Pro-Tech Transmissions

Professional Transmission Repair Services by Certified Automotive Technicians

Patti Vincent

5 Signs It’s Time for a Transmission Fluid Change

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It’s no secret that your transmission is an important part of how your car operates. The gears in your transmission take the power from the motor and convert it into the driving force for your car. That means your transmission is always hard at work helping you get where you want to go.

Those gears aren’t just simply sitting in the transmission waiting to be called on to work, they are sitting in a pool of fluid that helps keep them lubricated for when you need them. This fluid keeps your gears cool and helps your transmission operate properly without damaging itself.

Transmission fluid is extremely important to the life of your car, and that means changing it at the proper times. So, when should you change your transmission fluid? Here are 5 signs that it might be time.transmission fluid change signals

1 – Distance

The typical mile marker for a transmission fluid change is around 45,000km to 80,000km. That means you won’t have to worry about changing the fluid right away, but you need to be aware of the distance between each change.

Generally, the first change will happen closer to the 80,000km mark, and all the others should be around the 45,000km mark afterward. So what happens if you don’t change it? Well, you might end up not being able to later on down the road. If you take your car to 120,000km without a transmission fluid change, chances are you are better off keeping the fluid you already have. The fluid could be holding your transmission together due to metal shavings being in the transmission fluid without being changed. While shavings are a normal part of transmission wear-and-tear, too much could result in the transmission failing from a transmission fluid change.

If you have hit your mile marker, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your local transmission specialist. Click the button below to set up an appointment with Pro-Tech Transmissions.

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2 – Don’t Grind My Gears

If you drive a manual car, you never want to hear a grinding noise when you shift. It’s just not a good sign. A grind from your transmission could mean a number of things from low transmission fluid to the destruction of part of your transmission.

No matter what it means for your transmission, it’s time to get your car to the shop. Sometimes, grinds can be fixed with a simple transmission fluid change, but you never know. A transmission specialty shop, like Pro-Tech Transmissions, would be able to let you know what you really need to keep that transmission going.

3 – What’s That Smell?

Transmission fluid has a distinct smell, especially when it’s burning. There is a truly sweet smell that is emitted from your engine bay when transmission fluid starts burning, and that smell will make its way into the cabin of the car. If you smell that sweet burning smell, you aren’t smelling the sweet taste of victory, you’re smelling transmission fluid.

4 – The Ol’ Dusty Trail

Do you drive on dusty or unpaved roads a lot? Did you know that can affect the life of your transmission fluid? Dust is so fine that it can sneak its way through cracks, seals, and tiny openings anywhere on the transmission. That means if you spend a lot of time driving on dirt roads, you need to get your transmission fluid checked. If you aren’t careful, those fine dust particles can ruin the quality of your transmission fluid and clog your transmission mission fluid filter. When the quality of the fluid is compromised, it’s more likely that your transmission can start overheating.

5 – Stop-and-Go Hauling

Stop-and-Go traffic can cause a further breakdown of your transmission fluid. The constant strain of stop-and-go can lead to higher operating temperatures due to higher levels of stress. That means the more you are stuck in stop-and-go traffic, the more pressure you put on your transmission fluid.

Hauling does the same thing to the transmission fluid. The added force of the extra weight can take its toll on the fluid and cause it to break down faster.

If you are doing both of these, it’s important to get regular transmission fluid changes.

Don’t Drop Your Transmission, Change Your Transmission Fluid

It’s very easy to forget about your transmission fluid and neglect the changes altogether. This will lead to a shorter life for your transmission in general. If you forget the initial change, you could end up stuck with the same fluid until the transmission dies. Things could be worse if you are out hauling and your bad transmission fluid comes back to bite you on the open road.

If you need help with your transmission, you can always reach out to your friendly neighbourhood transmission specialists at Pro-Tech Transmissions.

3 Common Manual Transmission Problems and What They Mean for Your Transmission

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For many car enthusiasts, there is no better feeling than shifting in a manual car. Every single motion and gear changes give you the feeling of control, and there is nothing like it with any other transmission type. This is why, despite a continuing decline in sales, those automakers aren’t ready to get rid of a manual transmission option.

The breed is rare, so taking care of your manual transmission is even more important as the years go on. That’s why we here at Pro-Tech Transmissions put together another great guide to help you diagnose your transmission problems. The sooner you catch the issue, the longer your transmission will last, as long as you get it repaired immediately.

From clunks to the transmission slipping, we’ve put together the most common issues with a manual transmission.

**NOTE:  This is not a DIY blog. This blog is here to help you understand and convey to your tech what issues are really happening inside your manual transmission.**

Transmission Grinds

manual transmission grind problemsFirst off, we need to remind you that a transmission is not supposed to grind or shake. Transmission grinds are bit more complicated to work with because they could stem from a number of issues from low fluid to broken pieces in the transmission.

  1. Gear synchronizers can be the cause of transmission grinds. Since the synchronizers are the middle man of a gear change, they tend to take a lot of abuse. That means they can wear out pretty easily after years of use. Since their job is to prepare the next gear for the right speed, worn out synchros can cause grinds by nor>speeding up the gears enough.
  2. The next place to look is the clutch. Are you engaging it fully? If not, your transmission will grind. If you are pushing the clutch in all the way, you might have a worn clutch that is causing the transmission grinds. With a worn clutch, your transmission won’t move the gears far enough away from each other to properly disengage.
  3. The final reason a transmission might grind is the dog teeth themselves being chipped or broken inside the transmission. Sadly, there is no real way to tell what is causing the grinding noise without scheduling a transmission maintenance appointment with a specialist.

Book a diagnostic appointment now, and we’ll help you with that grind.

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Transmission Clunks

Transmission clunks aren’t good for your transmission, and they should be a major red flag.

That is if you haven’t caused the clunk yourself.

Here’s how to avoid that clunk on start-up:

  1. When you park, put your vehicle in neutral.
  2. Engage your emergency brake (yes, that one that you almost never use!).
  3. Now that the emergency brake is set and holding the vehicle’s weight, put your car in gear or park.

This simple procedure will take the weight off of your gears and stop the clunking that was happening as you moved in and out of gear on startup.

This works for any type of transmission.

If your clunking sound happens when you are driving, we focus on a few different areas like the transmission mounts and low or bad transmission fluid. Clunks can also be from faulty speed sensors that aren’t getting your transmission gears up to the speeds it needs to shift properly, or spinning them too fast.

One of our Pro Techs can take care of your clunk with an appointment.

Transmission Slipping and Pops

A transmission slipping or popping out of gear is a fairly common occurrence when it comes to manual transmission problems. Most people find out their transmission has a pop mid-turn. If your vehicle is popping your transmission out of gear, it could be a few different issues with the transmission.

When transmissions haven’t had regular fluid changes at the recommended kilometer markers, their fluid could more or less be holding the gears together at that point. All of the metal shavings and other items that have broken off into the fluid might be the only reason your transmission is still working at all. At that point, don’t have it changed, save your money, just ride it out until it dies or repairs it.

If the pop continues after the transmission fluid change, you have bigger fish to fry.

Our technicians will diagnose the issues and make a recommendation that saves you hassle and money.

  1.  The next place we look at is the shift linkage. From improper installation to simple wear-and-tear, a bad shift linkage can cause a wide array of issues for your transmission.

A poorly adjusted shift linkage could be causing your gears to pop out of place or not engage at all since the shift linkage controls the fork that engages the gears. If you can shake your shifter around while it’s in gear on a manual transmission, there’s a linkage problem.

  1. Another area we check is the mounts holding your transmission. Even a worn mount can cause your transmission to pop out of place.

These are your typical fixes for transmission pops, but sometimes these won’t do any good because the transmission synchronizers are worn. Synchros help your transmission shift without the need to double-clutch and rpm match.

These little devices in the transmission match the gear’s dog teeth to a matching RPM before they engage with the transmission gears. If you have worn synchros, your gears aren’t matching the speed and that could cause in a pop out.

Listen to Your Transmission, It Talks When It Has Issues

Transmission repairs never have an absolute answer, so it’s important to listen when your transmission talks to you. When a transmission talks, it tends to give you a, “I’ve never heard that sound before,” feeling. The sounds you want to look out for are typically humming, buzzing, or whining noises.

If you experience these sounds or hear clunks, try adding transmission fluid to see if they go away. If not, you should schedule an appointment with a transmission specialist to find the true cause of your transmission problems.

As always, Pro-Tech Transmissions is here to help you with your transmission problems. From hunting down the problem or fixing it, we have your back.

Automatic Transmission Problems: Whines and How to Sense Transmission Issues

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Your transmission is arguably the most important part of any vehicle, and taking care of it can extend the life of your vehicle.

How can you tell if you are having automatic transmission problems that need to be taken care of?

By using your senses to listen to your transmission.

There are a number of different issues that can happen inside and outside your transmission, and they all make sounds, feel certain ways, or make specific smells. Luckily, we are transmission experts here at Pro-Tech Transmissions, so we’ve put together a guide to help you sense transmission issues.

It’s important to realize that automatic transmission problems are never a guaranteed fix.

The truth is, there is never a real answer to an automatic transmission problem until the transmission is opened up. The sounds and feelings of transmission issues can be similar, but the actual issue could go from a solenoid swap to a full rebuild in the blink of an eye.

The only way to truly diagnose a transmission issue is to schedule an appointment with a transmission expert.

This is not a DIY blog, but there are a few DIY tips for you to take into account. The more info you give us, the easier the job gets, so here we go!

automatic transmission planetary gear ring set up problems

Transmission Whine

Transmission whines can be a simple filter swap, or they could be the end of days for your transmission.

These transmission whine sounds can be caused by a clogged filter or low fluid. If the filter gets too clogged, it will start to whine while it attempts to pass the fluid through the filter.

If you are hearing a whine, contact us for an appointment, asap.  

Another reason an automatic transmission whine has to do with the alignment of gears. Most people think automatic transmissions are just special gears floating in magic liquid, but they are really just a planetary ring design setup. That means there is a center gear, a stationary outer ring gear, and a few extra gears between them to hold it all together. Needless to say, an automatic transmission is a very precise piece of machinery, and a whine signals something is off. If even one of the gears in the setup isn’t performing as it should, it could lead to a total transmission failure.

If your car only whines in gear but doesn’t whine in neutral or park, you may have a bad torque converter. A torque converter serves the same purpose for an automatic transmission as a clutch does for a manual. The converter pressurized the fluid in the transmission and helps it change gear. If there is no pressure, the gears will have issues shifting.

Transmission Clunks

automatic transmission repair gears

Transmission clunks aren’t good for your transmission, and they should be a major red flag.

That is if you haven’t caused the clunk yourself.

Here’s how to avoid that clunk on start-up:

  1. When you park, put your vehicle in neutral.
  2. Engage your emergency brake (yes, that one that you almost never use!).
  3. Now that the emergency brake is set and holding the vehicle’s weight, put your car in gear or park.

This simple procedure will take the weight off of your gears and any clunking that was happening as you moved in and out of gear on startup.

This works for any type of transmissions.

If your clunking sound happens when you are driving, we focus on a few different areas like the transmission mounts and low or bad transmission fluid. Clunks can also be from faulty speed sensors that aren’t getting your transmission gears up to the speeds it needs to shift properly, or spinning them too fast.

Harsh Shifts

Harsh shifts are really annoying. They make you bounce, shake, wiggle, and jump when you engage your gears.

Luckily, there is really one major cause for an issue like this.

Those harsh shifts are most likely the result of a faulty transmission control module (TCM) or electrical problems such as bad solenoid or wiring. The TCM works with various other parts of the cars to provide the best shifts for your automatic transmission based on the data sent to it. It’s what lets you rev your automatic all the way to redline with your foot down or shift at 3k RPM when you leave the red light.

If your TCM isn’t working, your transmission won’t know what’s going on. The result is harsh or strange timing on shifts.

We can help get your TCM shifting smoothly. Contact us now for an appointment.

Do You Smell Something Burning?

If you are ever driving down the road and smell a burnt smell, it’s not you, it may be your transmission overheating. If your transmission fluid gives off that burnt smell, it could be a number of different issues from temp sensors to bad or low fluid.

Schedule an appointment as soon as you smell burning oil to prevent further damage to your transmission.

The longer it goes, the worse it gets for your transmissions and your wallet.

Take Care of your Transmission Problems with Pro-Tech Transmissions

Whether it’s automatic or CVT or sequential, your automatic transmission needs to be properly aligned to shift like a champ. Any of these signs should be a red flag that your transmission is in need of some major help. It’s important to attack these automatic transmission problems head-on as quickly as possible to keep your vehicle on the road.

Lucky for you, you’re already reading a blog from the best transmission repair shop in Edmonton. Pro-Tech Transmissions is here to service your transmission from top to bottom.

Having an automatic transmission problem?

Schedule an appointment with Pro-Tech Transmissions for any transmission repair in Edmonton and the surrounding area.

5 Must-Do Checks to Get Your Car Ready for Summer

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Summer’s heat, high humidity, dust, heavy rain, and stop-and-go traffic take a toll on your car. Fortunately, you can help minimize the odds of mechanical failure by getting your car ready for summer. Keep your car on the road – not stranded beside it.

get your car ready for summer

1. Check your Cooling System  

The biggest cause of summer auto breakdowns is overheating. We recommend you completely flush and refill the cooling system every 24 months. However, you should check the condition, level, and concentration of coolant periodically to ensure a good 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze. While you can check the fluid level by removing the radiator cap, it is recommended that drive belts, hoses, and clamps be checked by a professional.  Even if you think you can get your car ready for summer on your own, it’s better to trust a professional than create additional car repairs. 

2. Change your Transmission Fluid  

If your car has an automatic transmission, check your owner’s manual to determine how to check the fluid level. ATF should be a bright shade of red, and at the level recommended by the manufacturer. Too little fluid can burn out the torque converter, while excess fluid can cause overpressure issues, like slippage and rough shifting. Get the fluid checked by professionals to ensure that it is refilled with the right mix as indicated by the SAE number in your owner’s manual.  

3. Change Oil and Filters

Regular engine oil should last between 4,000 and 5,000 miles with no problem (3,000 miles if you make extended trips with much luggage, tow a trailer, or make frequent short trips). Synthetics can reach 6,000 – 7,000 miles between changes. Check the oil level and color by pulling out the dipstick. If amber in color, ensure that it’s at the right level. If it’s black, consider getting it changed. Also change the oil filter, air filter, and other filters (fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended.  

4. Check your Brakes  

You should inspect your brakes every 6 months or sooner if you notice noises, pulsations, grabbing, or longer stopping distance. This is often caused by wear due to extreme temperature differences during winter. You should remove the wheels to perform proper brake inspection.  

5. Change your Tires

Your tires have a considerable impact on safety and performance. Worn or under-inflated tires can interfere with handling and braking, and even lead to blow-outs when speeding. If you have different sets of summer and winter, inspect the rubber when swapping them out. If you use all-season tires, check for uneven wear, bubbles in the sidewalls, or visible wear bars, and replace if needed. Ensure that your spare tire is in good condition.

Timely inspection and maintenance of your transmission is important to avoid expensive repairs. Getting your car ready for summer can save you a lot of time, money, and heartache. If you notice something unusual about your transmission or fluid, bring your car to Pro-Tech Transmissions for maintenance.

What It Takes To Be A Great Mechanic

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What It Takes To Be A Great MechanicSome people say that a great mechanic is born, not made. Sure, you can go to school to learn the mechanical aspects of your job, but if that’s all you’ve got then you’ll be perfectly competent, but you won’t be out and out great. Here are the characteristics a mechanic has to possess in order to take it to the next level.

Patience

The reality is that most people who drive cars only have a limited understanding of what makes them go. Most people understand that you’ve got to put gas in regularly and change the oil, but beyond that, their understanding is, turnkey, press gas. Because of that, when something breaks down on the car, they’re at a loss and are suddenly well outside their comfort zone. A great mechanic has the patience to listen to the tales of woe that accompany the car into the shop and sift through that story for information that might help diagnose the problem.

Good Detective Skills

Building on the above, it takes real investigative skill to separate the wheat from the chaff. Some elements of the customer’s story will be interesting but irrelevant to actually solve the problem they’re having with their vehicle, while other elements might provide critical clues that can shave tons of time off the diagnostic step. This is not something that just anyone can do. It takes a special kind of person with just the right kind of eye and ear for detail to pick out the golden nuggets of information from what the customer is describing.

Persistence

Sometimes, problems are more involved than they first appear. Worse, some problems may actually be symptoms that point to an even larger problem. The only way around that is straight through it. That takes dedication and persistence. A good mechanic never gives up and doesn’t approach a repair job thinking that the first thing he tries is going to magically make the car better. It’s great when that happens, but sometimes things are a bit more complicated than that. A great mechanic is undaunted and will slog through the process until the problem is identified and corrected.

Come and meet our team of great mechanics, they just love to figure out transmission problems!

What Can You Learn from the Color and Smell of Automatic Transmission Fluid?

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what can you learn from the color and smell of automatic transmission fluid

The color and smell of your automatic transmission fluid (ATF) can give you an indication of the overall state of your transmission, and help in diagnosing transmission problems like low fluid levels, leaks, and worn out fluid.

Checking the state of your ATF should be done routinely before you even notice a problem. So, how do you check the color and smell?

First, it is recommended that you warm up your car before checking the fluid. The fluid should be under normal operating temperatures to ensure accurate results. The car should be parked on a level surface.

Keep the engine running, and locate the transmission dipstick (usually next to the engine dipstick). Pull it out of the filler tube and inspect the color and smell of the fluid on the end of the dipstick. You may also place a few drops of the fluid on a clean white sheet of paper to achieve a better color reading.

What the Color Says About Your Automatic Transmission Fluid

New transmission fluid is bright red and transparent, and depending on the last time you had your last service, the ATF should reflect it in color. Keeping your fluid in this condition will significantly reduce the risk of having serious transmission problems. Other color variations include:

  • Light brown, semi-transparent: The fluid is still in good condition and does not need changing
  • Dark brown, opaque fluid: Any change that is closer to dark brown indicated that the fluid is old and dirty. It should be changed as soon as possible before it causes serious damage, as this fluid condition tends to increase heat within the transmission, making it more likely to fail. You should also change the filter.
  • Very dark or black fluid: Very dark color means that the fluid is old, dirty, and oxidized (if there is a burnt odor). It could also indicate some damage inside the transmission. If the transmission is working properly, you should take action immediately by changing the fluid and filter. If the transmission is damaged, a rebuild may be needed.

What The Smell Says About Your Automatic Transmission Fluid

New fluid is odorless, but transmissions that have developed internal problems that cause overheating will produce oxidized fluid with a burnt smell. The result is poor lubrication, increase friction and heat, and excessive wear or damage to internal components. In most cases, burnt smelling ATF means that internal damage has occurred, and your transmission needs to be serviced.

For professional transmission maintenance and repair, bring your car to Pro-Tech Transmission. Our technicians will check the condition of the fluid, computer system codes, the operating condition, and a bunch of other things to ensure your transmission outlasts the life of your car.