Pro-Tech Transmissions

Professional Transmission Repair Services by Certified Automotive Technicians

Pro-Tech Tips

Warning Signs of a Slipping Clutch in a Manual Transmission

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slipping clutch manual transmission blog pro tech transmissions

If you’re driving a manual transmission car and it doesn’t seem to be accelerating as fast as it should be when you step on the gas, even with rising RPMs, it is possible that you have a slipping clutch. Clutches on manual transmissions typically last between four and seven years, though extreme driving conditions, such as driving on hilly roads, start-and-stop traffic, and towing can shorten the life of your transmission, causing the clutch to slip.

As such, it is important to spot the problem early and get it fixed before it leads to other problems. Some warning signs that you have a slipping clutch include:

  • Noticeably poor or declining gas mileage
  • You are forced to downshift more often when driving uphill
  • The clutch feels stiff forcing you to press harder
  • The clutch is hard to adjust for pedal freedom  
  • The engine revs as you accelerate from a stop

Auto manufacturers recommend that you adjust your clutch every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. When you take your car to a transmission shop, they will perform a diagnosis to check whether your clutch is slipping. This involves:

  • Activating the emergency brake
  • Turning the engine on
  • Pressing the clutch and engaging the fourth gear
  • Slowly stepping on the gas pedal – with one foot still on the clutch

You know that your clutch is slipping if you cannot take off your foot from the clutch pedal without the engine stalling, in which case, it’s time to schedule an appointment for clutch repair.  

So, how do you replace a slipping clutch?

The process depends on whether your car is a front or rear wheel drive. For front wheel drive cars, you have to pull out the engine and drop the transaxle, which is a tough job that involves the use of an engine hoist. For a rear wheel drive, you don’t have to remove the engine, though you must remove the driveshaft, transmission, and bellhousing from underneath the vehicle in order to access the clutch.  

Failure to repair a slipping clutch can lead to additional problems due to increased heat and wear and tear. Replacing your car’s clutch is an extremely tough job because the transmission is a heavy component. It is also dangerous, and can easily cause serious injury if attempted by an untrained technician.  

To get your slipping clutch fixed without any accident or incident, it is best to take your car to professionals who are well trained and certified in transmission repair, like the Pro-Tech Transmissions team.

What Happens When Wrong Transmission Filter is Put On

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A common mistake that people make is using the wrong transmission filter.

 

wrong transmission filter blogDespite the vehicle’s transmission filter playing a very important role; it is also among the most underrated. This may be attributed to its simple design which drives many people to replace the accessory as a Do-it-Yourself exercise instead of taking the car to the auto mechanic shop. The filter basically sieves dirt, metallic dust, as well as other foreign particles from the transmission fluid. Over time, the filter becomes clogged hence needs to be replaced.

So, what happens if you put the wrong transmission filter on your car?

1.Increased Wear And Tear

The main role of the filter is to make sure the transmission fluid is clean and free of any harmful debris. This guarantees proper lubrication of the internals. However, the wrong transmission filter will fail to filter the fluid thus increasing friction thus further accelerating wear and tear. The damage will be seen by large metal shavings when changing the transmission fluid.

2.Erratic Gear Shifting

Modern cars particularly automatic ones heavily rely on the transmission fluid. Clean oil ensures smooth shifting of the gears. A faulty filter will either delay the changeover thus making the engine rev too much .This usually results to jerky car movements due to the lag between change from one gear to another.

3.Overheating Issues

Transmission oil is also used to cool the transmission internally. A wrong filter will either block or allow too much fluid to pass through. This will have adverse effects such as the transmission overheating. It may also affect the pump that circulates the fluid.

4.Internal Damage

Extended use of a wrong filter may lead to serious damage to the internal moving parts. The uneven pressure, the presence of dirt and other harmful particles may scratch the metal parts; damage the oils seals, pumps, sensors among other accessories. The final blow will always come in form of a knocked or burst transmission which is usually quite costly to replace.

5.Voiding Warranty

Using a wrong filter will also void the guarantee in case the car is still under warranty. The dealership always recommends using the right filter as well as engaging a qualified mechanic and not changing it yourself.

 

The transmission is where power and torque from the engine are redistributed to the wheels. The right filter ensures that the vehicle is always operating at optimum as well as returning good fuel mileage. In order to stay safe and extend the vehicles lifetime, it is necessary to take the car to qualified and experienced mechanics when seeking to have the transmission filter changed.

We always recommend coming to see highly trained professionals instead of doing the work yourself. Our Pro-Tech Staff have over 100 years combined experience. If you think your transmission filter might need to be changed then give us a call or contact us for a Rapid Quote!

What Does the Solenoid Do in a Transmission?

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In short, the solenoid is the part responsible for starting the car between the ignition and the engine. The device receives a large current of electricity from the battery of the vehicle as well as a small electric current from the ignition when you turn the key. When the key is turned, the starter solenoid closes two contacts that relay the electric current to the starter motor that will start the engine itself. The threaded terminal on the side of the connects it to the battery. They are connected by a heavy cable. On the other end, there is a link inside the metal housing that engages the pinion on the motor.

The starter motor is a compound, series, or permanent magnet electric motor with the solenoid mounted to it. Low current power is transferred from the starter battery to the solenoid through the key operated switch in your vehicle.

All modernized starters rely on the solenoid which engages the starter drive using the ring gear on the flywheel. The solenoid gets energized and moves a lever or plunger that makes the pinion mesh with the ring gear. The opinion is necessary because it uses a one-way clutch so that when you start the engine and run it, it won’t try to drive the starter motor at an excessive RPM. If a starter doesn’t get enough power from the battery, it will be unable to start the engine, and you may hear a fast clicking sound. This lack of power usually means you have a low battery, or that it is corroded or has loose connections.

Overview of the Solenoid

So to recap, the solenoid is a general term for the device that acts as an electromagnet in a car ignition system. This solenoid transmits electricity through metal contacts that brings the parts into a position to make a full circuit. The starter will receive a tiny electric current when you turn the key in the ignition. The magnetic field produced by the solenoid pulls the contacts, making a full circuit between the battery and the motor. This is essential to any cars starting system. Without this necessary device, you would not be able to start your vehicle.

solenoid 

Photo Credit: Transmission Repair Cost Guide

Our experts at Pro-Tech Transmissions Ltd. can answer questions like this and more, simply come on down with your vehicle and ask us for a no-cost estimate on your repair. We pride ourselves on honesty and will only do the work required. Give us a call or contact us online for a Rapid Quote.

Pro-Tech Transmissions Featured in May issue of Transmission Digest Magazine

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may issue of transmission digest magazineWe are proud to announce that Pro-Tech Transmissions is featured in the May issue of Transmission Digest Magazine.

Transmission Digest Magazine has been around for over 30 years and has served as the primary resource for finding parts, necessary services, and supplies for running a profitable transmission shop. Each issue features major manufacturers and suppliers that provide the latest automotive tools, products, equipment and services for the transmission industry. You can read about the latest car industry news, government regulations, trends and much more. Transmission Digest also features transmission shops in Canada and the US, putting a spotlight on those who have a unique story to tell that will possibly help others improve their own businesses.

About Our Feature in Transmission Digest Magazine

Pro-Tech Transmissions is featured in the May issue and we are quite excited about this. We used the opportunity to talk about how important our potential customers’ education is, and how we are always being honest about the work that needs to be done. If there is no need to do a repair, why would we pull the transmission out? We truly believe that honest dealings are the best way to grow your business.

You can also read about all the services we have to offer and some special benefits. For example how we do a diagnostics scan and if you decide to do the work with us – we don’t charge you for the diagnostics.

We tell the story of how Rob and Patti met, and how they started their business. We talk about their future goals, and how they plan on making Pro-Tech Transmissions even better than it is today. We also talk about our staff; who does what and how we all work together towards our goals.

What we are most proud of is our community work and our efforts towards giving back to our community. We used the space given to us in the article to talk about how we enjoy working with the people in our community and what an important part they play in our success.  

We would like to thank Transmission Digest magazine for giving us the opportunity to talk about Pro-Tech Transmissions and for featuring our shop in their pages. We are really happy about it, and we can’t wait to hear your feedback!