Why are there different transmission fluids?
Manual transmissions (MTs) use a variety of different fluids–from motor oil to ATF. Continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) allow for smoother shifting than manual or automatic transmissions, as they don’t have stepped gears. They also take a specific type of transmission fluid that is designed for CVTs only.
What is transmission fluid and what does it do?
What is Transmission Fluid and What Does it Do? Transmission fluid is used to lubricate the components of a car’s transmission for optimum performance. In vehicles with automatic transmissions, this fluid also acts as a coolant.
How is engine coolant different from transmission fluid?
Common car fluids include engine oil, engine coolant/antifreeze, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and various cleaning or waxing products. Whereas motor oil can be cleaned and reused, engine coolant requires disposal at a special facility in a process that differs greatly from transmission fluid disposal, for example.
Where does the water in a transmission come from?
Figuring out where the water came from is tricky. Water can come from the radiator or an external source. All transmissions have a cooling line that runs to the radiator. A separate fluid passage circulates the transmission fluid through a portion of the radiator to cool the fluid.
What should I do if I have water in my transmission?
We recommend you visit your nearest Mister Transmission for a free diagnostic. They can determine how the water got in there in order to avoid a reoccurrence and do a fast, thorough flush with new transmission fluid. In some cases, this process will require several dozen quarts of fluid.
Why is there water in the transmission fluid?
A separate fluid passage circulates the transmission fluid through a portion of the radiator to cool the fluid. Sometimes, a leak develops in the radiator between the coolant passage and the transmission fluid passage, and coolant gets into the radiator.
What happens when you flush the transmission machine?
This causes fluid to flow through the cooler line. As fluid leaves the cooler line it enters the chamber on the flush machine. As the old fluid side of the diaphragm fills it pushes the diaphragm up and forces new fresh fluid into the transmission. After a while the old fluid is collected in the machine and it is replaced by new fluid.
How do you add transmission fluid to a car?
Place one end of the length of tubing over the line end and place the other end of the length of tubing in the bucket. Have your assistant start the engine and put the car in neutral. While one person watches the fluid pouring into the bucket, the other person needs to add more transmission fluid to keep the level adequate.
How is a transmission flush different from a filter change?
» A transmission fluid flush is different from a fluid and filter change. » A fluid flush will not repair an internal transmission problem. » A fluid flush is a preventative maintenance procedure, not a cure all solution. » A flush is not recommended for certain high mileage vehicles.