What are the symptoms after changing transmission fluid?
4 Answers
After changing the transmission fluid, the vehicle may experience symptoms such as difficulty shifting gears and gear grinding. The methods for maintaining a vehicle's transmission are as follows: 1. Choose transmission fluid with appropriate viscosity: If the viscosity is too high, it can cause excessive heat on friction surfaces, leading to unnecessary power loss. Conversely, if the viscosity is too low, centrifugal force may cause the fluid to be thrown off gear surfaces, resulting in oil seal leakage. This could lead to insufficient lubrication on gear surfaces, increasing wear and potentially causing sintering. Therefore, selecting the right viscosity is crucial. Refer to the vehicle's owner's manual or service manual when changing the fluid. 2. Use high-quality branded transmission fluid: High-quality branded transmission fluid effectively protects gears, reduces wear, makes vehicle operation smoother, improves fuel efficiency, extends fluid service life, and lowers maintenance costs. When selecting transmission fluid, avoid choosing cheap options. Always purchase high-quality branded transmission fluid from authorized sales channels. This not only protects your vehicle but also reduces maintenance costs in the long run.
After changing the transmission fluid in my car, the most noticeable improvement is the much smoother gear shifts, especially when decelerating—the previous jerky feeling has basically disappeared. The rough 'clunk' when downshifting from second to first gear is now as smooth as in a Dove chocolate commercial. The car also accelerates more briskly; unlike before when I had to wait half a second after pressing the gas pedal for the power to kick in. However, I remember that in the first few days after the last fluid change, the transmission felt a bit stiff. The mechanic said it was normal as the new fluid was mixing with residual old fluid during the break-in period. Additionally, the engine noise seems slightly quieter, though I'm not sure if it's just psychological. I recommend observing the car's performance for a few hundred kilometers after a fluid change, as different car models may react differently.
Just changed the transmission fluid for my old ride, and the most noticeable improvement is a drop in fuel consumption by about half a liter. Took it for a spin on the highway and found the shift timing is now more precise. Previously, at 60 km/h, the transmission would hesitate between 4th and 5th gear, but now it stays steadily in the optimal RPM range. The dry grinding noise during cold starts has also significantly reduced. Interestingly, even the paddle shifters respond faster, making downshifting for overtaking much smoother. However, be careful not to use the wrong fluid type—my neighbor mistakenly used AT transmission fluid in his CVT, causing severe slipping after the change. It's advisable to check the manufacturer's specifications before proceeding with the service.
As a 15-year auto mechanic, the most common improvement I see after transmission fluid changes is reduced shift shock. After sludge removal, solenoid valves operate more smoothly, with valve body response speeds increasing by about 15%. The effect is more pronounced in older vehicles - when fresh fluid fills the worn clutch plate gaps, power transfer efficiency can recover 80-90%. However, high-mileage vehicles require caution: sudden fluid changes may dislodge deposits and clog filters. Once had a customer's 160,000 km vehicle develop shift delays just three days after its first-ever fluid change. That's why I recommend regular 60,000 km intervals, making it as routine as engine oil changes.
