Together with a good driver and a good engine, an automatic transmission in top condition is one of the most important elements in any car.  The connecting link between the engine and the wheels, the transmission puts the engine's power at the driver's disposal.  GIBRALTAR TRANSMISSIONS has developed this to give you a clearer understanding of your transmission.

The information on this site will educate you regarding its operation and preventive maintenance, as well as the tell-tale symptoms of transmission failure.   More importantly, it will enable you to distinguish problems that are beyond the scope of all but the most experienced mechanics,  In those cases, the specialists at your Hylan Boulevard GIBRALTAR TRANSMISSIONS are the best friends your car could have.

YOUR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AT-A-GLANCE

The Transmission is the component which delivers power from the engine to the drive wheels, and regulates turning force (torque). An automatic transmission generally uses three forward gears to combine speed and torque:



     FIRST (or starting) gear delivers maximum torque and minimum speed.
     SECOND (accelerating and hill-climbing) gear gives medium torque and medium speed.
     THIRD gear allows maximum speed and minimum torque when the car is under way.
     REVERSE gear offers backward movement.

There are four primary parts of an automatic transmission:
     1. torque converter;
     2. planetary gear sets;
     3. hydraulically multiple disc
     4. hydraulic controls.

In essence, the torque converter pairs the engine to the transmission, multiplies the engine torque, and prevents the car from "stalling out" when coming to a stop.

How do I get in Gear?
When the transmission selector is set in the drive position, pressurized oil is channeled through a complicated series of valves which open and close automatically in response to the engine's speed and load.

Reacting to instructions from the engine, the transmission automatically engages or disengages the gears in various combinations to provide low, medium, or high speeds.

The transmission sends power along the drive shaft to the differential gears in the axle, from which torque is transmitted to the drive wheels - the ones which propel the car.

THE DO'S & DONT'S OF AVOIDING THE "TRANSMISSION FAILURE BLUES"

Do...check fluid frequently.  Hot weather, heavy traffic conditions, towing, or even ordinary day-to-day driving can cause extraordinary engine heat to build up, destroying or damaging the transmission fluid.  Check the color and level of the fluid.  If it is discolored or low, take the care into your GIBRALTAR TRANSMISSIONS professional promptly.

Do...check malfunctions immediately.  Know what the warning signals are and have them analyzed at once.  The longer you put off repairs, the greater the damage may be.

Do...install a cooler in your transmission, particularly for towing or carrying heavy loads, or if you do most of your driving in hot weather.  Coolers are relatively inexpensive protection.  Let your GIBRALTAR TRANSMISSIONS professional demonstrate what one can do for your transmission.

Do...have your car tuned up on a regular basis, to head off the wear and gear problems that are associated with fast idling.

Don't...play 'transmission technician.'  It's too intricate and too valuable for even a gifted amateur mechanic.  Trying to deal with your transmission yourself could give you big headaches -  and an even bigger bill.

Don't...stop and start suddenly.  This can cause broken engine mounts which in turn could damage the transmission.

Don't...spin the wheels in sand, snow, or on hills.  Dig yourself our - or get a tow.  Spinning can lead to major transmission damage.

Don't...leave your car in Park (P) without engaging your parking brake.  Another vehicle could nudge your car, causing the parking break pawl to snap.

Don't...shift to a lower gear at traffic lights, as a substitute for breaking.  This is a poor practice that wears down the transmission.

Don't...tow another car with your vehicle if it can possibly be avoided.  If you must, follow this rule for the other vehicle: If it has front-wheel drive, make sure the front wheels are off the ground; vice-versa for cars with rear-wheel drive.

THE "UNLUCKY 13" WARNING SIGNS YOU SHOUDL LOOK FOR:

     1. Loss of transmission fluid.
     2. Discoloration of fluid.
     3. Fluid has a "burnt" smell.
     4. Sticky dipstick, with a "varnish" buildup.
     5. Leaking fluid.  Spots on the ground under the car may indicate bad seals.
     6. "Morning-sickness."  Car won't shift during the first few minutes of operation.
     7. Slipping.  The engine races, but the car doesn't respond.
     8. Shifting too soon.
     9. Shifting too late.
     10. No power when you depress the gas pedal.
     11. Noise when transmission shifts gears.
     12. Gears won't hold firm.  Car backs up or goes forward in Park; or won't hold in Park.
     13. Absence of normal braking effect of being in gear: "neutral feeling" in driving gear.

You should also be alert to the sound that may indicate a problem with the transmission:
     1. Loud whine over 25 mph.
     2. Low wine in all gears, including Neutral and Park.
     3. Clicking, buzzing, or whistling sound.
     4. A rumbling sound while in gear.
     5. A 'clunking' sound when transmission is put in drive or reverse.

If you notice any of these symptoms take your car to Hylan Boulevard GIBRALTAR TRANSMISSIONS without delay.

Fortunately, not every symptom of the kind listed indicates a major transmission failure.  The following are more likely to be signs of linkage trouble, which generally means a simple and quick repair:
     1. Shift handle won't move.
     2. Shift handle is difficult to move in Park or Neutral or in any of the positions.
     3. Rough starting.

Below are symptoms that suggest transmission problems but probably are not:
     1. Broken or loose engine or transmission mounts...The mounts need to be replaced.
     2. Collapsed exhaust pipe, muffler or clogged catalytic converter - Replace these.
     3. Stuffed or damaged vacuum line...Replace vacuum line.
     4. Inefficient carburetors can sound like a faulty transmission...The carburetor needs adjustment.

Your GIBRALTAR professional is trained to spot the tell-take difference between these less serious problems and actual transmission trouble.  Why wait and worry when the answer is no farther away than your Hylan Boulevard GIBRALTAR TRANSMISSIONS.

CHECK IT OR LOSE IT

To sum up, the transmission is built to give years of trouble-free operation for which the vehicle was designed.  But, as in all matters of automotive maintenance, a little care will pay for itself many times over.  Your GIBRALTAR TRANSMISSIONS professional recommends the following program of maintenance for your transmission:
     1. Change transmission fluid twice a year.
     2. Every month or so check the condition of your transmission by starting your engine on level ground.  Allow it to warm up first, then check the fluid level the same way you check your engine oil level, using the transmission dipstick.
     3. Fluid should be a clean red.  If it's blackish, varnished or has a burnt odor, make an appointment with your GIBRALTAR TRANSMISSIONS professional.
     4. If the fluid is low - call GIBRALTAR TRANSMISSIONS promptly.

Your GIBRALTAR TRANSMISSIONS professional will also want to check your linkage and bands (if applicable) twice a year and, if necessary, adjust them.

'We'll Get You Going Again'
The experienced driver realizes that proper maintenance goes hand-in-hand with the safe an economical operation of his vehicle.  GIBRALTAR TRANSMISSIONS offers a diagnostic and repair service that is second to none.

When you bring your vehicle to GIBRALTAR TRANSMISSIONS, the specially trained technician will perform a free TRANS-CHECK, which consists of:
     1. a thorough road test;
     2. examination of the transmission fluid;
     3. pan examination; and,
     4. a check of the related external components making all necessary adjustments.

Computerized Diagnosis
After the free TRANS-CHECK has been completed, all the information is fed into our GT1 computer system for a complete diagnostic report.  The computer evaluated the condition of the transmission and determines the applicable service to be performed.

Should your transmission require an internal inspection, you would have to leave the vehicle for only a short period of time.  During this time, the GIBRALTAR TRANSMISSIONS specialist will remove, dismantle, and inspect your transmission to determine the nature of the problem.

What are my options?
Upon inspection of your transmission, the specialists at GIBRALTAR will always quote a firm and complete price to repair your transmission.

GIBRALTAR offers several options for your to choose from.  See your GIBRALTAR TRANSMISSIONS specialist, for full details regarding the warranties available.

The Long and Short of it
Don't take chances with your transmission!

GIBRALTAR TRANSMISSIONS provides quality workmanship at a reasonable cost to the customer.  Your vehicle will be back on the road just as fast as GIBRALTAR TRANSMISSIONS' high standards permit.  Give us a call and learn why for professional, efficient and convenient transmission repairs, GIBRALTAR TRANSMISSIONS is the place to go.