Arguing about which gearbox is preferable - mechanical or machine - useless. In this matter everything depends on preferences one driver or another. However, Automatic transmission makes driving much easier.
This type of gearbox is quite reliable and efficient , so it is preferred by a fairly large number of drivers. For trouble-free operation of the automatic transmission, you only need timely maintenance , which includes the following:
- checking the oil level;
- monitoring the condition of the transmission fluid;
- timely replacement of the transmission filter and ATF.
The need to check the oil level
Whatever gearbox is used in your car, it contains a certain amount of gear oil . In a mechanical or robotic gearbox, this oil acts as a lubricant that protects rubbing parts.
If we take an automatic transmission , then the situation here is somewhat different . In such a box, transmission fluid is used not only to lubricate parts, but also to transmit torque. circulation is carried out through the valve body under very high pressure and affects the clutch packs. gears are switched on . The hydromechanical is the most demanding , so for its normal functionality it is necessary to constantly monitor both the ATF level and the condition of the fluid itself.
Do not forget that not only a low oil level , but also exceeding the maximum permissible level will negatively affect the condition of the automatic transmission.
Let's figure out how to properly check the oil level in an automatic transmission to avoid annoying mistakes.
There is an opinion that oil in the gearbox is necessary only to reduce the friction of parts. Thanks to it, the production of clutches will be reduced and the gearbox will be able to serve without repair for a longer time . All this is true, however, oil is necessary not only to reduce friction of parts, but also to remove temperature from them , which also contributes to rapid wear .
Let's sum it up
Repairing a manual transmission is quite expensive, and malfunctions in the gearbox, if the problem is not detected in a timely manner, can affect other operating components of the machine. It’s actually not difficult to protect yourself from such a precedent: you just need to monitor the lubricant level in accordance with the manufacturer’s regulations, respond to inconsistencies in the operation of transmission units by instantly searching for a malfunction and eliminating it.
Check the oil regularly, avoid heavy loads on the manual transmission, preferring a calm driving mode, fill the transmission units only with fluids of decent quality - and the gearbox will serve you reliably throughout the entire operating period of the car.
Checking the oil level
Before checking the oil level in the automatic transmission , carefully read the operating manual for your car. In this documentation you will definitely find a section that will talk about how to do this correctly. In addition, it will certainly contain recommendations on the volume of oil and which ATF is best to use. In most cases, such a check is carried out using a special dipstick, which is located in the oil compartment.
It has special marks that allow you to perform “cold” and “hot” check of the oil in the automatic transmission. Establishing the existing level of working fluid occurs only when the engine is running , since the pump fills the compartment with oil to the operating level. Otherwise, you will mistakenly detect the oil level as low . Such an error will entail a natural desire to add liquid. In this regard, the maximum permissible level will be exceeded , which will cause problems in the operation of the automatic transmission. There are a number of specific recommendations that are relevant for the vast majority of automatic transmissions. These recommendations include points that help you understand how to properly check the automatic transmission oil level:
- Correct checking of the oil in the automatic transmission should be carried out not only when is warm , but also when the transmission itself reaches operating temperature .
- The automatic transmission oil is measured a level surface and the engine is running idle for at least 3 minutes. Remember that selector must be in parking mode (lever on o);
- Before checking the oil , you should remove the oil dipstick from the automatic transmission and wipe it with a dry cloth. After this, it should be put back in place for 5 seconds and removed . Thus, the oil level in the automatic transmission will be displayed on the dipstick. Repeat this action several times and compare the results. If they do not match, take into account the most recent one;
The level of the measured oil should be located between the Cold and the Hot . In case of a significant deviation, both downward and upward, the oil should be brought to the proper standard.
When carrying out measurement work, as well as changing the oil in an automatic transmission, observe the necessary safety measures. Do not perform any actions with hands not protected by gloves. The composition of some liquids can cause not only skin irritation, but also chemical burns .
Checking for cold
Modern car devices make it possible to check the level of the filled substance when it is cold. We emphasize that this verification method will not give an accurate idea of the product poured if the control is carried out at negative t0 without warming up the internal combustion engine.
Initially, you will need to install the machine on a level surface.
Parking the vehicle, even on a slight slope, will distort the indicators and may lead to a violation of the operating mode.
This verification method is used when the design does not provide another option. In severe frost, it is best to perform the test in a warm box or closed garage.
Some nuances when checking the oil level on cars of different brands
In the case of Audi , the ATF level should be checked using a special inspection window located below. Many cars of this family have automatic transmissions without an oil dipstick . To check, you will have to use an overpass or inspection hole.
Checking the oil level on Volkswagen is carried out using a dipstick , and the process itself takes place with running and the gearbox in neutral rather than park BMW , like Audi , does not have dipstick in the box , and the level is checked through a special inspection window. Otherwise, further actions are identical to those described in the corresponding section of this article. Do not forget to first read the technical documentation for your car and find out what conditions must be met in order to obtain the required oil level in the automatic transmission.
Topping up rules
There are situations when servicing manual transmissions when a check shows the normal condition of the lubricant, but its quantity does not meet the standards established by the automaker. Therefore, topping up is required.
Only the same oil that is currently in the box is poured. If you cannot purchase this lubricant, you cannot add or mix different types of lubricants, even with identical characteristics. This will require a complete replacement.
In the case when there is oil for topping up, you need to focus on the design features of the manual transmission:
- Filler plug. Most cars with manual transmissions have a special filler neck closed with a protective plug. Most often it is installed under the car in the upper part of the crankcase. You need to get under the car, unscrew the cap and fill in the missing amount.
- No filler plug. It also happens that the filler plug is missing. But there is a dipstick. It can be used not only to check the level, but also for filling. To do this, take a medical syringe, fill it with oil from a jar, and then pour it into the hole for the dipstick.
- Without filler plug and dipstick. Sometimes it happens. Some cars with manual transmission do not have a filler hole and dipstick. To get out of this situation, you can use the sensor holes. Some controllers are installed in a box. After unscrewing them, you can add lubricant. Most often, reverse sensors and speed sensors are suitable for such purposes.
Proceed with extreme caution so as not to turn the problem of oil deficiency into a problem of its excess.
Since most cars with manual transmissions have filler holes and a dipstick, adding lubricant should not be a problem.
Low oil level in automatic transmission
When level in the machine is below normal , the temperature regime is disrupted . Because of this, are reduced . In addition, oil pump can capture air , which affects the foaming of the liquid.
Ultimately, the pressure level in the system will decrease , which will, in turn, cause overheating and rapid wear of individual elements of the box. All surfaces of parts, as well as the gaps quickly become dirty . As a result, the operation of the box becomes incorrect - gear shifting can often simply begin to jam . temperature at low oil levels causes parts to expand , thereby reducing their existing strength. Polymer begin to wear out faster , since their strength is lower than that of metal ones. The longer the gearbox is operated with a low oil level, the more noticeable the manifestation of deficiencies in its operation becomes. To prevent such a problem from occurring, you should carefully monitor the operation of the box and notice even the slightest deviations from the norm. If they occur, first of all you need to check the oil level in the automatic transmission. If there are no signs of leakage or material wear, add ATF yourself or visit the nearest service station.
Exceeded oil level
A high oil level in the automatic transmission can also cause foaming. The consequences of this option are similar to the consequences of a low oil level, but the box will also become oily due to the large amount of fluid, the excess amount of which will be used by the automatic transmission breather .
Finding out that the oil in the box has foamed is quite simple - evenly distributed, small air bubbles will be visible on the dipstick.
If there are on the dipstick and level is within normal , this is not a sign that the oil in the box is foaming. worry if there are significant level deviations in one direction or the other. In this case, you should turn off the running engine for a few minutes so that the fluid in the box settles . After this, with the engine turned off, measured again .
Checking the quality of automatic transmission oil
Using a dipstick it is quite difficult to understand what condition the oil is in. For a more accurate analysis, you will need to take a certain amount of oil using a syringe and a hose from the dropper . If its red color changes to brown of overheating on the face . If there is a burnt smell the gearbox clutches are slipping .
In this case , contaminated and darkened fluid should be replaced . filter is replaced .
