Fix It

The Powerglide is a two speed automatic transmission that was introduced by General Motors Corporation in 1950. The Powerglide transmission was used in a variety of vehicles produced by General Motors.

Design

The early Powerglide transmissions had a cast iron housing and weighed 240 pounds. In 1961, General Motors replaced the cast iron Powerglide transmission housing with one made from die-cast aluminum. The use of the aluminum housing reduced the weight of the Powerglide transmission by one third.

Power

The aluminum Powerglide transmission that was used with six-cylinder engines had a 1.82:1 first gear ratio and a 1.00:1 second gear ratio. The Powerglide transmissions used with eight-cylinder engines had a 1.76:1 first gear ratio and a 1.00:1 second gear ratio.

Popularity

General Motors produced over 17 million Powerglide transmissions. Today, Powerglide transmissions are popular for use in racing. The Powerglide transmission combined with a high gear ratio rear end gear is used for drag racing.

After you have retrieved the transmission code on your 95 Dodge Intrepid and had the transmission repaired, the code should reset itself. However, this is not always the case. You might see a warning light on the instrument panel even after the vehicle has been repaired. To reset the transmission code and shut off the light, either disconnect the battery or clear the code using an OBD I scan tool. It is better to use the scan tool because disconnecting the battery will erase all of the computers codes and you will have to reset the radio, clock, alarm and other components.

Instructions

1

Plug the OBD I scan tool into the port under the drivers side dashboard near the steering column. Dont force it in. Just turn it until it fits so you dont damage the pins.

2

Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "On" position, but dont crank the engine. Wait while the scan tool retrieves the codes.

3

Find and select the "Delete Codes" option. This will clear the transmission codes as well as other trouble codes. The computer is now reset. Unplug the scan tool from the port.

4

Start the engine and verify that all warning lights have shut off of the instrument panel.

There are a few reasons why your transmission could fail on your 1997 Ford Explorer, but none is more common than the transmission fluid being too low. Many people think that they have a major issue with their transmission when it starts slipping. You can troubleshoot your transmission before you decide to take it in for major repair.

Instructions

1

Idle the vehicle for about 15 minutes until the engine is warm.

2

Park the vehicle and set the parking brake. Let the vehicle remain running.

3

Lift the hood on you Explorer and locate the transmission filler tube and dipstick. It is generally located on the drivers side of the engine in the rear. It will be labeled with the word "Transmission."

4

Pull out the dip stick and wipe it with the paper towel. Look at the lines on the dipstick to find "Add" and "Full Hot." Replace the dipstick into the tube and pull out again to check the level. A low transmission level can cause major problems. If the fluid is full and it smells burnt, then your transmission could need a major rebuild or replacement.

5

Turn off the vehicle and let it cool down.

6

Slide under the vehicle with the flashlight and find the transmission. You will know the transmission because you will see the dipstick tube attached to it. Shine your flashlight all around the transmission and look for any wire connections that have become detached. You can also check to see if you have any major leaks.

Transmission fluid provides the necessary lubrication a vehicles transmission needs to function properly. The performance of an automobiles transmission is directly affected by transmission fluid levels.

Too Much

An excessive amount of transmission fluid can negatively affect a transmission. When fluid levels are too great, it can result in air mixing in with the transmission fluid. This can cause slipping in a transmission as well as other gear-shifting issues.

Too Little

When transmission fluid levels are too low, this can also be damaging to a transmission. It can slip or be slow to engage when not enough fluid has been added. Keep the fluid levels between the Full and Add section of your transmissions dipstick.

Check Levels

Because a transmission should be hot when performing fluid level checks, a vehicle should be put in park and left idling during this process. If everything is fine, you wont get a low-level fluid reading because transmissions dont consume fluid during operation. A low level reading often indicates a leak.

"Transmission slip" is a term used to describe a transmission that is not operating properly. A slipping transmission adds stress to the transmission and other drive-train components and if not promptly repaired can cause serious problems.

Definition

A slipping transmission is a transmission that is slow to respond when put into gear or when shifting gears. When the transmission slips, the engine often revs quickly as if the car had been put into neutral, but the car does not accelerate.

Causes

The most common cause of a slipping transmission is low transmission fluid due to a leak. As the fluid level falls, there is not enough transmission fluid to properly operate the transmission. Transmission fluid breakdown and wear of the transmission gears may also cause the transmission to slip.

Repair

When a transmission slip is noticed, a car owner should check the transmission fluid level and add fluid if the level is low. If the transmission fluid is not low and the car is due for a transmission fluid change, the car owner should change the fluid. If the transmission continues to slip, the car owner should consult with a trusted transmission repair shop.

The 1999 Mercury Sable model enjoyed some early positive reviews, but major problems would later be reported on some models with the brakes, engine and various accessories. Smaller issues were also reported with other areas of the vehicle, including the transmission. As of 2010, the Ford Company is dropping the Mercury line of cars, including the Sable.

Leaking Fluid

In some models there were early problems with leaking transmission fluid well before any part of the car should be worn down. A variety of causes can trigger this problem, from loose hoses to improper fastening. This was not a common enough problem to warrant a recall or widespread announcement, but enough early repairs were made to note this as a potential problem in 99 Sables.

Front Pump Issues

Problems with the front pump in the 1999 Sable were often chalked up to an engine issue, although it affects the transmission. The front pump is a part of the torque converter in automatic transmissions, and directly affects the mixture of air with transmission fluid. If the front pump isnt working properly, most often due to gunk or carbon build up from a lack of maintenance, the car will experience transmission issues and eventually wont even shift into gear. Repair costs can vary greatly, depending on the exact nature of the main problem with the front pump and whether the issue requires a simple cleaning or if an outright replacement is needed.

Engine Problems Affecting Transmission

Some of the most common problems reported on the 1999 Mercury Sable come from engine issues that affect other parts of the vehicle so that they in turn dont work properly. MSN Auto is one of many sources citing major reports of a variety of engine problems on the 1999 Mercury Sable. Since the transmission is the most complicated section of a modern car, any problem in another part of the engine can affect the transmission.

The Ford Motor Company manufactured the C6 transmission between 1966 and 1996. Its quite similar to the C4 transmission, but it can deal with greater power outputs. It was initially used in trucks and bigger cars that had large engines, but today its primarily used in drag racing cars.

C6 Stock Transmission Specifications

As the name implies, the C6 stock transmission uses a stock torque converter and a stock pan. It has a stall speed of 1,800 rpm and a two-wheel-drive slip yoke for its tail housing, but it doesnt have a hard input shaft. The horsepower of the C6 stock transmission has been measured at 300 horsepower, while the torque has been rated at 250 nM.

C6 Dominator Transmission Specifications

The C6 Dominator transmission is made with a 2F torque converter. Like the C6 Stock, this transmission uses a stock pan and a two-wheel-drive slip yoke, and it doesnt use a hard input shaft. The Dominator has stall speeds between 1,800 rpm and 2,800 rpm, however, and it uses an "R" Super Servo instead of the Stock servo in the Stock model. The Dominator is also a more powerful transmission as it has a horsepower rating of 500 and a torque rating of 450 nM.

C6 Dominator Extreme Transmission Specifications

The Dominator Extreme version of the C6 transmission is more powerful than the Stock or Dominator models as it has a torque rating of 600 nM and a horsepower rating of 650. Unlike the previous C6 models, the Dominator Extreme doesnt have a torque converter but it does use a stock pan. Like the Dominator transmission it uses an "R" Super Servo and like both previous versions it uses a two-wheel-drive slip yoke. The Dominator Extreme is the first of the three transmissions to use a hard input shaft. It has a horsepower rating of 650 and a torque rating of 600 nM.

C6 Mega Dominator Transmission Specifications

The final C6 transmission manifestation was the Mega Dominator model, the most powerful transmission of the four. It uses a 1,200 horsepower, 1,000 torque nM torque converter and it has stall speeds of between 2,600 rpm and 6,000 rpm. Like the Dominator and the Dominator Extreme C6s, it uses an "R" Super Servo. Like the Dominator Extreme, it uses a hard input shaft, but unlike any previous C6 model, it uses a 91 Ford racing cast aluminum pan and a two-wheel-drive, slip yoke or short bolt-on yoke type for its tail housing. Its torque rating is 800 nM and its horsepower rating is 1,000 rpm.

Vehicle transmissions allow a car to move through gears, resulting in a progression of speed. The complexity of the transmission unit makes it an expensive repair if any mechanical issues, such as bad seals, occur.

Function

Transmission seals are the gaskets that seal the transmission pan with the rest of the transmission body. If the gasket fails, transmission fluid can be released, causing the fluid level within the transmission to fall, possibly causing costly damage.

Causes

Transmission seals can blow, or fail, for a variety of reasons. If a gasket has aged, and has not been serviced consistently, it can crack or break completely in certain areas, allowing fluid to escape. To worsen the situation of a worn gasket, the torque converters pressure on the transmission fluid can blow out the seals as well, especially if the torque converter is malfunctioning.

Prevention/Solution

The best way to keep the transmission, and its seals, in good working order is to have consistent transmission flushes, based on the manufacturers recommendations. In addition, the seals should be inspected periodically to catch any deformities in the seal body.

The transmission system on the Porsche Boxster Series consists of a six-speed manual gearbox with a dual mass flywheel to reduce engine noise. The transmission can operate either in full automatic or via driver-commanded gear changes. When problems arise within the Boxsters transmission system, the problem can stem from several possible causes. Remedies will target the parts relevant to the occurring symptoms.

Problems of the Transmission Fluid

If you have trouble shifting your Porsche Boxster, check your transmission fluid levels. Keeping the transmission and integrated differential lubricated plays a pivotal role in preventing wear on the rings and sliders involved in shifting smoothly. The transmission fluid will also help abate temperature increases in the transmission. A general rule of thumb for transmission for Boxsters calls for a fluid change every 30,000 miles or every two years, depending on use. You must jack up all four corners of the vehicle. Changing your transmission fluid will involve changing both your automatic transmission fluid and the differential transmission fluid, which uses the same oil as a manual transmission. (The transmission fluid is specially designated for the Boxster; do not mix or match it with other types of transmission fluid.) Transmission gear oil with the specification SAE 75W90 should work as a lubricant for the differential of a Boxster.

Problem of the Mounts

One of the more common transmission problems you will face with a Porsche Boxster involves the wearing down of the rubber on the transmission mounts that separate the drivetrain from the rest of the chassis. As the mounts become older and more brittle, they will not be able to hold the drivetrain securely during shifting. Telltale signs that you need to replace these mounts include cracks in the mounts (regardless of the number of miles on the car), as well as leaking from the mounts, as your Boxster has a hydraulic system. Replacement Porsche Boxster mounts are expensive at about $250, but they do include a triangular bracket. To secure your drivetrain completely, replace the front motor mounts at the same time you replace the transmission mounts.

Problems of the Differential

Several Porsche Boxster transmission problems may originate from the differential --- part of the transmission in what is together called the transaxle. Leaking from the driveshaft could likely stem from differential seals that have deteriorated. When replacing these seals, also check the differentials carrier bearings to find out whether you must replace them as well. If you experience high-pitched whining or grinding noises that replacing the wheel bearings or CV joints does not alleviate, the sounds may stem from worn carrier bearings. Replace these preferably when the transmission is out of the car --- during a clutch or engine job, for example --- as it will facilitate these tasks.

Problems of the Suspension

If the suspension system is creating problems for your Boxsters transmission, some common items to replace involve the Constant Velocity joints, boots and axle that connect the wheels to the transmission. These components take the brunt of abuse and tend to wear down after 100,000 miles. You will know you have a suspension problem when you hear clunking sounds coming from the rear axle while driving. You have the option of replacing either the inner CV joints or the entire axle system. The new axle will include the outer CV joint as well as inner joint, along with the boots or coverings that protect these joints. If you are only replacing the inner joints, lubricate them thoroughly.

Problems of the Clutch

If the hydraulic clutch engagement system in your Porsche Boxster fails, you may experience the following symptoms: leaking the slave or master cylinder, a spongy feeling to the clutch pedal and grinding during gear shifting. Start with checking or replacing the slave cylinder, then do the same for the master cylinder an bleed the brakes. If the clutch problem is more serious, you may have to replace the entire clutch assembly. Warning signs of clutch assembly failure include spongy pedals, excessive free play, grinding or changing noises when you press the pedal and slippage of the clutch when you do not depress the pedal. City driving will tend to produce these problems more often than highway driving and may call for clutch replacement at 30,000 miles.

Check the transmission fluid level on the 1996 manual Volkswagen Golf whenever checking other fluid levels in the engine. Adding transmission fluid to the Golf requires a special drive bit made specifically for Volkswagens that can be purchased in most auto parts shops. Performing this routine maintenance keeps the gears shifting smoothly and prevents costly damage to the transmission.

Instructions

1

Drive the car for 5 to 10 minutes to warm up the engine slightly. Doing this gives a more accurate read of the vehicles transmission fluid level. Jack the front of the car up to easily access the underside.

2

Slide underneath the car and locate the gearbox, which is a round metal container near the center of the car with two bolts, one in front and one behind. Place the pan underneath the rear bolt to catch any liquid that may escape.

3

Mount the VW drive bit into the socket wrench. Remove the rear bolt, which is the fill plug. Look at the level of fluid in the fill hole; it should line up with the bottom of the hole. If it is not level with the hole, adding transmission fluid is necessary.

4

Place the tube of the fluid pump into the fill hole and pump the bottle to deliver the transmission fluid to the gearbox. Stop when the fluid begins to trickle out.

5

Replace the fill plug and lower the car.

A cars automatic transmission is at the back of the engine and takes power from the engine and delivers it to the cars drive wheels. Automatic transmissions are complicated pieces of machinery that combine several systems into one.

Components

A typical automatic transmission contains computer controls, hydraulic systems, electrical systems and mechanical systems, combining each component into one piece of machinery that provides a car with necessary power. Within each automatic transmission are sets of gears, seals, gaskets, bands and clutches which have specific functions in the operation.

Function

Car engines perform best when kept in a certain rotations per minute (RPM) range. An automatic transmission is designed to not only provide power to the cars drive wheels, but to keep the engine operating within its optimal RPM range. This is accomplished through several gears, each designed for different engine speeds.

Gears

In most automatic transmissions, there are four forward-moving gears, a neutral gear and a reverse gear. In first gear, the drive wheels turn at a slower rate than the engine while in each successively higher gear, the drive wheels turn more quickly while the engine turns slower. In neutral gear, the drive wheels are disconnected from the engine and in reverse gear, the transmission causes the drive wheels to move in the opposite direction.

There is nothing more worrisome than strange noises emanating from your car. Whether it is a rattle, squeak, pop or crunch, it is safe to assume that whatever is causing the noise is not doing your vehicle any favors. Transmissions are complicated mechanical devices with hundreds of moving parts. While you may not be able to sort out exactly what is happening by sound alone, you should be able to get a decent idea of where the problem lies.

Instructions

1

Listen carefully to the noise your transmission makes. Correctly identifying the source of transmission noise depends on the type of sound you hear, so note whether it is a rattle, crunch or another noise.

2

Take notice of when the sound occurs. Noises that occur while shifting could be related to the clutch linkage or clutch shaft pilot bearing, while a low rattle in fifth gear could be caused by the way your car is built.

3

Pay attention to whether the noise is consistent or occurs at seemingly random times. For instance, if your transmission emits a loud clunking noise every time you shift into reverse, the problem is significantly different from the occasional squeak from your clutch. Consistent, loud noises are a source for concern.

4

Allow your vehicle to idle in neutral. Listen for any signs of engine failure or other problems. The sounds you hear may seem to be related to your transmission, but may in fact be issues with your transaxle, wheel bearings or CV joints. Letting the car idle in neutral for a while helps separate engine problems from transmission problems.