It is quite expensive to repair, and even more so replace automatic transmission in auto repair shops. DIY repair for many motorists was the solution to this problem. The article will help to understand the main points, and it also contains answers to the most common questions that arise during the implementation of this type of work.
Is it worth it to make repairs yourself?
Currently, new cars must 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 car parts were changed independently, then all warranties are lost.
Automatic transmission is a complex mechanism, when working with which you need to take into account many nuances. Otherwise, an independent attempt to repair will lead to an even greater aggravation of the problem, and the cost of repairing an automatic transmission will increase significantly. However, a competent approach to this issue and taking into account all sorts of consequences, perseverance and desire will help to make an independent repair of automation.
For this work, special tools, a room and assistants will be required.
Automatic transmission maintenance
The vehicle must not be allowed to tow over long distances, besides, if ATF liquid (or oil, as everyone calls it by habit) is not flooded.
Do not forget to check the fluid level every fifteen thousand kilometers and at least once a year. It is important not to overdo it and not to fill in an excessive amount of oil, as this will adversely affect the operation of the car, as well as the lack of ATF. If, however, its excess is observed, then it is necessary to drain the excess through a special plug or pump out through a technical hole.
Where to begin?
It is necessary to adjust the idle speed of the car and all its pedals. Next, check the fluid in the gearbox. She 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 fluid, which is why it foams. If the liquid is milky, then this means a leak, to eliminate which it is necessary to find a cable connecting the throttle to the box.
The problem with the pneumatic drive
All tubes and hoses, as well as the connection of the vacuum line, are carefully inspected. Any cracks or dents in them can obstruct the flow of air.
Vacuum corrector can also cause damage to the box. A characteristic feature of this problem is blue smoke from the exhaust pipe.
Fluid check
To identify problems with fluid pressure, it is necessary to connect the pressure gauge to the fittings of the crankcase system. This is done after warming up the car.
The problem may lie in the filter. With a small blockage, drain the liquid and place the filter in a solvent.
In what sequence do the automatic transmission repair and diagnostics occur?
The automatic transmission repair process takes place according to the following scheme:
- diagnostics;
- dismantling;
- disassembly;
- equipment with spare parts;
- assembly;
- installation;
- re-diagnosis.
The device of all automatic transmissions is the same. However, the transmission control is distinguished between hydraulic and electronic. And so the repair in these different cases has differences.
Symptoms
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 damage. Often when switching gears, extraneous sounds are heard - a crunch or clicks, a characteristic smell. If the shift is slower or some gear does not turn on at all, then this is a serious problem.
It should always be clean under the car. Red spots found under the machine indicate an oil leak. Check its level regularly. Ideal is a reddish, translucent oil without the slightest odor and turbidity. Otherwise, it must be replaced.
Reasons for malfunction
Transmission failures often occur due to operational errors.
An insufficient oil level or its overheating can lead to a malfunction, as the gears wear out and the car can jerk when shifting gears. Because of this, in the end, any automatic transmission parts may break.
It should be borne in mind that sharp braking and acceleration lead to rapid wear of parts. Jams and slipping also contribute to this process. The box overheats, and its general condition worsens.
In the event of a malfunction, the box goes into emergency mode - at the third speed, and does not switch from it. Before repairing, it is necessary to understand the cause of the automatic transmission failure. Do-it-yourself repair of the gearbox will not lead to anything if there are problems with the electronics.
Automatic 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 significantly less time. Diagnostics can be done mechanical and computer.
To do this:
- oil check;
- engine inspection;
- determination of error codes for operation of the control unit;
- automatic transmission testing without movement and in movement;
- pressure check.
Diagnostics of the electronic control system
If you find a problem in this part, then you may not need to remove and disassemble the automatic transmission. Diagnostics in this case is made by the control unit that controls the automatic transmission sensors, 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.
Diagnostics of mechanical and hydraulic parts
It is here that the main problems of automatic transmission occur, which can be of a different nature. Among them:
- transformer malfunctions;
- problems with the mechanical part of the hydraulic plate;
- problems with other mechanics.
Gearbox disassembly
For dismantling, a lift or a pit for viewing, a special jack and keys will be required. The automatic transmission weighs a lot, so it will be useful to help strong guys to move the box to the right place. It is located at the bottom of the machine, so for dismantling it is necessary to partially disassemble the car, that is, to remove its individual parts from above, side and bottom. And in this case, you can not do without special devices.
Further it is necessary:
- disconnect cables and tubes;
- unscrew the bolts;
- move automatic transmission;
- assess the malfunction 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 should be done carefully, without sudden movements.
Repairs
When working, it is advisable to have a manual for the repair of automatic transmission on hand. Then the whole action will be easier. Similar details, as well as the procedure for disassembling and assembling the gearbox, will no longer be mixed up. First, the automatic transmission is inspected as a whole, all its mountings and blocks. For repair it is necessary to perform the following sequence of actions.
- Disassemble, rinse and dry parts, as well as check their condition.
- Replace gaskets and gaskets without fail. Then - those parts that have worn out.
- Remove the pads and the pallet, clean them from dirt.
- Remove the ring wiring from the plug.
- Remove and flush valve body.
- Check gears, friction clutches and epicyclic reduction gears for wear, and replace if necessary. In this case, all the gum inside is necessary to change necessarily.
- Open the oil pump and check the details.
- Remove all springs and valves. Rinse and change if necessary.
- Put everything back together without confusing anything.
- Put the oil pump in place.
All parts are assembled in the reverse order; do not confuse or forget anything.
Features of the valve body repair
There are features that you need to know for someone who has decided to repair the valve body of the automatic transmission or its other parts. Often problems can be associated with the filter. And replacing it is impossible without disassembling the entire valve body. Dismantling and repair of the automatic transmission valve body will also be required in the event of failure of the accumulator spring. When disassembling and then assembling the valve body back, one should be careful not to confuse the gaskets, because they are very similar to each other.
Torque converter repair
The automatic transmission torque converter will need to be repaired if there are the following characteristic features:
- when this or that gear is engaged, noise is heard that gradually disappears;
- at speeds from sixty to ninety kilometers per hour, vibration is felt due to a malfunction of the locking mechanism;
- the car accelerates poorly.
If the automatic transmission malfunction is associated with a torque converter, then a simple disassembly is indispensable. 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 replaced. After that, the device needs to be welded again, to check the tightness, the fastening strength. Having mounted the torque converter on the automatic transmission, be sure to balance it.
Automatic transmission assembly
Assembling the gearbox after repairing it is troublesome and responsible. In this case, one cannot rush. The following guidelines will help you assemble the gearbox.
- When installing automatic transmission, it is necessary to check the membrane for mechanical runout and, if necessary, replace it.
- The radiator is washed until the gasoline is completely clean, after which oil is added to the gas turbine engine and placed on the input shaft. Next, the engine is docked with automatic transmission.
- After that, they tighten the bolts, fill in the oil and, finally, start the car, since ultimately it is necessary to check the automatic transmission at working speeds.
Following these recommendations and observing the procedure and accuracy, you can assemble the automatic transmission correctly.
Many motorists think that it is impossible to repair the automatic transmission at home. Do-it-yourself repair nevertheless is a very real task. But before that, you need to understand what you will have to face when carrying out work. Then all kinds of troubles will bypass the motorist who decided to fix the automatic transmission. Replacing it and repairing, of course, are also made in the car service. This saves time, but not money. Everyone decides for himself what method he will resort to. The automatic transmission repair cost, although it bites, but for someone it will be easier to give your car to a car service than to bother yourself. In any case, this article will help motorists to understand how automatic transmission repair is going on and what parts will have to be changed.