Transmission "Inspection"

[zombie13]

Is a transmission something that you can preventatively inspect-and-fix? Like a serpentine belt you can inspect and, if needed, replace (fix) before it breaks. Is a transmission like that, or is it just cycle the fluid/filter, clean the valve body, and when it blows, you have to replace/rebuild it?

Z.

P.S. forgive the stupidity of this question. I understand what a transmission does at some level, but not the details of how it works.

Z.

[shorod]

On a Taurus, you can perform recommended preventive maintenance, periodically check the fluid level and condition, and keep in tune with changes in the shifting of the transmission. The latter is difficult since usually the tranny will degrade slowly over time, so changes are gradual and not always obvious.

However, if when changing the fluid and filter you notice a large amount of sediment on the magnet in the pan, and some of the sediment is sizeable, then you probably have an issue to be concerned with. If you perform the proper preventive maintenance and drive responsibly it should delay a rebuild significantly.

On modern Chrysler automatic transmissions, they have implemented a Clutch Volume Index (CVI) monitor which essentially monitors the amount of fluid pressure required to prevent slippage of the different gears, using the turbine shaft speed to output speed sensor relationship. There is an expected range for each of the gear ranges, and a high end scan tool can display the results. As particular clutches wear, the corresponding CVI number increases. Viewing the CVI can give an indication of how much life is left in the clutches and therefore about how long before a rebuild will be necessary.

-Rod

[zombie13]

Originally Posted by shorod

On a Taurus, you can perform recommended preventive maintenance, periodically check the fluid level and condition, and keep in tune with changes in the shifting of the transmission. The latter is difficult since usually the tranny will degrade slowly over time, so changes are gradual and not always obvious.

However, if when changing the fluid and filter you notice a large amount of sediment on the magnet in the pan, and some of the sediment is sizeable, then you probably have an issue to be concerned with. If you perform the proper preventive maintenance and drive responsibly it should delay a rebuild significantly.

On modern Chrysler automatic transmissions, they have implemented a Clutch Volume Index (CVI) monitor which essentially monitors the amount of fluid pressure required to prevent slippage of the different gears, using the turbine shaft speed to output speed sensor relationship. There is an expected range for each of the gear ranges, and a high end scan tool can display the results. As particular clutches wear, the corresponding CVI number increases. Viewing the CVI can give an indication of how much life is left in the clutches and therefore about how long before a rebuild will be necessary.

-Rod

That is kinda the answer I was looking for. (I don't think I asked the question properly when I looked back on it.) What I am really wondering is if there is anything that can be replaced before a rebuild is necessary, possibly to prevent one. For example (and don't shoot me for a bad example ) if you head gasket blows, you can replace the gasket without buying a new/rebuild engine. Can you replace just the pieces that are bad without completely rebuilding the tranny? I think the answer is no, but I thought I would ask in the attempt to edumacate my sorry butt....

Z.

[way2old]

You can just replace what is bad in the transaxle. But if the problem is clutches, the trans has to be removed to replace them. So it is usually cost effective to rebuild trans with only paying labor one time. There are very few things you can replace to help extend the mileage. A good preventative schedule is the best advice to use. KEEP ON TOP OF FLUID AND FILTERS. Flush the trans cooler, heat kills transmissions, and a plugged cooler will not allow the fluid to cool enough to keep the trans properly operating. Along with Rod's post, I agree with what he posted. Good luck and happy driving.