Questions tagged [automatic-transmission]
Questions regarding automatic gearboxes, and associated parts such as torque converters
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Can coasting in neutral damage an automatic transmission?
When I drove a manual transmission, I got in the habit of shifting to neutral on long, shallow grades to save fuel. Now I'm driving an automatic (specifically, a recent Corolla) and still doing it.
...
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5
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Switching from Reverse to Drive - always stop completely?
I've been told by a couple people that it's really bad for a car to be shifted from Reverse to Drive while the car is still moving backwards. Is this true?
In my experience:
On automatic cars, this ...
4
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2
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Handbrake Engaged for 9-10 km Driving Roughly 80 km/h
Make: Mitsubishi
Model: Pajero Intercooler 2800
Handling: Automatic
Year: 1992
I forgot to release the handbrake on my car this morning. I didn't realize I forgot to release it until I had driven it ...
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4
answers
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What's the Purpose of Park on an Automatic Transmission?
When one wants to park a manual transmission (MTX) vehicle, one puts it in neutral, and engages the emergency / parking brake. With an ATX vehicle, the practice I've learned is to put it in Park, and ...
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Automatic transmission: Is shifting to neutral while approaching stops bad?
This is not with the intention of saving fuel (as I have seen many answers assuming savings in fuel while doing this). But I have this habit of putting the vehicle into neutral before approaching ...
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2
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Why doesn't the engine stall out when you come to a stop with an automatic transmission?
When you come to a stop with a manual transmission you have to push the clutch in or take it out of gear to keep the engine from stalling out. What keeps the engine from stalling in an automatic ...
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11
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Use of Neutral Gear in Automatic Transmission
I am new to driving A/T cars and I am trying to understand the use of Neutral(N) gear. Should I shift my gear from D to N when my car comes to a complete halt on a red light or somewhere else? As per ...
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1
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How does an automatic gearbox know when to change gear?
As the title suggests, how does an automatic gearbox know when to change gear?
For example, how does the autobox know to shift down when you hit a gradient? How does it know to shift up at 2000 rpm ...
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9
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Strong vibrations when idling even after replacing engine mounts (automatic transmission)
I have a '93 Acura Integra with automatic transmission. Ever since I got it some time ago the car has been vibrating a lot when stopped at a light, for example. The vibration is worse when in gear ...
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2
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Why is towing a manual transmission car, in neutral, with the drive wheels on the ground, considered safe?
It is clear that cars with automatic transmissions cannot be towed with any drive wheels on the ground, engine off, in neutral, because the torque converter powers the lubrication pump for the ...
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Any truth to the "myth" about changing transmission fluid in older vehicles?
I have had people give me anecdotal stories (friend of a friend type thing) about changing the transmission fluid in vehicles with 150,000+ miles, especially those that haven't had regular ...
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What are the "1" and "2" or "L" gears used for on an automatic?
In a car with an automatic transmission, we are normally greeted by the acronym PRNDL, or in some cases (older cars) PRND21.
I know that the L, 1, or 2 will cause the transmission to stay in a (L)ow ...
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4
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Should I change automatic transmission fluid JUST because it's brown?
About a year ago...
I bought a used 2006 Hyundai Elantra with an automatic transmission and about 70k miles on it.
Before buying it, I had it checked out by a mechanic who said it looked good. ...
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4
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What is ECT Mode for? - Toyota Cars?
I'm not sure if this is a feature on Toyota cars alone, but I currently drive a '99 Avalon XLS and in addition to the D3 mode which I know disables overdrive, right above the radio near the top of ...
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1
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Excessive Vibrations in Drive when holding down the brakes
I'm working on a 98 Mazda 626 GF 2L with an automatic transmission. While I'm used to driving manuals, I would say that the amount of vibration when sitting stopped in drive with the brake on seems ...
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2
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On a BMW E46 330Ci, is it necessary to pull the handbrake lever when you're in 'P' mode?
My flatmate drives a 2001 BMW E46 330Ci automatic transmission. I sat next to him while he drove us to the supermarket. When we arrived, I noticed that he only put the gear lever into 'P' and switch ...
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1
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Could too much transmission fluid cause problems?
Is my reasoning here a plausible explanation for the issues described below?
Background
The CEL on my friend's 2003 Mazda6 lit up yesterday, along with a flashing HOLD light. We hooked it up to a ...
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Can I tow an automatic car if the engine is on
Can I tow an automatic car if the engine is on?
Broken down due to low transmission fluid (possibly I am getting a sensor error).
Is it possible to tow the automatic car about 5 miles at a low speed ...
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Is there a way to put Prius with dead battery into neutral?
I own a 2010 Prius. It has a dead battery, front facing forward in my garage. I do not have long enough jumper cables.
I’ve searched the Internet. Did Toyota really create a car that cannot be put ...
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Why doesn't anyone ever repair an automatic transmission?
I am old enough to have had about four transmission failures spaced over about 40 years and at no time did any mechanic ever offer to “fix” it; the only diagnosis has been a complete rebuild.
This is ...
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What is a governor and what is it used for?
I was watching a classic car restoration program on YouTube in which they were working on a '50s Cadillac with an automatic transmission.
The mechanic in the video diagnosed a transmission glitch as ...
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Durability of automatic transmission boxes versus durability of manual transmission boxes? Their lifetimes?
My friend is against cars with automatic transmission because he thinks that they break easily and that their repairing cost a lot. He thinks that it is impossible to maintain an automatic ...
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How exactly does Sport Mode work in an automatic Subaru Outback?
I have 2008 Subaru Outback (160K miles) with an automatic transmission and have been curious about the Sport Mode that can be shifted into. I read in the car's manual that it increases pickup and is ...
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3
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Can a car with automatic transmission be damaged by being towed in neutral with the engine not running?
My daughter had a friend tow her 1996 chevy (automatic transmission) SLOWLY, without engine running and while in "N", probably for 7 or 8 miles. Do you think she has damaged the transmission? The car ...
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Engagement delay when shifting from neutral to drive or reverse
My 2001 VW Eurovan (T4) has automatic transmission and about 160k miles on the clock.
When I use the transmission selector to move from N to D or from N to R, there is a noticeable delay until I feel ...
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6
answers
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Does switching to neutral on an automatic transmission improve braking for immediate stopping?
I've been told that when needing to brake quickly, throwing the gear into neutral on an automatic transmission actually allows for better/quicker braking. I understand how things work pretty well but ...
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1
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1998 lincoln continental with fluctuating idle when put in gear only (drive/reverse)
I have a 1998 Lincoln Continental. It has 124k miles on it.
The history of the transmission maintenance are as follows:
Fluid and filter was changed at 29k miles
Fluid was flushed at 86k miles
Fluid ...
6
votes
2
answers
452
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Banging sounds coming in front of my car
I'm having a banging sounds coming from the front of my car.
Usually they appear after 5-10 meters when I'm driving. It's like one small knock and then around 5-6 more knocks and then they stop until ...
6
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2
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Difference between "dumping the clutch" and N->D in an auto?
What's the difference between dumping the clutch, and going from N->D at high RPMs with an automatic transmission?
Will this cause any damage to the vehicle?
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Manually shifting an automatic transmission?
My car has been rather sluggish lately - both ABS and TCS lights are on, which means there is a sensor error somewhere. I haven't had the time to look for and fix said error, but I have had to drive ...
5
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1
answer
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Can I use a FN4A-EL Turbine Speed Sensor on a GF4A-EL?
I have a GF4A-EL on my 98 Mazda 626 GF 2L and strongly suspect the TSS is defective. I can't find any sensors for my tranny, but I have read that the FN4A-EL is just an improved version of the GF4A-...
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4
answers
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How easy is it to overfill transmission fluid?
I was helping out a friend yesterday who was facing some issues with a transmission-related CEL on his automatic 2003 Mazda6.
When we checked the ATF dipstick the transmission fluid was a clear light-...
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4
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Automatic car won't start, steering wheel won't turn, key just makes car click etc - but radio works?
Someone else was in the driver seat and they were trying to drive. At one point I took out the key and when he put it back in the car wouldn't start. This was yesterday and it still won't start. The ...
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1
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How to add transmission fluid with no dipstick?
I have a 2003 chevy cavalier, and just replaced the radiator due to a transmission fluid leak into the antifreeze. I don't know how much fluid was lost because the transmission was designed without a ...
4
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1
answer
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1994 Silverado not accelerating past 35
I have a 1994 Chevy Silverado. On my way to work today my truck would not accelerate past 35 mph but was revving high rpm's. I stopped and checked my fluids and my ATF wasnt showing anything on the ...
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Automatic Transmission - Shifting from Neutral to Drive while in motion
Recently, I've developed the habit of using the neutral gear in my automatic Honda Fit when going down slight inclines where I would otherwise have to use the accelerator to maintain speed. I ...
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2
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Why does car rumble/shake with light pressure on accelerator?
Have a 2006 Ford Expedition. I had noticed about 6 months ago that every once in a while it would rumble or shake when I was going 45-55 mph and with my foot only lightly on accelerator. Now it ...
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4
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Flat Tow Subaru Auto Trans with Engine Running?
A year ago I traded my 2012 Ford Focus for a 2014 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium (automatic transmission). Dealer told me it could be flat towed, made sense to me, why not so long as it is in neutral? ...
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3
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Shifting Problem
2004 Acura TL 235k miles
It takes a while (2-4 sec) for the car to shift from (P)Park to (D)Drive.
After the initial change of gears the car runs perfectly normal.
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1
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2006 Cobalt SS - Traction Control Light & Hard Shifting
I drive a 2006 Cobalt SS (not supercharged) with the 2.4L engine.
In the last month or so the traction control light has been coming on periodically. Turning the engine off and back on causes the ...
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2
answers
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When i step on the throttle, nothing happens, then after a second the car goes
My car is a 1992 Benz 300SE W140 Automatic Transmission, whenever i start the car and put it on D, when i step on the throttle nothing happens (the engine rpm does not increase) then after 1 second it ...
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1
answer
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Engine sound rumbles/grumble noise 800-1300 RPM
A 2000 Toyota Celica GTS 225k miles engine makes a mild rumbling/grumbling rough sound when accelerating slowly from a stop in drive or reverse only in the 800-1300 RPM band. Does not occur when in ...
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0
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Transmission Fluid Change - High Mileage Vehicle [closed]
Should I replace the ATF in a 2007 Honda Odyssey w/ 208,841 miles?
Numerous shops advise against drain/ refill. I last changed @ 144k & was advised not to do it ascI could encounter transmission ...
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1
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Why is my car hesitating to accelerate only when I first start my car?
I've got a 1999 toyota corolla with over 170K miles, and I've had my fair share of problems over the years. Currently, I have this problem that my car seems to hesitate accelerating when I first ...
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0
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two conflicting mechanics opinions on what needs to be fixed, which one should I work with?
I drive a PT Cruiser with an automatic transmission, that only has about 75k miles on it.
One day recently, I found that while I was stopped in traffic, my car wouldn't move while it was idling. For ...
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1
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Is starting with my automatic transmission in Neutral a good idea? [closed]
I have bought an auto transmission sedan but have no idea how to drive it correctly. All I know is put to D gear, and just drive.
I was wondering, is this the right way to use an automatic gearbox? ...
1
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0
answers
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Transmission fluid level when engine stopped, and when engine is just turn on, and when the engine is hot?
My car is a 1994 toyota camry LE 3.0. I just changed the transmission fluid today.
I add the new fluid to the level up to the full (upper) level of the cold (C) range scale.
I drive the car for 15 ...
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1
answer
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Automatic Car engine cut off while driving
I got a Peugeot 407 2006 (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION), and it has cutoff/stalled 3 times and I am trying to figure out what's wrong.
First time engine cutoff/stall:
After applying the brakes and coming ...
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2
answers
15k
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Towing a rear wheel drive vehicle in neutral
Can you tow a automatic rear wheel drive vehicle in neutral with the engine running without damaging the transmission? For a short distance.
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In an automatic transmission, what decides to change gears? [duplicate]
So say there is an automatic transmission in a car. Is there a computer inside the transmission that decides to change gears, or is there a computer in the car that tells the transmission to change ...