automatic transmission failure

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Automatic transmission failure can be a very unpleasant event. The cost of repairing an automatic transmission today is very high. A lot of transmission failures can be prevented. Many people don’t realize the key concepts of prolonging the life of an automatic transmission. The main causes of automatic transmission failure are due to normal wear, the loss of automatic transmission fluid, and abuse. One of the causes for automatic transmission failure is due to normal wear. An automatic transmission consists of many friction parts such as clutches and bands. Over time these clutches and bands will eventually wear out and will no longer be able to lock the parts together to produce a different gear ratio. When the friction plates are worn, the automatic transmission will begin to slip while trying to accelerate. The clutches and bands usually last approximately one hundred and fifty thousand miles under normal driving conditions. The life of the friction components is reduced by lack of maintenance. Another event leading to the failure of an automatic transmission is the loss of automatic transmission fluid. The loss of automatic transmission fluid is only possible through the failure of sealing components such as gaskets, o-rings, and shaft seals. Over time, the rubber parts of the seals may become dry rotted and crack. This can cause the fluid to leak out of the transmission. When the fluid level drops too low, the hydraulic components become unable to supply the pressure needed to lock the clutches and bands in place. When the clutches and bands can’t fully lock the shafts in place the transmission begins to slip. Low fluid in the transmission creates rapid wear of the friction plates and extreme fluid temperatures. Additionally, automatic transmission failure can be caused by abuse. Towing too much weight causes extra stress on the

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