Accord LXI is always an interesting adventure in manual dexterity. It is tucked away on the driver’s side near the firewall and just above the oil pan. Because of the lack of room between the alternator pulley and subframe, the top bolt and adjuster must be removed from above the fender while the lower bolt must be removed from the bottom. The short shaft must be removed from the steering knuckle to gain room to remove it from under the hood.
Harley-Davidson's 1995 FLHT, of Electra Glide, uses a steel cable to drive its speedometer. The cable is attached to a gear-operated speedometer drive, mounted on the left side of the front wheel, which translates the rotation of the wheel into vehicle speed. While the cable itself is relatively durable, a lack of lubrication and cleaning could allow enough dirt and debris to build up around the inner cable, causing the cable to snap. Replacing a damaged cable requires the removal of the FLHT's batwing-shaped fairing to access the speedometer.
The 1998 Pontiac Sunfire base model came with a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission. Over time, the transmission mount becomes weak and needs to be replaced. The transmission mount will need to be replaced if the rubber bushing inside the mount has separated from the mount or when there is movement in the mount when pushing on the transmission case. Replacement of the transmission mount requires removing the driver side wheel and splash shield for access.
