A Plus Transmissions • Frequently Asked Questions

FACT: There are thousands of parts in a transmission. These parts can fail when a clogged filter can't do it's job.

Did you know there are over two thousand parts in today's average automatic transmission? Repairing a transmission is not as easy as changing spark plugs, tires, or adjusting your brakes. It's very specialized work which requires a highly trained technician as well as constant schooling.

This is especially true for today's transmissions which operate with computerized systems. A typical transmission rebuild can take two to five days. Now you can see why it's a must to change your transmission filter when changing your transmission fluid!

FACT: Replacing transmission fluid without changing the filter can actually cause transmission damage.
Your transmission pan and filter are where all the debris (friction, metal, brass, etc.) end up. Some people would have you believe you can service your transmission simply by pumping out the old fluid and pumping in the new and that this procedure should clean your transmission and filter.

Your old transmission fluid is dirty and used up, this is why you choose to or should change it. But what shape do you think your filter is in? Old oil becomes acidic in nature and can eat up the best filter componenets. Changing only the fluid will be no help if the filter is clogged with debris or damaged by acidic attack.

What is involved in a "Complete Transmission Service?"
This includes removal of the transmission pan and cleaning it thorougly, installing a new filter and refilling with the recommended fluid. At this time your service technician may recommend a "Transmission Flush/Transfusion".

How often should a transmission receive a fluid and filter change?
Under normal driving conditions, we recommend every 25,000-30,000 miles. Under heavy use, every 15,000-20,000 miles.

Transmission filters prevent harmful contaminates from entering the hydraulic system and the critical electronic systems where they can cause significant damage.
If clutch paticles or metal shavings fall inside the pan, the filter prevents this debris from causing internal damage which can lead to transmission failure.

Transmission filters prolong the life of the fluid and transmission by trapping and preventing particles from contaminating the fluid. Over time, the filter will become saturated with debris and should be replaced.

Most vehicles with automatic transmissions use transmission filters with felt media which cannot be backflushed or cleaned.

There are some vehicles that use metal screen filters. When these types of filters are backflushed, the dirt particles are dislodged from the filter, and pushed down into the pan. When the vehicle is started, all of this contaminate is pulled back into the filter. This sudden surge of contaminant can clog the filter, restricting flow, which can lead to transmission failure.

Replacing the transmission filter gives your mechanic an opportunity to clean all the sludge out of the pan and to replace the old brittle pan gasket with a fresh new pan gasket.

Detergent additives that claim to clean transmissions don't solve the problem. When contaminates settle in the sump pan, it's time for a complete transmission service.