Not sure what the transmission diagnostic mechanic will tell you? Are you wondering if he is telling the truth? This article is intended to briefly make the reader aware of the average transmission shop. Read More.
1. “Look at all of this metal in the pan.” What a way to sell a transmission, buyer beware! Notice when they show you the pan there is a magnet in the bottom, well this is suppose to keep the metal in the pan and out of the fluid. Some metal shavings is normal. This is why the manufacturer installed the magnet, to prevent the shavings from circulating through the transmission. Transmissions that need to be overhauled will have an outrageous amount of metal shavings and the fluid will be black.
2. “The fluid is discolored or burnt.” Now this should be easy to distinguish, look at the fluid yourself.
A. Light Pink = Fluid is Good
B. Pinkish Brown = Service Soon
C. Light Brown = Service Immediately
D. Black = Fluid is Burnt
Take some of your transmission fluid and put it on a piece of white paper or card to tell the color. The service shop will do this for you remember the three colors light pink, light brown and black.
3. “Too may miles, your transmission needs to be overhauled.” This may be the case. Only you and your transmissions know where they have been. The fluid and overall performance is a great hint. Also if you tow or drive like a race car driver you may need a rebuild, beware of who is providing the work and make sure to get a second opinion if not sure.
In conclusion this article was intended for automotive education. All of the readers involved should gain insight on certain transmission shops and the way the sell their products. Please remember these guidelines when consulting an auto repair mechanic.
Automotive Engineering auto service is an independently owned and family operated automotive repair and maintenan