Check your Transmission fluid level: (Many faults are caused by low fluid level) Refer to your car owners manual for specific instructions. Most transmissions are checked with the engine idling in park.
Mitsubishi & Hyundai front wheel drive: Engine idling, in neutral only.
Some Ford Falcon models are checked whilst in park within 10 seconds after the engine is switched off. Chrysler Torqueflite & Ford FMX: Engine idling, in neutral or park.
Important: Don’t forget to apply the handbrake!
Is the fluid level low? If so, then you may have a leak, (Very bad for our environment). Top up with the correct type of fluid, which is generally filled through the dipstick tube. Check your owners manual for the correct type of fluid. Be careful not to overfill.
Can’t find a dipstick for your transmission?
You may have a sealed transmission. If so, go to our Contact Us page & we will help you with the information that you need to check the fluid level.
Check your transmission fluid condition: Pull out the transmission dipstick & allow the fluid to drop onto a white rag or white paper. The fluid colour should be bright red, if not, then service is due. Call an ATRA Member to make your appointment.
Does your transmission still have a driving fault? Slipping? Drawn out gear shifts? Delayed gear engagements? Wrong gear starts? Unusual sounds?
If so, go to our Contact Us page, tell us what’s wrong & we will contact you, or call an ATRA Member to make your appointment.
Most automatic transmissions built after 1989 have electronic controls, therefore symptoms such as wrong gear starts, no kickdown, bumpy shifts & no overdrive can appear to be major problems, but in fact may well be caused by minor electronic faults. Take notice of any other faults such as no speedometer operation, gear lever position lights not operating, overdrive light not operating & hold/power lights flashing, these all can be signs of electronic faults. If these symptoms are apparent, go to our Contact Us page, tell us what’s wrong & we will contact you, or call an ATRA Member to make an appointment.