Automatic transmission filter maintenance can sometimes feel a little more like voodoo than science. The actual truth is a little more complex than that. As the miles whiz by, your automatic transmission is under a lot of stress from the heat that is generated during normal operation. Internal gear wear can sometimes result in metal shavings floating around in the transmission fluid as your vehicle gets older.
Should You Change the Filter in Your Automatic Transmission?
How to Change Your Transmission Fluid
A transmission filter prevents dirt and debris from getting into the gears and other parts of the transmission system. It is positioned above the transmission pan, which collects excess fluid, and below the pickup tube that connects to the oil pump, which regulates the pressure of fluid in the transmission. How a transmission filter works is a relatively straightforward process with few parts involved. Sometimes a transmission filter change involves more than just replacing the filter. Oftentimes there is a fluid filter kit involved that allows for some other key filtration system parts to be replaced while the transmission is open and easily accessible. These parts include:. Over time, tiny bits of metal and other grit and dirt build up in a transmission filter.
How to Detect and Replace a Faulty Transmission Filter
Vehicles' vital fluids normally perform two important functions: lubricating and cleaning. As the fluid circulates through the parts, it gathers the dirt and metal shavings that can accumulate over time. If you're lucky, this debris will settle on the bottom of the pan or housing and not circulate through the system. Nothing prolongs vehicle life more than regular fluid changes.
Regular fluid and filter maintenance is the simplest thing you can do ensure the performance and durability of your Allison fully automatic transmission. We recommend you use fluid analysis as the primary method for determining fluid change intervals. Fluid and filter change recommendations are based on three criteria: mileage, hours in use, or months elapsed, whichever comes first. This step helps determine which criteria to use in determining a change interval for your vehicle s. Please consult your operators manual for more information.