Checking the Transmission

The transmission can be easily be the most expensive item to repair on a used car.  When buying an automatic, you want to be sure to thoroughly  check out the   transmission. To check the transmission, do the following:

1. Check the fluid for three things:

• The level - after driving for about 20min it should be near the top (hot) line
  Low fluid means that that there is a leak and will cost money to fix.
  
• The color - the color should be noticeably red (i.e. not black)
  New fluid is bright red and has a strong petroleum smell.
  Burned fluid is very dark (almost black) and indicates likely damage.
  
• The smell - the smell of the fluid should be "sweet" and NOT "burnt".
  Burned black smoky fluid indicates high temperatures in the transmission. This   is only possible when something goes wrong. Avoid a car with dark fluid it could mean lots of trouble for you later and is not worth it.
  

2. Proper operation while driving:

• All gears operate: D, OD, 1, 2, 3, R - manually shift through the gears
• Shifting occurs at around 2,000-3,000 RPM for flat road with normal acceleration.  A high RPM shift indicates slipping in a gear when not accelerating quickly. To clarify: Accelerate at a "normal" rate on a flat road and watch to make sure that the car does not shift at high RPM (you will hear the "whinning")
  
• Shifting is smooth and there are no "jerks"
• Overdrive works - drive to about 55mph and then toggle the Overdrive switch. The engine should downshift.
• No slipping. While at a stop, place vehicle in drive and hold the brake. GENTLY press on the gas and listen for slipping (the RPM's go up)

In order to check the fluid the engine needs to be warm and the car needs to be running for most vehicles. Some vehicles require the car to be turned off; but this is not typical. Check the owners manual to be sure.

The video below tells you how to check the transmission fluid if you have never done this before.


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