When the transmission fluid isn't clean or is blocked by a clogged filter, the internal components won't have the lubrication they require to function properly. This could lead to shifting issues, grinding gears, slipping transmission or other common symptoms of transmission problems.
The job of the transmission filter is to collect excess debris that may otherwise cause damage to the valve body and other internal parts. You may run the risk of damaging the transmission further by driving without the transmission filter.
Changing the Transmission Filter
Like any other type of filter, the transmission filter is eventually going to clog up with debris, dirt, metal shavings, and other contaminants if it's never changed.
Problems Reversing – One common problem that can happen with a clogged filter is difficulty moving in reverse. The lack of fluid flowing through the transmission can cause the reverse gear to lock. This may prevent the car from going in reverse altogether, or it may cause it to hesitate before launching into reverse.
Disconnect the hose that returns the transmission fluid from the cooler and place the end into a bucket full of fresh transmission fluid. Start the car and run the transmission back and forth through the gears a few times until the fluid coming out of the transmission looks clean or you are nearly out of fresh fluid.
Worn fluid can lead to hard shifts
The fluid's frictional properties play a vital role in ensuring the clutch plates bind together properly and gear shifts occur seamlessly. Over time, the fluid's frictional properties can degrade, leading to hard, jerky or inconsistent shifts.
Transmission Filter Replacement
Most car manufacturers recommend that you change the transmission filter every 30,000 miles or every two years--whichever comes first. When changing your transmission filter, you'll change the transmission fluid and transmission pan gasket as well.
One key note to using the flush is that you do want to change the filter also as the additive can collect inside the filter while the transmission is being cleaned. If you plan to only complete a flush without a filter change, the cleaning additive is not recommended.
The national cost for a transmission fluid & filter replacement in 2023 is between $48 and $240 with an average of $125.
1 A high-pitched whining noise that gets worse in reverse could mean that you have a clogged transmission fluid filter. A great test for a clogged filter is to raise line pressure without raising engine rpm. You can do it by shifting into reverse. If the volume goes up in reverse it indicates a clogged filter.
If a transmission has too much dirt or sludge in the fluid it can cause a sluggish response when shifting gears. It may be time to flush the transmission fluid in an automatic if the car changes gears too quickly or too late.
Yes, it can!
A transmission fluid change is something you can do at home, and the steps are easy enough: Elevate the Vehicle and Drop the Transmission Pan. Replace the Transmission Fluid Filter. Replace the Transmission Pan Gasket.
When the transmission fluid isn't clean or is blocked by a clogged filter, the internal components won't have the lubrication they require to function properly. This could lead to shifting issues, grinding gears, slipping transmission or other common symptoms of transmission problems.
Along with gear slippage, low transmission fluid levels can also cause low levels of pressure, which leads to slower engagement when shifting gears. If you notice your transmission takes a second to engage when put into drive or reverse, it could be due to low fluid levels.
Changing the fluid on a regularly driven vehicle can only help revitalize the clutch material. If the fluid has never been changed on a regularly driven car, at 170,000 miles, you damn well need to completely flush the system!
The filter is a key part of the transmission system, designed to prevent metal shavings from the gears, and other dirt and debris, from contaminating the transmission fluid.
Strange Noises
If the sound resembles humming, buzzing, or clunking, you may be experiencing transmission failure. Bad automatic transmissions may emit humming, buzzing, or whining noises while manual transmissions have harsher “clunking” sounds.
If you drive manual, most manufacturers will recommend changing your transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. If you have automatic, you can typically boost that range up to 60,000 to 100,000 miles. There's no harm in changing your fluid early.
There are a range of reasons why your car is juddering when you accelerate. Your vehicle could have dirty fuel injectors, a damaged fuel pump, a blocked catalytic converter, a faulty mass airflow sensor, broken spark plugs, or even an accumulation of moisture.
One main reason why the automatic transmission in your car may not be shifting smoothly is the ECM is going bad. It is best to get this checked out by an experienced auto mechanic technician who understands the electrical system. Other indicators include bad connections within, or worn out sensors and faulty solenoids.