Diagnostic Tips

Before you bring it in:

Problems commonly found when an automatic transmission is beginning to fail.

Vehicle will not move.
Vehicle will not move or shift when cold.
Vehicle stops moving after driving a bit. (once fluid heats up)
Vehicle starts up shifting very late, or slamming into gear.
Transmission is noisy, or whines.
Any other moving or shifting problems.

Most transmission problems should be checked by a trained technician. However, you can check the fluid level and condition yourself.

Start the vehicle and let it warm up for 5 minutes either driving, or in park with the brake on.
Move the gear selector through all ranges slowly, then return to park position.
Find the transmission dipstick! This is not always easy, so consult your owner’s manual if necessary.
All Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth vehicles should be in neutral, with the engine running to check the fluid level. Honda’s should be checked with the engine off and the transmission in park. All others (except some exotics) should be checked in park with the engine running.
Pull the transmission dipstick, wipe on a clean rag, and replace. Pull the dipstick again and check the level. The fluid should be at or near the ‘Full’ mark, or if there is a crosshatched area, it should be in that range. If the level is low, add a small amount of the recommended fluid, wait a minute, then check it again.
Check the color of the fluid on the dipstick. Good fluid will be cherry red. Okay is blood red. Burnt fluid is yellow or even black. Yellow or black need immediate attention! Bring your vehicle to Transmission Technology Services for a free inspection and diagnosis.

Note:Honda fluid may be clear to green. Have it checked by an authorized service shop.
Smell the fluid. Good fluid has almost no smell. Burnt fluid may still be somewhat red (particularly if new fluid has been added) but will smell like burnt toast.
If the fluid level is okay, the right color, and does not smell burned, the problem may be electrical, the transmission may need adjusting, or something other than the transmission could be causing the trouble. If you have any doubts, bring the vehicle to TTS for a free diagnosis.

Not all transmission problems mean a big repair bill. Burnt fluid can be the result of engine overheating, or a long drive in the mountains. Servicing the transmission can restore ‘like-new’ performance in many cases. External adjustments or repairing broken cables can also fix your transmission in some cases. Electronically controlled transmissions have several sensors, solenoids, and actuators that may be at fault. In some cases, a bad axle, driveshaft, or flexplate will be the cause of a problem that seems to be transmission related. Let the trained technicians at Transmission Technology Services help make your car or truck perform at it’s peak potential.

Transmission Technology Services

Diagnostic Tips

Before you bring it in:

Problems commonly found when an automatic transmission is beginning to fail.

Vehicle will not move.

Vehicle will not move or shift when cold.

Vehicle stops moving after driving a bit. (once fluid heats up)

Vehicle starts up shifting very late, or slamming into gear.

Transmission is noisy, or whines.

Any other moving or shifting problems.

Most transmission problems should be checked by a trained technician. However, you can check the fluid level and condition yourself.

Start the vehicle and let it warm up for 5 minutes either driving, or in park with the brake on.

Move the gear selector through all ranges slowly, then return to park position.

Find the transmission dipstick! This is not always easy, so consult your owner’s manual if necessary.

All Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth vehicles should be in neutral, with the engine running to check the fluid level. Honda’s should be checked with the engine off and the transmission in park. All others (except some exotics) should be checked in park with the engine running.

Check the color of the fluid on the dipstick. Good fluid will be cherry red. Okay is blood red. Burnt fluid is yellow or even black. Yellow or black need immediate attention! Bring your vehicle to Transmission Technology Services for a free inspection and diagnosis.

Note:Honda fluid may be clear to green. Have it checked by an authorized service shop.

Smell the fluid. Good fluid has almost no smell. Burnt fluid may still be somewhat red (particularly if new fluid has been added) but will smell like burnt toast.

If the fluid level is okay, the right color, and does not smell burned, the problem may be electrical, the transmission may need adjusting, or something other than the transmission could be causing the trouble. If you have any doubts, bring the vehicle to TTS for a free diagnosis.