For U Solution

On Aug. 9, 2004, Nissan North America notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that it would begin recalling certain 2004 Nissan Titans due to a transmission problem that could affect more than 5,000 vehicles.

Defect

Certain Nissan Titan pickups equipped with column shifters may have been equipped with a part that was damaged during assembly. A defective shift lever assembly could cause potentially dangerous transmission problems in these vehicles.

Risk

Damage to the shift lever assembly could result in a malfunction of the part responsible for holding the lever in the park position.

Solution

Nissan began notifying registered vehicle owners affected by the recall in September 2004. Authorized dealers were instructed to inspect and replace defective column shifters. Titan owners experiencing transmission problems may contact Nissan or the NHTSA with their vehicle identification numbers to determine whether their trucks might have been affected.

Checking the transmission fluid level in a Chevy Blazer requires checking the transmission fluid dipstick. The dipstick is located on the passengers side of the engine compartment, near the firewall, at the rear of the engine. The dipstick has a black, plastic, ring-style handle, which is marked.

Instructions

1

Open the hood of the Chevy Blazer, and support it with the prop rod, which is located on the drivers side of the hood.

2

Locate the transmission dipstick. It is on the drivers side, at the rear of the engine. The handle is marked and sits very close to the firewall of the truck.

3

Wipe the dipstick handle with a clean rag. Grasp the ring on the top of the dipstick with one hand, and pull the up dipstick.

4

Wrap the rag around the dipstick blade, and slide the dipstick out of the tube, wiping off the transmission fluid. Continuing pulling until the entire dipstick blade clears the tube.

When a transmission begins to show signs of trouble, such as slipping, the problem can often be resolved with a fix as simple as adding the proper amount of transmission fluid. However, other issues could result in the need for a total transmission rebuild.

Rebuild Shop

Finding an auto shop willing to rebuild your transmission may take a diligent search on your part. Many shops use to rebuild transmissions, as they can get paid more to replace them instead. Also, the shop will need to know how to rebuild your specific type of transmission.

Rebuild Cost

The cost to have a transmission rebuilt depends on several factors. A general rule is that the rebuild job will cost about half the price of what your transmission cost when it was new. So if your transmission cost $3000 new, you can expect to pay around $1,500 to have it rebuilt.

Rebuild Labor

Once removed from the vehicle, the transmission will need to be completely disassembled. Individual parts are then checked thoroughly. Some only require cleaning, while others are replaced. Seals and gaskets are always replaced in transmission rebuild jobs.

The Ford E40D transmission -- a heavy-duty unit found in E-series vans, F-series trucks, the Bronco and Expedition -- is a computer-controlled transmission for rear-wheel drive vehicles. Ford used the E40D in vehicles made in model years 1989 through 1997.

Gear Ratios

The E40D has a first gear of 2.71 to 1, second gear ratio of 1.54 to 1, third gear ratio of 1.00 to 1 and fourth gear ratio of 0.71 to 1.

EEC-IV Computer System

The E40D was Fords first electronically controlled automatic in light trucks. According to "Popular Mechanics," the E40D receives commands from the EEC-IV on-board engine control computer, "which processes input from engine, transmission and the vehicle itself to determine the best shift points for performance and consistent shift feel."

According to Ford, factors in determining the shift points of the transmission include the transmission temperature, engine speed and altitude. Ford claimed 25 percent better fuel economy in the 1991 F-150 two-wheel-drive pickup with the E40D transmission versus the 1990 F-150 with the older C-6 transmission.

Identifying the Ford E4OD

E-series vans and F-series trucks with the E40D from model years 1989 through 1993 have a shifter pattern of P-R-N-OD-2-1. These models also have an overdrive cancel switch.

In 1994, Ford introduced the 4R70W transmission, which uses the same shifter pattern, making it ineffective to examine the shifter to determine which transmission the vehicle has. All 4.2-liter and 4.6-liter, and some 5-liter, Ford engines use the newer 4R70W. Diesel vehicles and those with 4.9-, 5.4-, 5.8-, 6.8- and 7.5-liter engines have the E4OD.

For an alternate way to determine a trucks transmission, measure the transmission fluid pan. The E40D pan measures approximately 20 inches in overall length, whereas the 4R70W transmission has a length of about 15 inches.

Aftermarket Modifications

Components you can replace with upgraded aftermarket parts include the computer, torque converter, sprags, clutch piston, front pump, sun gear, rear case bushings, pressure regulator, reverse boost valve and center support. You can also add auxiliary oil coolers to ensure greater reliability.

Jeep Wranglers were first introduced as four-wheel drive sport utility vehicles in 1987. Although they are available with automatic transmissions, many of the 2000 year models featured a manual transmission. Sometimes when the transmission breaks it will need to be entirely removed from the vehicle to be properly repaired. You can do the job on your own, but it will take at least a few hours. You need some basic automotive tools and a transmission jack.

Instructions

1

Jack up the Jeep and secure it on four jack stands so you have room to get beneath the SUV. Remove the exhaust and the skid plate from the underneath it with the socket wrench set.

2

Use an open-ended wrench to disengage the rear driveline from the transmission. Repeat this process with the front driveline. Detach all wiring from the transmission. Remove the transfer case and linkage from the back of the transmission using the socket wrench by unbolting it and pulling it off the transmission.

3

Position the transmission jack beneath the transmission and jack it up until it touches the bottom of the transmission pan. Loop the chains on the jack around the transmission. Bolt the opposite end of the chain to the jack with the open-end wrench. Confirm that the transmission is secure.

4

Use the socket wrench to remove the transmission crossmember and rear transmission mount from the frame. Pull the crossmember away from the frame so that you can remove the transmission from beneath the vehicle without obstruction.

5

Use the socket and ratchet to unbolt the transmission from the engine. Unfasten the clutch brace rod before lowering the transmission away from the motor with the jack.

Despite being a performance-oriented car, with one of the most powerful engines available in a domestically manufactured sedan, the Chrysler 300C has a bevy of transmission-related problems. They range in seriousness from excessive vibration to the entire car switching off in mid-cruise. Chrysler dealerships havent always had the best reputation for fixing problems under warranty, so it is probably worth thinking twice before buying a fully loaded, HEMI- equipped version of this automakers flagship sedan.

Water Seepage

Due to the enormous size (5.7 liter displacement) of the 300Cs engine, the air conditioning condenser and transmission are in close proximity under the hood. This means that a perfect storm of quick temperature changes and heavy a/c usage can lead to water vapors contaminating the transmission fluid. This is a serious problem that may require a replacement transmission. Unfortunately, the 300C does not have a dipstick to check transmission fluid.

Rough Shifting

Some 300C owners have complained of the car not being able to shift out of park, shifting into neutral inexplicably on the freeway or not shifting beyond second gear. Some drivers report their 300C wont even shift out of park. This problem can usually be solved by replacing a small plastic clip inside the shifter assembly.

Transmission Fluid Leak

One owner of a 2005 300C inspects the underside of the car every 3000 miles because of transmission fluid leaking onto the ground. It is also sealed shut so you cannot add replacement transmission fluid. If this leaking continues without being fixed, it can lead to the transmission shifting out of the appropriate gear at random.

Removing the transmission oil pan from the bottom of the transmission in your Jeep Cherokee is the only way to access the filter inside or drain the oil from the transmission. The pan is located in the center of the transmission, directly on the bottom, ssecured with bolts around the perimeter. Removal can be messy if you are not caul. Work slowly and take it one step at a time.

Instructions

1

Raise the front of your Jeep off the ground with a jack. Position a set of jack stands under the front suspension, and remove the jack.

2

Slide under the center of your Jeep and locate the transmission oil pan on the bottom of the transmission. Place a large oil drain pan under the transmission pan to catch the oil when you remove it.

3

Loosen the bolts around three edges of the transmission pan with a socket and ratchet, but do not completely remove them. Slowly loosen the bolts on the remaining edge of the pan, allowing the opposite side of the pan to come away from the transmission. Drain the oil into the drain pan.

4

Remove all the bolts around the edge of the pan slowly, and then lower it away from the transmission. Leave the drip pan under the transmission for a while, allowing any oil or fluid to fully drain.

Complex machinery, like a cars transmission, requires periodic maintenance to ensure a long lifespan. Allowing air pressure into the transmission assembly can harm the transmission, rather than help.

Function

A typical transmission moves power from the cars engine, through its gear assemblies and out to the wheels to propel the vehicle forward. Transmission fluid flows throughout the assembly to provide pressurized cooling, lubrication and control gear shifting.

Considerations

Air pressure seeping into the transmission, such as from a leak, causes the transmission fluid within the hydraulic system to lose pressure. As a result, the clutch disc begins to slip, causing the vehicle to change gears roughly or not at all.

Prevention/Solution

To prevent air pressure from infiltrating the transmission, make sure all seals for the transmission filter and pan are free from cracks or twists. Verify that all bolts holding the filter and pan are torqued evenly so the seals can meet effectively.

An automatic transmission is a complex piece of machinery with many small disks (clutches and steels) contained in larger cylinders forming clutch packs. The transmission uses both hydraulic fluid and electronics to control these clutch packs. When an automatic transmission goes bad, it doesnt need to be replaced---instead, it can be rebuilt. This rebuilding process requires some common tools and a few more-specific tools that the average mechanic may not have.

Ratchet Set

The ratchet is a common tool that nearly every mechanic has. This device, used in conjunction with a socket to remove nuts and bolts, is a long metal rod with a ratcheting head to hold the socket. The ratcheting head functions so that the mechanic can reset the wrench without having to remove the tool from the nut or bolt.

Socket Set

The socket is placed on the end of the ratchet and fits a nut or bolt. Sockets are small, cylindrical metal pieces that are hollow inside to allow a nut or bolt to be inserted. They come in many different sizes to fit the variety of bolt and nut sizes available.

Torque Wrench

A torque wrench is similar to a ratchet but is used only to tighten bolts. The other main difference is that it has an adjustable dial to select the proper torque amount for the particular bolt youre tightening; the wrench will emit an audible sound, typically a click, when it reaches the set torque value. This feature assures that bolts are not over- or under-torque, which is especially important when rebuilding a transmission.

Snap-Ring Pliers

Snap-ring pliers are a set of pliers that are used for opening instead of closing. The pliers have small pins on the ends that are inserted into the holes on a snap ring; the device is then opened to free the snap ring from the groove it sits in. This procedure is required when youre rebuilding a transmission, as the clutch packs are held together by these snap rings.

O-Ring Hook

The O-ring hook is a metal hook designed to pull an O-ring from the groove it sits in. An O-ring is a small rubber gasket thats in an "O" shape to create a seal. This is a must in all transmission rebuilds, as there are as many as 10 O-rings to be replaced in a rebuild.

Washer

A washer is between 3 to 5 feet tall and about 3 feet wide, depending on the model. It has a metal door on the front to place parts in for cleaning. Cleaning the transmission case and all of the reused hard parts is a requirement, as transmission failure may lead to metal shavings being spread throughout the internals of a transmission; failure to clean out these shavings can lead to transmission failure after the rebuild is completed. This washing ensures that all of the debris is cleaned out; it also makes all of the parts look new again.

Rebuilding Bench

The bench used is nearly as important as the tools used to disassemble the transmission. This type of bench has a slight slope so that all of the transmission fluid runs away from the mechanic and into a trough for proper disposal. This bench has different slots for all of the common tools used during a rebuild, including hooks so that the mechanic can hang small parts for reuse, as well as straps to hold the transmission in place during the rebuild.

Transmission Jack

The transmission jack is used to lower the transmission during removal and to lift it to reinstall it. This jack is about 3 feet tall and has a plate on top for the transmission to sit on and a series of ratcheting straps to secure the transmission.

The automatic transmission in a 1999 Toyota Camry connects to the back of the engine, from which it delivers power to the wheels. The transmission keeps the engine operating at the speed at which it can develop its most efficient power. The transmission also moves the vehicle in reverse and disconnects the engine from the wheels in its neutral and park positions. The automatic transmission found in front-wheel-drive vehicles like the Camry is also called a transaxle.

Torque Converter

The torque converter, also called the torque converter clutch, mounts on the flywheel of the engine and provides an indirect link between the engine and the transmission. This link allows you to stop the vehicle and keep the engine idling without stalling. In the past, the torque converter continuously slipped during driving, causing less efficient operation. In the Camry, the torque converter has a lockup mode that operates while the vehicle travels at cruising speed. This mode prevents the torque converter from slipping, which increases operating efficiency.

Planetary Gears

Planetary gears consist of a system of gears with three parts. They have an outer ring gear --- a ring with teeth inside it. Three small gears, called planets, engage the teeth inside of the ring at opposite thirds of the ring gear, where they mesh with a third gear in the center called a sun gear. The transmission input shaft applies power to a component of the planetary gears. The band or brake holds one part from turning. The third component then turns, supplying power output to the output shaft. In one mode of operation, for example, the transmission input clutch applies power to the outer ring gear. A band holds the planet gears in place; the sun gear then turns, driving the output shaft. The component receiving the power and the output component vary depending on the gear ratio needed.

Clutches and Bands

The clutches and bands provide the holding and power application to the planetary gears. Bands activated by hydraulic pistons operate as brakes, squeezing a section of the planetary gears to stop them. The clutches consist of cylinders containing disks that, when pressurized with hydraulic fluid, lock in place to apply power as needed to the planetary gears. The 1999 Camry has forward and direct clutches, as well as three bands --- also called brakes.

Valve Body

The valve body consists of a series of passageways that allow hydraulic fluid to pass through to the clutches and pistons as needed. A solenoid valve releases hydraulic fluid into the valve body passages. The paths connect to various places in the transmission that require fluid pressure at different times. The 1999 Camry has two solenoid valves located in the valve body.

Other Components

The transmission has an oil pump that provides the pressure to make the hydraulic system operate correctly. Multiple seals and gaskets prevent the oil from leaking and to keep it flowing where it needs to go. Most modern transmissions also have multiple electronic components controlled by the power train control module.

The automatic transmission has a storied past starting in the 1930s, when most automakers began rushing to develop a working automatic transmission. The first automatic transmissions were only partially automatic, as the driver had to select low or high range, but the transmission automatically shifted between the two gears in each range. In 1939, Oldsmobile released the first fully automatic transmission, the Hydra-Matic. Just as with the engine on a vehicle, the transmission needs cooling, which the vehicles cooling system performs.

Creation of Heat

As with all mechanical components on your vehicle, the automatic transmission creates heat as it works. This heat requires regulation, as excessive heat can cause component failure, resulting in breakdown.

Regulation of Heat

The cooling system, which includes the radiator, thermostat, coolant, water pump and radiator hoses, helps regulate the automatic transmission. The transmission does not have coolant running through it; rather the transmission fluid runs through the radiator to cool it off prior to running back to the transmission.

The cooling system, which includes the radiator, thermostat, coolant, water pump and radiator hoses, helps regulate the automatic transmission. The transmission does not have coolant running through it; rather the transmission fluid runs through the radiator to cool it off prior to running back to the transmission.

Removing the cooling lines from the transmission in your Dodge truck is an essential step in removing the transmission or transmission cooler. If you have a damaged transmission cooling line, youll need to remove it before you can install a new one. Transmission cooling lines are available from your Dodge dealer as well as from many auto parts stores. If you are working on your Rams transmission fluid cooler or transmission and the lines are in good shape, you can reuse them.

Instructions

1

Position a jack under the front of your Ram and raise it off the ground. Place a set of jack stands under the frame to support the truck, then remove the jack.

2

Slide an oil drain pan under the transmission cooler, under the front of the Ram. Slide a quick-disconnect tool onto the cooling line and slide it into the fitting, releasing the connector. Pull the line off the transmission cooler.

3

Follow the line back to the transmission and locate the fitting on the transmission case. Position another drain pan under this end of the line, then loosen the fitting on the line with a wrench.

4

Turn the fitting counterclockwise until it is free from the transmission, then carefully slide the line back and out from under the truck. Repeat the process on the second line if you need to remove it as well.

The Turbo-Hydramatic 200 4-R was an automatic transmission with overdrive that was manufactured by General Motors. The TH200 4-R was produced and used in a variety of GM vehicles made between 1981 and 1990.

Identification

The identification tag on the TH200 4-R provides information about the transmissions production history. The first through third digits give the month and date of production. The fourth digit names the shift it was produced on. This is followed by a letter indicating the plant the transmission was made at. The TH200 4-R was manufactured at the Three Rivers and Warren, Michigan GM plants and in Windsor, Canada.

Specifications

The TH200 R-4 had a first gear ratio of 2.74-to-1 and a second gear ratio of 1.57-to-1. The third gear ratio was 1.00-to-1. The fourth gear was the overdrive with a .67-to-1 gear ratio.

Swapping TH200 4-R

The TH 200 4-R is a popular transmission to use to upgrade from an older transmission that is lacking an overdrive gear. The TH200 4-R is used by car enthusiasts to replace the earlier Powerglide and the TH350 model transmissions.

The transmission lines on your Chevy Cavalier carry transmission fluid from the cooling core in the radiator to the transmission. As the fluid heats up in the transmission, if becomes thin and less effective; cooling it becomes necessary. But if one of your Cavaliers transmission lines is leaking or damaged, youll need to replace it. Otherwise, the transmission fluid will leak or plug and the fluid level will drop, damaging the transmission. Replacement cooling lines are available, pre-bent to fit your Cavalier, from any Chevrolet dealer.

Instructions

1

Raise the front of your Cavalier off the ground, using a jack, and place a pair of jack stands under the frame to support the Cavalier. Position an oil drain pan under the radiator where the transmission lines meet the radiator.

2

Loosen the fitting on the end of one transmission line at the radiator with a wrench, then pull the line down and let any transmission fluid drip into the drain pan. Move to the other end of the line, where it meets the transmission, and place a second drain pan under the lines.

3

Loosen the fitting on the transmission end of the line youre working on, using a wrench, then pull the line out from under the car. Slide a new line in place, attaching it to the transmission first. Tighten the fitting with a wrench.

4

Raise the line to the hole on the radiator and thread the fitting in place. Tighten the fitting with a wrench until it is tight. Repeat the process for the second line. Remove the drain pans from under the car.

5

Raise the car off the jack stands with your jack, remove the jack stands and lower the car to the ground. Remove the jack from under the car.

Exercise caution and safety measures if you decide to remove the manual transmission from your Ford Explorer sport-utility vehicle. The task will require that you move one of the heaviest components of your vehicle as you remove other pieces of equipment. It will take several hours but you can save a substantial amount of money on repairs if you remove the transmission yourself.

Instructions

1

Open the hood and detach the battery cables.

2

Remove the upper part of the gearshift, boot, console and lever with a socket wrench and Phillips screwdriver.

3

Lift the front and rear of your Ford Explorer with a floor jack and position the four jack stands beneath the frame. Lower the frame onto the jack stands.

4

Position a catch bucket beneath the transmission. Remove the drain plug with a wrench and drain the transmission fluid.

5

Unplug all electrical connectors, sensors and wire harnesses from the transmission.

6

Remove the starter motor from the engine with a socket wrench.

7

Use a socket wrench and pry bar to detach the front drive shaft if your Explorer has a transfer case.

8

Repeat this process with the rear drive shaft with the same tools.

9

Detach the exhaust inlet crossover pipe and catalytic converter with the socket wrench. A breaker bar may be necessary to use on the exhaust pipe mounting bolts for leverage.

10

Support the transfer case, if your Explorer is so equipped, with a transmission jack. Use the socket set to detach the transfer case and and remove it.

11

Detach the clutch hydraulic line from the clutch slave cylinder with the disconnect tool.

12

Hold up the transmission with a transmission jack and a safety strap.

13

Loosen the two nuts that secure the transmission insulator to the cross-member with a socket wrench.

14

Loosen the six bolts that secure the cross-member to the frame with a socket wrench.

15

Remove the two nuts that secure the transmission insulator to the cross-member. Remove the cross-member.

16

Loosen the nine bolts that secure the transmission to the engine.

17

Remove the transmission from the vehicle.

An automatic transmission changes the gears, engages and disengages the transmission and downshifts the vehicles engine without requiring the driver to use a clutch or gear shifter. Transmission fluid is responsible for lubricating and maintaining a proper internal core temperature of the transmission. Transmission fluid should be changed every 50,000 miles under typical driving conditions. Replacing transmission fluid can be cumbersome, and requires dropping the transmission pan and changing all of the gaskets and filters. To avoid these extra steps, the fluid may also be changed via the transmissions dipstick tube.

Instructions

1

Remove the dipstick from your vehicles transmission.

2

Feed the input tube of the petroleum siphon pump (see Resources) into the dipstick tube until it reaches the bottom.

3

Pump the fluid out of the transmission, placing the output tube into a bucket for collecting the old transmission fluid.

4

Remove the siphon tube from the transmission dipstick tube when all fluid has been removed.

5

Place a funnel into the dipstick tube, and pour in one quart of fresh transmission fluid at at time, checking the fluid level with the dipstick after each quart. Repeat this until the dipstick reads full.

Chrysler introduced TorqueFlite transmission in 1956 with the A-488 model and it remained in duty until 2001 in the Chrysler Neon. According to Wheels Magazine, it is "one of the smoothest and trouble-free units in the world." As it gets older, however, cars with TorqueFlite transmission require maintenance and repair.

E-Z Squeeze Automatic Transmission Clutch Spring Compresor Kit

The E-Z Squeeze Automatic Transmission Clutch Spring Compresor Kit is for use on 404 and 604 TorqueFlite transmissions. It is a hand tool for removing and installing clutch pistons and snap rings from automatic transmissions.

E-Z Squeeze Front Pump Alignment Bands

The E-Z Squeeze Front Pump Alignment Bands are for use on Chrysler TorqueFlite 6 904-999 transmissions. It accurately aligns the front pumps for easy installation.

Chrysler TorqueFlite Gasket and Seal Subpac

The Chrysler TorqueFlite Gasket and Seal Subpac is for use on Colt and Arrow transmissions from 1974 to present. It contains additional gaskets and seals.

Chrysler TorqueFlite 6 Master Rebuild Kit

The Chrysler TorqueFlite 6 Master Rebuild Kit is for use on A904, A998 and A999 transmissions from 1972 to present. It includes metal clad seals, friction clutches, steel plates and a ring kit.

Chrysler TorqueFlite 8 Master Rebuild Kit

The Chrysler TorqueFlite 8 Master Rebuild Kit is for use on 727 36 and 37RH transmissions from 1972 to present. It includes a paper and rubber kit, metal clad seals, friction clutches, steel plates and a ring kit.

Chrysler TorqueFlite 6 Deluxe Rebuild Kit

The Chrysler TorqueFlite 6 Deluxe Rebuild Kit is for use on A904, A998 and A999 transmissions from 1972 to present. It includes metal clad seals, friction clutches, steel plates, ring kit, filter, band, modulator, bushing kit and popular washers.

Chrysler TorqueFlite 8 Deluxe Rebuild Kit

The Chrysler TorqueFlite 8 Deluxe Rebuild Kit is for use on 727 36 and 37RH transmissions from 1972 to present. It includes a paper and rubber kit, metal clad seals, friction clutches, steel plates, ring kit, filter, band, modulator, bushing kit and popular washers.

The Escape is a compact SUV manufactured by Ford since 2001. According to the AutoBeef website, the most frequent complaint by Ford Escape owners involves problems with the transmission. Though transmission problems can result in an expensive replacement, the issue may involve a simpler repair.

Transmission Fluid Leak

Transmission fluid leaks are one common problem with the Ford Escape. Check underneath the car to see if any reddish-brown colored fluid has pooled. This signifies a transmission fluid leak caused by a broken gasket or bearing leak.

Shifting Issues

Ford Escape owners also report problems with erratic or rough shifting, as well as issues relating to the cars failure to shift into reverse. Problems with shifting can indicate wear of the drive shafts joints. Low transmission-fluid levels may also cause erratic shifting.

Transmission Failure

Failure occurs when the transmission does not successfully shift into the correct gear. Though this can signal the need for a transmission replacement, this type of failure may indicate a problem with the Ford Escapes control module. This module is responsible for completing the shift.