What is a transmission filter? How do I change my transmission filter? What are the symptoms of a jammed transmission filter? Why does the ATF fail ?….
What is Transmission Filter?
Automatic transmissions come with a filter made from felt-like or synthetic materials, and a metal strainer. This filter is typically located in a transmission oil pan.
The transmission filter is tiny, but its importance is great. The transmission filter is small but serves a very important purpose. It captures metal shavings and residues from worn components and ensures that the transmission receives the oil in a clean way. These residues will, if you’re lucky enough, sink to the bottom and not circulate in your system.
The torque converter is used to drive the transmission oil pump. The oil pump’s job is to regulate hydraulic pressure and guide the transmission fluid through various channels. Oil pressure is necessary to change gears, and keep them moving.
The oil pump pulls the fluid from the transmission crankcase through the filter, presses it and distributes it to various channels of the hydraulic control unit. These are the steps that result in gear changes.
Transmission filters prevent fluid impurities from getting into the pump and transmission components. It can become clogged over time due to dirt and other debris, and it stops doing its job. Low fluid pressure is caused by a blocked filter. You may notice a decrease in your vehicle’s performance if the filter has clogged.
Many vehicles have a filter that is required to be replaced every other month. The vehicle manufacturer may prescribe a maintenance schedule that is not strictly followed. If this is not done, the filter can become clogged and show symptoms of malfunction.
Clogged Transmission Filter Signs
Filter blockage can lead to many other issues. Filters can often get clogged because of internal transmission problems that create excessive debris. If you see any of these symptoms, it is important to diagnose your vehicle thoroughly before you assume that the filter is the problem.
Let’s now take a look at some of the most obvious signs that a transmission filter is clogged.
Transmission Oil Leaks
A transmission oil leak is not a good sign. This could indicate a serious problem such as cracks in the housing or a gasket, or even a filter. The transmission fluid won’t flow properly if the filter is blocked. This can lead to leaks.
Abnormal Gear Shifts
Abnormal gear changes are one of the most obvious signs that a clogged transmission filter has occurred. Low fluid pressure can cause automatic transmission vehicles to “slip/miss”. This slip can cause an increase to engine speed, but not to vehicle speed. The engine is not able to go as far it wants. You may also notice shift quality problems if your transmission filter is blocked.
Transmission Pump Noise
The pump will run out of oil if the transmission filter is blocked. An oil-free pump will produce a hum that increases in frequency with engine speed. This can be seen in the engine’s rattling, squeaking, and other unpleasing sounds. This could be due to a clogged filter, or an internal transmission mechanical problem.
Transmission Fluid that is corroded or dirty
You need to check the quality of your transmission oil when checking its level. The transmission oil can burn if it is blocked. Excessive friction can cause metal parts to appear in the transmission housing.
There may be strange odors. Transmission fluid has a sweet, sugary smell, which makes it distinctive when it is burned.
A transmission oil that is dark, dirty, or full of metal shavings will not work and must be changed before it gets worse.
Warning lights located on the instrument panel
The transmission control module, or TCM, monitors the transmission’s operation in modern vehicles. Low fluid pressure can cause a transmission problem. The module will illuminate the check engine light and store a fault code. Transmission warning lamps are also found on certain vehicles. They will light up if there is a problem.
When is it time to change transmission filter?
As much as changing fluids or replacing parts, no maintenance can prolong the life of a vehicle’s engine. While the frequency of maintenance and fluid changes for automatic transmissions varies depending on the make and model, the recommended service intervals are between 50,000 and 150,000 km. between. The majority of service and maintenance books state that transmission fluid doesn’t need to be changed. Transmistors make a lot of money because of this. For maximum protection and performance, it is important to change your transmission oil and filter if you don’t own a Dexron III ATF vehicle.
It is important to replace the transmission fluid (ATF) sooner if it has become corroded or has other issues. The filter and crankcase gasket must also be replaced when changing transmission fluid.
Pre-washing the transmission with special machines is an important step in changing transmission fluid. You must remove dirt and metal chips from the crankcase and transmission before adding new transmission oil. This will make your vehicle more efficient.
It is simple to replace the filter or strainer, provided there isn’t any transmission damage. While parts are relatively inexpensive, labor costs can be quite high. The transmission filter can be easily replaced by a professional mechanic or dealer. Prices for labor will vary depending on make, model, and other factors.
Clogged filters can cause internal damage to your transmission. This situation could lead to transmission rebuilding, which can be very costly.
What Causes ATF’s Deterioration?
While the vehicle is in motion, the automatic transmission fluid’s (ATF) temperature will quickly rise. Under normal driving conditions, the fluid temperature rises to 175°F (80°C). This is the temperature range that ATF operates at and can withstand 150,000km. The fluid’s life expectancy will decrease if the transmission temperature increases. Even under normal driving conditions, fluids can heat up. The problem begins when this happens.
ATF can oxidize at high temperatures. It turns brown and gives off an unpleasant odor. The heat damages the fluid’s lubricating, frictional and lubricating properties. As a result, varnish forms on internal parts (such the hydraulic control unit) which can cause problems with transmission operation. If the temperature rises above 250°F (120°C), the rubber seals begin to harden, causing leaks and pressure drops. The transmission will slip/skip at higher temperatures, making the overheating even worse. The transmission will eventually stop working because the clutches wear out. It is necessary to replace the entire transmission.
As a general rule, every 20 degree rise above 175 °F (80 °C) halves the life of the fluid! For example, at 195 °F (90 °C), the life of the fluid drops to 75,000 km. At 220°F (104°C), common in most transmissions, the fluid is only 40,000 km. It will work. If the temperature rises to 240°F (115°C), the life of the ATF will be reduced by up to 15,000 km. If we add another 20°F, the life of the fluid drops to 8,000 km. At 300°F (149°C), the transmission fluid must travel 2,000 km before it burns out. It can travel further.
Overheating is responsible for 90% of transmission failures. Overheating is most often caused by transmission fluid that was not changed on time.
