Kennedy Transmission, Brake and Auto Service

Consumer tips to keep your transmission in tip-top shape.

Fluid Checks and Changes • Checking Fluid Level • Unusual Conditions • Electronic Controlled • Manual Transmission

Automatic Transmission - Fluid Checks and Changes
The vast majority of transmission failures are the result of neglected fluid checks or changes. Maintaining the correct fluid level, and changing the fluid when it becomes old, are the primary maintenance functions you should perform. Kennedy recommends an annual fluid change for most driving practices, since in our geographic region most of our driving occurs under what the vehicle manufacturers describe as "Severe Conditions". Some activities, such as trailering heavy boats, etc. can require even more frequent fluid changes.

Your vehicle's transmission has a filter to catch and hold small particles of contamination, just like the engine has a filter to keep the engine oil clean. This filter may be a "screen" type that can be cleaned and re-used, or it may be a "fabric" type that has to be replaced when dirty. A professional transmission shop will only recommend filter replacement when it is observed to be sufficiently dirty as to restrict fluid flow.

Automatic Transmission - Fluid Level
First, if you are not fully comfortable with your vehicle's under-the-hood components, please bring your vehicle to Kennedy -- We'll check fluid level for you WITHOUT CHARGE.

Fluid level is always checked with the engine running at its normal idle speed (not at faster warm-up speeds), with the engine and transmission warm, and the transmission in PARK. For safety, apply the parking brake before exiting the vehicle. Locate the transmission dipstick. Depending on vehicle make, this may be labeled "TRANS" and is usually distinctly colored. Make sure you do not mistake the engine oil dipstick for the transmission dipstick. If you are not certain, bring your vehicle to any Kennedy store, and we'll show you where the transmission dipstick is located, without charge. Remove the transmission dipstick, using a clean rag or paper towel to support and wipe the end of the dipstick as you withdraw it. Clean the dipstick and re-insert it fully, making sure the dipstick is fully seated. On some vehicles there is a latch to secure the dipstick in it's tube. Remove the dipstick again, and read the fluid level. The fluid level should register with the correct area on the dipstick. Most vehicles have a "hatched area" to indicate the correct range for fluid level. Also, check the fluid for unusual odors or suspended particles, both of which can indicate a problem that requires a professional opinion.

Automatic Transmission - Unusual Conditions
Several unusual conditions you may observe on your vehicle can be caused by transmission problems. These Include:

Delays in engagement - Any delay greater than 2 seconds when you select drive or reverse, before the transmission applies engine torque to the wheels.
Missing shifts - Failure of the transmission to engage in any gear, for example missing first gear or missing overdrive.
Harsh shifts - A slamming or very abrupt shift that can be very damaging to the transmission as well as other vehicle components.
Neutralizing - The vehicle suddenly acts as if you moved the shift selection to the neutral or "N" position.

Automatic Transmission - Electronic Controlled
The majority of vehicles manufactured this decade use a computer to monitor and direct the operating of the transmission. These computers rely on many vehicle's SENSORS to provide information that the computer will use to decide what commands to issue to the transmission. In many cases, the transmission computer will force the transmission into a "failure mode" if it detects problems. This failure mode is designed to permit you to get your vehicle immediately to a service facility, and to prevent additional damage.

On any vehicle with a computer controlled transmission the first step is to diagnose any concern by checking to verify that all sensors are operating properly. When you bring your vehicle to Kennedy, we'll explain if your vehicle has computer controls. Next we'll probably recommend that we "scan" your vehicle - which involves attaching a diagnostic computer to the vehicle and checking all sensors.

Manual Transmission - Watch that clutch!
On a vehicle with a manual transmission, it is important to be aware of the "feel" of the clutch, and to get your vehicle checked professionally if there is any significant change in the operation or "feel" of the clutch.
Several driving habits will maximize the life of your clutch:

Remove your foot from the clutch pedal fully after each shift. If you leave your foot on the clutch pedal, you may not fully "release" the clutch - and this can result in slippage which quickly destroys the clutch facing and may damage other clutch parts as well.
Your vehicle's clutch assembly should always have some "free play". The clutch pedal should always move a little with very light pressure - from 1/2" to 1" - before heavier pressure is felt which means the clutch pressure plate is being released. This "free play" is required for the clutch to properly transmit all engine power to the wheels.
Never shift gears without using the clutch, or without fully depressing the clutch pedal.
If you detect any changes in your transmission operation, such as grinding or other noises as you change gears, get professional advice immediately at any Kennedy store near you. There is never any charge for a test drive to check any concerns you might have.