Frequently Asked Questions

If you notice any of the following, you may have something wrong with your transmission:

1. If the transmission “feels” like it is operating differently to normal;
2. The engine revs fast but the car is slow in moving off or does not move at all;
3. Harsh or rough gear changes;
4. Gear changes seem to be missed;
5. Very slow or extended gear changes;
6. Engine revs during gear changes;
7. Unusual noises or shuddering during gear changes or while driving;
8. Oil leaks or transmission oil smells burnt or looks black in colour;
9. Transmission goes into Failsafe mode. Failsafe mode is a feature on modern transmissions where the transmission will lock itself into one gear if there is a problem.  This will enable you to continue to drive your car for a short time. Your car should be taken immediately to your nearest Fluidrive® Service Centre.

Sometimes it can be difficult to identify a problem.  If you think there is something wrong then take your car to your nearest Fluidrive® Service Centre for an obligation free TransCheck®.  A TransCheck® is a prescribed sequence of tests designed to check for any faults in you automatic transmission.  The tests are carried out by our specially trained technicians.  They will advise you if they find a fault and suggest the most economical way of rectifying it.  Remember that early diagnosis and rectification can often avoid the cost of major repairs.

Automatic Transmissions are extremely complex and have many electronic and moving parts. A Fluidrive® automatic transmission specialist is trained in diagnostics to pick up even minor clues that indicate that there could be major problems developing within the transmission.  These could be overlooked by an untrained person and failure to pick them up could lead to major and expensive repairs.

Fluidrive® provides you with a guaranteed level of workmanship.  All the work is carried out to the highest standards using specialist tools and equipment. Fluidrive® technicians are trained to handle even the most complex electronic transmission systems.

Please call your nearest Fluidrive® Service Centre to discuss your Automatic Transmission needs with any of our personnel.

Want to know more about how an automatic transmission works?  [Click here]

Please note: this will take you to a different website that provides detailed information on the various transmission components and how they work.

Modern transmissions are complex systems that operate under extremes of load, heat, pressure and friction. Under normal operation, over a period of time, your transmission produces millions of tiny abrasive metal particles that are carried through your transmission by the oil.  As a result the transmission, if not regularly serviced, incurs wear that could lead to parts failure, overheating or a complete breakdown.

An Automatic Transmission service should include the following:

1. The old fluid will be drained out;
2. The transmission oil pan will be removed and cleaned;
3. Our Fluidrive® technician will inspect the old oil and residue in the transmission oil pan for signs of metal filings or debris from the clutches which will indicate any internal damage or impending transmission problems;
4. The filter will be removed and cleaned or replaced;
5. The bands and controls (where applicable) are checked and adjusted;
6. The filter will be refitted;
7. The transmission oil pan is refitted using a new gasket;
8. The transmission is filled with new transmission fluid;
9. The transmission is checked for fluid leaks;
10. The car will be road tested to check the transmission operation.

Please note that if your transmission oil is extremely degraded or contaminated, the Fluidrive® technician might recommend a transmission flush to remove any contaminated oil that remains trapped in the cooler pipes or the torque converter.

We have found that to help prolong the life of your transmission especially as the vehicle gets older, the transmission should be serviced every 12 months or 20,000 km (whichever occurs first). This is especially important if you use your vehicle for towing or drive in heavy stop/start traffic.

Regular servicing not only ensures the efficient running of your transmission but is good insurance against costly repairs.

Transguard

TransGuard® is a specially designed Automatic Transmission service devised for Fluidrive® Service Centres to meet the most stringent conditions.  Your Automatic Tansmission will be fully serviced and tested for potential problems using Fluidrive®’s exclusive TransCheck® diagnostic techniques.

Sometimes the wear and tear on a transmission may be so extensive that it requires complete reconditioning to repair it. In this case, if available, an exchange reconditioned unit may be fitted to your vehicle, to enable the job to be completed quickly and efficiently.

Alternatively your faulty transmission may be removed and reconditioned. No matter what the solution, Fluidrive® Service Centres only supply transmissions that have been reconditioned to comply with Australian Standards AS3564.1 and AS3564.3. These Standards govern the minimum levels for the quality reconditioning, removing and refitting of automatic transmissions.

On all modern motor vehicles the engine and transmission functions are controlled by computers. After reconditioning, some vehicles need to have the powertrain control module (the computer that controls the transmission) reprogrammed (or reflashed) and this will incur additional charges.

Fluidrive® Service Centres can advise you on the best course of action. All our work is carried out to the highest standards using the Australian Standards as a minimum level for quality.

Fluidrive® Service Centres have been specialising and reconditioning Automatic Transmissions since 1963. We understand that having your transmission reconditioned is a major expense and inconvenience to most people. Fluidrive®’s philosophy is to recondition it right the first time by only using quality parts and doing the job properly. We do not take short cuts to save a few dollars and only use parts that meet the manufacturer’s specifications.

Our customers can be sure they are getting quality work from a specialist they can trust.

And, having been around since 1963, in the unlikely event that you experience any further problems, you can be sure we will be there to stand behind our warranty.

A transmission is a very complex system composed of many moving parts. All the parts for a transmission are completely enclosed in the transmission case and any broken or damaged parts can continually circulate through the system, causing additional damage. Sometimes it is impossible to give an accurate estimate until the transmission is removed from the car, disassembled and a full inspection of the internal parts is performed to assess the damage.

Based on our experience, for many transmissions, we have a good idea of what can go wrong and give an estimated price range.

There are some transmissions, however, which are prone to Hard Parts failure and for which the availability of Hard Parts is scarce.  In these cases it is impossible to give an accurate quotation until we strip the transmission down and see what is wrong. A price that is “Subject to inspection” or “Subject to Hard Parts” will be provided.

There are always ways to do a cheap job. We could cut corners on replacement parts, or not supply a reconditioned torque converter, or re-use old clutch plates, or recycle oil or any use other number of ways to reduce the price. Using any of these methods to save a few dollars means that you, as the customer, are not getting a properly repaired or reconditioned Automatic Transmission.

When looking for someone to repair your Automatic Transmission, it is a good idea to consider the reputation of the transmission specialist, how long they have been in business and the quality of workmanship, warranty backup and service. Fluidrive® Service Centres have the backup and experience of a group that has specialised in transmissions since 1963.

Generally it is not possible to buy a new transmission for most cars (even those only a few years old) and, even if they were available, they would cost much more than a reconditioned unit.

At Fluidrive® Service Centres your own transmission can be reconditioned to meet Australian Standards, or you may be offered a replacement reconditioned transmission. All moving parts, seals, gaskets, the torque converter and all parts that are worn, broken or damaged will be replaced and the transmission will have been reconditioned to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Always check your owners’ manual to ensure you do not exceed the maximum towing capacity for your vehicle. Exceeding the maximum towing capacity will lead to transmission failure and will also void any warranty.

Towing a trailer, boat or caravan, particularly in hilly country, places extra load on the transmission and will cause the transmission to labour and build up excessive heat. This heat will affect the transmission fluid causing deterioration and eventually a transmission failure.

If towing regularly, it is wise to have an additional transmission oil cooler fitted to prevent this excessive overheating.

The transmission oil cooler is also recommended where the vehicle is used in slow moving stop/start traffic or subjected to prolonged periods of idling.

Ask your nearest Fluidrive® Service Centre about transmission oil coolers to suit your particular requirements.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT PUSH START THE CAR

Firstly, ascertain whether your car has a computerised engine management system. If you are unsure consult your service manual or ring the manufacturer.

If you have a non-computer based system you can either jump-start the car or replace the battery.

In the case of a computer-based system, do not use jumper leads to start the car. This can lead to a power surge and subsequent breakdown of the computer system.  You may need to replace the battery and should consult your service centre.

If you are unsure about the type of automatic transmission you have and what to do, contact your nearest Fluidrive® Service Centre who will be happy to advise you.

Towing procedures for automatic cars will vary according to the make and type of Automatic Transmission fitted. If your car has broken down with a transmission problem, towing the vehicle with any wheels on the ground could lead to major transmission damage. You should contact a towing company to transport the vehicle on a flat bed truck.

In the event of a breakdown or mechanical failure other than the transmission, contact a towing company who has experience with your particular make of car. For example, rear wheel drive cars require different towing procedures to front wheel drive cars. All-Wheel-Drive and 4-Wheel-Drive cars should only be transported on a flat bed truck.

The major cause of Automatic Transmission failure is excess heat. Just a 10 degree increase in the transmission optimal operating temperature can severely reduce the viscosity of the transmission oil thereby reducing its effectiveness and the life of the transmission.

Most motor vehicles have a transmission oil cooler fitted in the lower part of the car’s radiator. This is usually sufficient for ‘normal’ operating conditions but, if you plan to do any heavy towing (caravanning, boating or horse floats) we recommend that you fit an auxiliary oil cooler.

Check with your local Fluidrive® Service Centre to see if this applies to your car.

Yes, even on common Australian vehicles there are different specifications for the transmission oils.

Each oil is designed for a specific transmission and should not be used in other applications. Unfortunately, this also means that some oils cost more than others.

Check with your local Fluidrive® Service Centre if you are planning to buy transmission oil for your car.