What to Do When There Is No Pressure in the Manual-Automatic Transmission Accumulator?
2 Answers
Accumulator charging pressure is related to the system pressure, generally between 70%~45% of the system's maximum working pressure. The accumulator is an energy storage device in hydraulic and pneumatic systems. It converts the energy in the system into compression energy or potential energy at the appropriate time and stores it. When the system requires it, the compression energy or potential energy is converted back into hydraulic or pneumatic energy and released to replenish the system. When there is a sudden increase in system pressure, it can absorb this part of the energy to ensure normal pressure throughout the entire system. The accumulator is under pressure when connected to the system. The bladder-type accumulator is filled with high-pressure nitrogen gas inside the bladder.
When encountering the issue of no pressure in the transmission accumulator, I start troubleshooting from common faults: first check if the transmission fluid level is too low or if the fluid is dirty, as this is often the root cause; if the fluid is normal, then look for leaks in the hydraulic system, such as aging or cracked pipe connections or sealing rings, which are prone to leakage and can lead to insufficient pressure; next, test the functionality of the accumulator itself, for example by using a pressure gauge or manually operating the accumulator valve to check for sticking; if all the above are normal, it may be a fault in related components such as the pressure control valve or pump, and it is recommended to go to a repair shop as soon as possible for a complete inspection with professional tools; ignoring this problem can cause gear shift jerks or even transmission damage, so it should not be delayed. In short, safe driving should be prioritized, and don’t push through by driving long distances.