Transmission Frequently Asked Questions

How frequently should my transmission’s fluid be changed?

How long will it take Everett Transmission to check my transmission?

My check engine, transmission or overdrive light is on or flashes?

Just like your vehicle’s engine, the transmissions of most modern vehicles our customers in the Everett ~ Boston area drive are controlled by on board computers. When a malfunction occurs a vehicle’s computer will store a code, relative to the problem, and will display a warning light on the console. Needless to say Everett Transmission tells our customers that these warnings should not be ignored. Early diagnosis, by a qualified transmission technician at Everett Transmission, with the proper equipment, can save a vehicle’s owner money and help to prevent getting stranded out on the road somewhere in or around Everett ~ Boston. Everett Transmission has the equipment and trained technicians to help you when this occurs.

What transmission services does Everett Transmission offer?

What type of transmission fluid does Everett Transmission recommend for my vehicle?

It is important to understand that various transmissions use different types of transmission fluids. Our Everett ~ Boston transmission shop offers several different types of transmission fluid brands, all of which are of excellent quality. Everett Transmission recommends you change your transmission fluid every 25,000 to 35,000 miles as part of a regular maintenance schedule for your vehicle. When you bring your vehicle to our Everett ~ Boston transmission shop for a transmission fluid change we will also replace your filter, the pan gasket, and perform a final leak-check followed by a thorough road test.

May I drive with a transmission leaking?

Everett Transmission tells all of our customers in the greater Everett ~ Boston area that it is best to not drive with a transmission leak. The transmission in a car or truck is a sealed hydraulic component and any loss of transmission fluid due to a leak will affect the performance of the vehicle. We encourage any of our customers in the greater Everett ~ Boston area to schedule a FREE road test and multi-check with Everett Transmission.

Can driving condition’s affect my transmission?

Yes, extreme cold or hot weather combined with poor driving conditions can impact a transmission’s life expectancy. When seldom driven or usually driven short distances, vehicles may be subject to unusual wear or strain. An example would be vehicles that are normally driven a short distance normally never have the chance for the engine to heat up to the normal heat range, the result of which can be excessive engine wear.

What does scanning tell me about my transmission problem?

When the transmission specialists at Everett Transmission scan your transmission they are attaching a diagnostic computer to a terminal in the vehicle. The scanning diagnostic tool communicates with the vehicle’s computer to see if any trouble codes are present. If trouble codes are detected the scanner reads the output from various vehicle sensors and feeds that information to the computer. This information is then helpful in determining the transmission system’s electrical control system. Everett Transmission uses high-quality transmission diagnostic equipment to help us diagnose the transmission problems of all of our customers in the greater Everett ~ Boston area.

Is it better to drive in overdrive or normal drive?

Unless driving conditions in the Everett ~ Boston area indicate otherwise, Everett Transmission tells our customers that transmission are controlled electronically by a computer and should be driven in overdrive.

What does a transmission slipping problem indicate?

The transmission specialists at Everett Transmission are often asked this question by our customers in the greater Everett ~ Boston area. Put simply, a slipping transmission means that when a vehicle attempts to move from a stop, the engine revs and the vehicle can barely move or does not move at all.

What does a transmission cooler do?

When towing a trailer or overload with your vehicle, Everett Transmission tells our customers in the Everett ~ Boston area that they may think of having a transmission cooler installed by one of our transmission specialists.

Should I repair or replace my transmission?

Many of those who bring their vehicle to our Everett ~ Boston transmission service and repair shop are both surprised and relieved to learn that a problem with their vehicle’s transmission does not necessarily mean a lot of money needs to be spent to repair it. In fact there are several transmission problems that can be solved without having to remove the transmission from a vehicle. Everett Transmission has put together the following information in an effort to make you a better informed consumer when trying to decide if you should repair or replace your transmission. The technicians at our Everett ~ Boston transmission shop are always available if you should have any questions about the information provided below. We also provide Transmission Inspections to determine the best solution for your particular situation. To request your inspection please complete and submit our online appointment form.

Many of those who bring their vehicle to our Everett ~ Boston transmission service and repair shop are both surprised and relieved to learn that a problem with their vehicle’s transmission does not necessarily mean a lot of money needs to be spent to repair it. In fact there are several transmission problems that can be solved without having to remove the transmission from a vehicle. Everett Transmission has put together the following information in an effort to make you a better informed consumer when trying to decide if you should repair or replace your transmission. The technicians at our Everett ~ Boston transmission shop are always available if you should have any questions about the information provided below. We also provide Transmission Inspections to determine the best solution for your particular situation. To request your inspection please complete and submit our online appointment form.

Transmission Adjustments & In-Car Repairs

The technicians at Everett Transmission understand that problems with your vehicle’s transmission can often be resolved with adjustments or a minor repair. In fact, a simple adjustment can be done without even removing the transmission from the vehicle. When a late model transmission is failing to shift correctly, it can often be due to a faulty sensor receiving incorrect signals from the computer. Additionally shifting problems can arise when a transmission is not responding to the computer correctly due to a bad connection or a defective solenoid pack. These types of repairs can be fixed without having to remove the transmission from the vehicle saving you a considerable amount of money when compared to a complete overhaul.

In situations where a non computer-controlled transmission is either shifting too early or too late, the throttle cable may need to be adjusted. Seldom will a throttle cable go out of adjustment on its own or because of wear and tear, but rather most mis-adjustments are a result of other repair work or due to damage from an accident. When a vacuum modulator is used in lieu of a throttle cable, an adjustment screw can be used to correct a transmission problem. When a vehicle uses a modulator instead of a throttle cable it is crucial that there be no vacuum leaks and the engine is performing at peak efficiency. The vacuum conditions of an engine are very sensitive and significantly impact the performance of an engine. Our technicians will quite often use a vacuum gauge when diagnosing a vehicle’s performance problem and state of tune. Many of the problems a vehicle’s transmission may present will disappear after a thorough tune-up or other engine performance related repairs are completed.

Transmissions in older model vehicles can experience what is called “slipping”. Slipping is a condition that results in an engine racing briefly when shifting from one gear to another. Often times a transmission band adjustment is all that is required to correct slipping conditions.

Reseal Job

Spotting of red oil on the ground underneath your vehicle is usually indicative of your transmission needing a reseal job. Reseal jobs are done in order to repair external transmission fluid leaks. Checking for leaks involves one of our technicians placing your vehicle on a rack to examine the transmission for signs of oil leaks. If while examining your vehicle our technician notices leaks near any of the external gaskets or seals and your transmission is otherwise performing well, our recommendation will usually the transmission be resealed. While most external seals can be replaced without needing to remove the transmission, a front seal replacement requires the removal of the transmission in order to gain access to it, resulting in a more expensive transmission repair.

Accessible Part Replacement

The transmission in your vehicle has numerous parts that are accessible without requiring the removal of your transmission, including the majority of the electrical parts that are serviced simply by removing the oil pan. Repairing a transmission’s external parts may result in limited warranty coverage as it is not possible to see if there is any additional problems with the parts inside the transmission that are only accessible with the complete removal of the transmission.

Complete Transmission Overhaul (Rebuild)

A complete transmission overhaul, also known as a transmission rebuild, a transmission is completely removed from vehicle and disassembled in our shop. Each of the parts are laid out on a workbench and is inspected for damage and wear. The parts are then either cleaned in a special cleaning solution or replaced if damaged. If a part has friction surfaces, such as the case with bands and clutches, then it is replaced. In a complete transmission overhaul all gaskets and seals are replaced as well. The torque converter is replaced during a complete transmission overhaul, being replaced with a remanufactured one. Additionally our technicians will review technical service bulletins to check if the manufacturer of the transmission in question recommends any modifications intended to correct design defects realized after the transmission was built. If a bulletin indicates such a defect then an upgrade kit will be used to resolve any and all design defects.

Transmission Replacement vs. Complete Overhaul

When it is determined that your vehicle”s transmission is in need of an overhaul a replacement unit may be a consideration. Rather than removing your existing transmission only to completely disassemble and reassemble it, another option is to replace it with one that has already been rebuilt or remanufactured. There are several things to consider when deciding to use a replacement unit instead of a complete transmission rebuild. Although a replacement unit will get you back on the road much faster it is not always the best solution. There are situations when any given transmission model will have numerous variations dependent upon factors such as which model vehicle, engine, axle ratio, and even tire size! The resulting problems could vary and might be as simple as a speedometer reading that is too high or low (speedometers are normally connected to a gear in the transmission by a cable). Alternatively though you might incur incorrect shift points or even a complete transmission failure due to your engine being more powerful than the one a replacement unit was designed for. Our technicians are aware of these important considerations and will discuss these in detail with you during a service consultation.

What does a transmission repair cost at Everett Transmission?

There are several variables that can affect the cost to fix or repair a transmission in Everett ~ Boston. These variables include determining the cause of your transmission problem, your vehicle’s age and type of transmission, and the specific service or repair that needs to be completed. Everett Transmission offers an external diagnostic service to identify how best to fix your problem and keep repair or service costs to a minimum. An external diagnostic service includes checking the level and condition of the transmission fluid, taking your vehicle around the Everett ~ Boston area for a road test, and a diagnosis of the external transmission controls by one of the technicians at Everett Transmission. This diagnosis will determine if there is a transmission problem, and if the problem can be corrected with an external repair or adjustment. If you would like to schedule a visit to our Everett ~ Boston auto repair shop for an external diagnostic service please complete and submit our online appointment form and one of our technicians will contact you for an appointment.

Does servicing my automatic transmission prevent it from failing?

Yes, the chances of various types of automatic transmission failure can be minimized when regularly serviced by a transmission specialists at Everett Transmission. Regular servicing can help prevent lubrication related problems as well as those resulting from debris or clogged filters.

What Color is Transmission Fluid?

Everett Transmission will often be asked by our customers in the Everett ~ Boston area what color transmission fluid is. Our technicians tell them that transmission fluid is dyed red for identification purposes only. Without using a red dye in transmission fluid the color would be clear to slightly amber.

What does a transmission repair in Everett ~ Boston cost?

Everett Transmission tells our customers in the Everett ~ Boston area that there are several variables that can affect the cost of a transmission repair at our Everett ~ Boston auto repair shop, including determining the cause of a transmission problem, a vehicle’s age and type of transmission, and the specific service or repair that needs to be completed by a technician at Everett Transmission. Everett Transmission offers an external diagnostic service to identify how best to fix your problem and keep repair or service costs to a minimum. An external diagnostic service at Everett Transmission includes checking the level and condition of the transmission fluid, taking the vehicle for a road test around the Everett ~ Boston area, and a diagnosis of the external transmission controls. This diagnosis will determine if there is a transmission problem, and if the problem can be corrected with an external repair or adjustment. If you would like to schedule a visit to our Everett ~ Boston auto repair shop for an external diagnostic service please complete and submit our online appointment form and someone from Everett Transmission will contact you for an appointment.

What are my options for a transmission problem?

Everett Transmission transmission repair advice When helping our auto repair shop’s customers in the greater Everett ~ Boston area that have a transmission problem, our skilled technicians will often advise them that when it comes to transmission repair they have several options to choose from. And like most options in life, the options for transmission repair each have their advantages and disadvantages. Everett Transmission tells our customers that their choice will usually be dependent on such considerations as quality, cost, as well as the duration of time that is required to return the vehicle. To help those in the Everett ~ Boston area that have a problem with their transmission, Everett Transmission is pleased to offer a short description of the available options for a transmission problem.

New Transmission:

Often to the surprise of the customers who come to our auto repair shop for our automotive repair expertise, new transmission are not available from any source – including automotive dealerships in the Everett ~ Boston area. If a transmission is purchased from a dealer, that transmission is not a new transmission but rather remanufactured transmission (see below). For those in the Everett ~ Boston area in search of a new transmission, they should know that transmissions are only “new” when first installed into a vehicle at the factory. Needless to say, this is an important consideration when contemplating the cost of a transmission.

Rebuilt Transmission:

Everett Transmission transmission rebuild advice Another common option often chosen by those in the Everett ~ Boston area who have transmission problems are rebuilt transmissions. Rebuilding a transmission is a very complicated process and as such requires a true transmission specialist, typically called a “transmission rebuilder”. When a transmission is rebuilt, it is taken apart piece by piece, with each piece being carefully inspected for damaged or worn parts. These parts are commonly referred to in the transmission repair industry as “hard parts”. The transmission is then put back together to factory specifications using what are often referred to in the transmission repair industry as soft parts, ie. replacement gaskets, seals, bands, and clutches. At Everett Transmission, the term “rebuilt” is commonly used when a transmission in a vehicle is removed and reinstalled after being rebuilt by a specialist, or as mentioned previously a transmission rebuilder. Other terms commonly used in the transmission repair industry for a rebuilt transmission include overhauled, reconditioned, or refurbished.

Remanufactured Transmission:

Everett Transmission reman transmission advice The option known as a remanufactured transmission, often referred to as a “reman” is essentially the same as a rebuilt transmission with the exception being that a remanufactured transmission usually originates from a factory. Typically there are two common methodologies for remanufacturing transmissions in a factory setting. In one scenario, a team of technicians skilled in specific areas of transmission repair is employed. For example, one transmission technician will perform the teardown (disassembly) and inspects the transmission, another technician will perform the cleaning of the transmission’s parts, followed by several technicians who work to assemble and restore various components before finally having one individual assemble the remanufactured transmission. The other method commonly used in the remanufacturing of transmissions utilizes one individual who is skilled and familiar with a particular family of or specific type of transmission(s). In such a situation this individual will rebuild the transmission from start to finish.

Regardless of the method of remanufacturing a transmission, once completed and prior to being shipped for sale, the remanufactured transmission will be tested on a machine called a dynamometer.

Repaired Transmission:

Quite often, when a customer comes to Everett Transmission with a transmission problem, a repair of the existing transmission is all that is required. A transmission repair can include items such as a failed solenoid or broken input shaft, either of which can be replaced without needing to completely rebuild the transmission. Another situation when a repair is needed is when there is a transmission leak. When an external inspection of the transmission a leak is detected and the internal parts of the transmission have a useful remaining life, replacing the external seals of the transmission is all that is required to repair the transmission. Typically when repairing a transmission, any warranty consideration is limited to the specific part that was replaced. This can be a problem if after the transmission repair is completed an internal part fails that was not associated with the problem. When compared to a rebuilt or remanufactured transmission, a transmission repair can be cost effective but it should be noted that there is a certain element of risk involved.

Used Transmission:

Finally the last option for those in the Everett ~ Boston area with a transmission problem is to purchase a used transmission and have it installed. A great example of a used transmission being a viable option is when for example a vehicle has been totaled by an insurance company for something as simple as an air bag being deployed when involved in a minor accident. With the exception of the minor problem, the remainder of the vehicle may be in fantastic condition and with very low mileage. Everett Transmission does tell our customers that even though a used transmission may be cheaper than a rebuilt or remanufactured transmission, the trade off is usually the lack of a warranty on a used transmission.

In conclusion, Everett Transmission tells our customers that they should remember that not each and every option described is practical. Variables such as the type of car in question, the overall mileage, and failure type usually determine which option(s) are best. Everett Transmission invites anyone in the greater Everett ~ Boston area who has a transmission problem to contact us and let one of our automotive repair specialists advise you as to which option might be best for your situation!

What are tips for the best transmission maintenance?

Everett Transmission will often be asked by those in the greater Everett ~ Boston area who rely on our team of auto repair mechanics for their automotive expertise and advice, what are the best tips or suggestions for keeping an automatic or manual transmission properly maintained. As such, Everett Transmission has put together the following list we hope will be useful to anyone in the greater Everett ~ Boston area who may be wondering about how to properly maintain the transmission in a vehicle.

• Be certain to have the scheduled maintenance done on the transmission in accordance with the vehicle owner’s manual
• It is best to always have the transmission fluid inspected when having an oil change at Everett Transmission in Everett ~ Boston
• Avoid driving around the surrounding Everett ~ Boston areas in a vehicle that has little or NO transmission fluid
• Never switch gears from Drive to Reverse when a vehicle is moving
• Wheels should not be spun on vehicles that have Front Wheel Drive
• When experiencing a transmission problem it is best to not drive the vehicle as doing so may result in additional damage or harm
• It is always best practice not to “drag race” a vehicle as doing so puts unnecessary strain on an automatic transmission
• Unless a a vehicle is an automatic 4×4 or All Wheel, it is not recommended to drive in 4×4 range on dry asphalt
• Prior to shifting gear into another range it is always recommended to come to a complete stop first
• When driving around the greater Everett ~ Boston area with a Front Wheel or All Wheel Drive vehicle it is best to not drive with mismatched tire sizes or on spare tires

Everett Transmission hopes that these tips on transmission maintenance have been helpful to anyone in the greater Everett ~ Boston area who has an interest in how best to maintain a transmission. If you live in the greater Everett ~ Boston area and need an auto repair or service, Everett Transmission invites you to schedule online!

Should I flush or service my transmission?

A regular question asked of the automotive repair technicians on staff at Everett Transmission is when should I flush my transmission? As a leading auto repair shop serving the Everett ~ Boston area, Everett Transmission usually tells our customers that in most situations and for most vehicles a transmission service, involving dropping the transmission pan and changing the transmission fluid and filter, is recommended every 30,000 to 40,000 miles – and NOT a transmission flush.
And although Everett Transmission normally recommends a transmission service over a transmission flush, there are some situations when a transmission flush is required. For example, some transmissions do not have a filter that can be serviced. When having any type of transmission problem it is advised to have the vehicle’s transmission inspected by an automotive repair specialist to help prevent or minimize any damage to the transmission.

Listed below are some of the more common transmission problems that indicate a vehicle should be brought to Everett Transmission for a FREE external diagnostic inspection and complimentary test drive by a one of our professional transmission repair specialists.

Gear Slipping

Everett Transmission tells our customers that just as a contaminated transmission may result in a loss of hydraulic power, not having enough transmission fluid may result in the same situation. For a car or truck to remain in the proper gear, a transmission is required to develop enough pressure. In the situation where a transmission has contaminants (clutch or metal debri for example), these contaminents can interfere with the transmission fluid flowing as intended to assist with the pressure required for proper performance.

When the transmission fluid level in a vehicle is low, it usually indicates that there is a leak and the vehicle should be brought into Everett Transmission for a free inspection before any additional damage might occur. Additionally the discovery of contaminates in the transmission fluid may indicate a bigger problem that can result in larger problems than what a flush or service may provide. In either situation it is best to schedule an appointment and let a professional automotive repair specialists address the gear slipping problem.

Transmission Grinding or Strange Noises

A situation that can often result in symptoms that are similar to low levels of transmission fluid is when a transmission is contaminated with grease, dirt, and sludge. Everett Transmission tells our customers that when driving around the roads of the greater Everett ~ Boston area that if they notice a grinding or other strange noise from the transmission the vehicle should be stopped and the level of the transmission fluid should be checked with the engine still running. The color of the transmission fluid should be a bright red and not a brown or black color resulting from sludge or grime (it should be noted that some transmission fluid from European auto manufacturers has a similar color to new motor oil, ie. golden brown).

Most importantly Everett Transmission recommends that if there is a grinding or other strange noise coming from your vehicle’s transmission, your best option is to have the transmission inspected by a qualified transmission specialist, as having a transmission flush may not be the best option for the problem and may in fact worsen the situation resulting in more damage or expensive repairs. If you live in the greater Everett ~ Boston area and are having a problem with transmission grinding or noise, Everett Transmission invites you to use our online appointment form to schedule a FREE external diagnostic inspection and complimentary test drive by a one of our professional transmission repair specialists!

Gear Shifting Problems

Everett Transmission tells our customers that regardless of whether they drive a vehicle with an automatic or manual transmission, the transmission fluid should flow effortlessly throughout the transmission. When excessive sludge or dirt is present, there may be a sluggish response in the transmission, causing the vehicle to change gears too late or too quickly when driving. In addition to the vehicle responding sluggishly, in vehicle’s with manual transmissions the gears may even be difficult to or not shift at all.

As with the other transmission problems our customers in the greater Everett ~ Boston area may experience with their transmissions, it is best to schedule an appointment and let an automotive repair specialist inspect the transmission to help minimize any additional problem with the transmission that may result from a gear shifting problem.

Vehicle Surge

The unexplainable surging of a vehicle may indicate that the transmission is polluted with an abundance of contaminants or dirt and a flush is needed. A vehicle may have the tendency to jump or surge forward or fall backwards for no apparent reason if the transmission is dirty and not permitting adequate transmission fluid to flow. This is normally the result of the inconsistent flow of clean transmission fluid required to ensure proper operation of gears and other moving parts in the bell housing of a transmission.

Vehicle Movement Delay

When a vehicle stalls for a couple of seconds after having been put into gear or even before moving it may be another indication that the transmission fluid is contaminated. In this situation and when no other problems are present flushing the transmission may benefit the vehicle.

Everett Transmission stresses to our customers in the greater Everett ~ Boston area whom may be experiencing any of these transmission problems to have the vehicle inspected to see if the dirty transmission in the vehicle has not already resulted in potentially and more costly problems. If you are having problems with your transmission Everett Transmission suggests you use our online appointment to schedule an inspection or transmission flush today!

of the automotive repair technicians on staff at Everett Transmission is when should I flush my transmission? As a leading auto repair shop serving the Everett ~ Boston area, Everett Transmission usually tells our customers that in most situations and for most vehicles a transmission service, involving dropping the transmission pan and changing the transmission fluid and filter, is recommended every 30,000 to 40,000 miles – and NOT a transmission flush.
And although Everett Transmission normally recommends a transmission service over a transmission flush, there are some situations when a transmission flush is required. For example, some transmissions do not have a filter that can be serviced. When having any type of transmission problem it is advised to have the vehicle’s transmission inspected by an automotive repair specialist to help prevent or minimize any damage to the transmission.