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Blog posts tagged with 'houston transmission repair'

The Importance of Regular Transmission Maintenance

A closeup of mechanical gears in machinery.

Your transmission plays an essential role in your vehicle. Essentially, a transmission transfers the power the engine generates to the wheels. It also controls the degree of power the wheels receive, ensuring you can moderate your speed and reliably start and stop a vehicle.

Just like many car components, a transmission is a complex piece of machinery. That means it requires regular maintenance.

Don’t delay in scheduling this service! Staying on top of maintenance now can save you more money on repair bills in the long run.

Why Regular Transmission Maintenance is Essential

There are many reasons consistent transmission maintenance is vital. The following are merely some particularly noteworthy examples:

  • Identifying problems: There may be times when it’s necessary to repair or completely replace a transmission. No automotive part lasts forever. However, regular maintenance can help you extend a transmission’s lifespan. During maintenance tasks, a transmission repair professional may spot the warning signs of developing problems. Addressing minor issues now before they become more significant problems can benefit both your safety and wallet.
  • Saving money on gas: Often, a properly-working transmission will help a vehicle optimize its gas mileage. You may save money at the pump (and conserve resources) by staying on top of transmission upkeep.
  • Topping off transmission fluid: The team performing transmission maintenance will usually check to confirm whether your transmission needs more fluid. They will typically add more if necessary. Ensuring your transmission has sufficient fluid will prevent it from overheating. In addition, proper lubrication can reduce wear and tear on your transmission. This is another way in which regular transmission maintenance can maximize a transmission’s lifespan.

You may also notice your vehicle operates more smoothly after undergoing transmission maintenance. Be aware, many components of a motor vehicle affect each other. A transmission that’s in good working order will optimize the lifespan of the entire vehicle.

DIY Transmission Maintenance Tips

There are some transmission maintenance tasks, like thorough inspections, that professionals must perform. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to learn how often the manufacturer suggests scheduling transmission maintenance.

However, there are some basic steps you can take on your own to improve a transmission’s performance and guard against failure. They include:

  • Check fluid levels: Your owner’s manual should include information regarding how to check transmission fluid levels and how often you should do so. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended schedule.
  • Check for leaks: Monitor the areas where you park your vehicles for signs of fluid leaks. Transmission fluid often appears red when it leaks. However, in some cases, it may appear blue or green. Regardless of the color, you should always have a professional take a closer look when your vehicle is leaking any type of fluid.

A professional can also offer additional tips for keeping your transmission in good shape. By scheduling regular maintenance and following professional advice, you’ll save a lot of money on repair service in the long run.

Contact Transmission Repair Professionals in Houston

At Circle D Transmission, in Houston, Texas, we specialize in transmission services and performance transmissions. This type of specialization ensures we can address virtually any transmission issue you may need help with. Learn more about what we can do for you by contacting us online today.

6R80 Ford Lead Frame Problems

A Ford 6R80 lead frame on the ground

The molded lead frame houses the transmission output speed sensor and connects to the shift solenoids on the valve body of your transmission - it is a critical component. We commonly find lead frame issues in the Ford Expedition, Ford F-150, Ford F-250, Ford Mustang, Ford Transit, and Lincoln Navigator. Remember that attempting to fix a transmission when you don’t know what you’re doing can cause more harm than good. Thus, it’s best to hire transmission repair professionals if you’re unsure how to address a possible lead frame issue.

Symptoms That You May Be Having a Lead Frame Issue

  • Vehicle may not start
  • Vehicle may not shift out of Park
  • Vehicle may downshift while driving on the highway / harsh downshifting
  • Vehicle may have Output Speed Sensor, Input Speed Sensor, and/or Range Sensor DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes)
  • Speedometer may not work or only work intermittently

The Importance of Addressing Possible Lead Frame Issues Promptly

At Circle D Transmission, we are familiar with this common issue and only use OEM replacement lead frames. If you’re having problems similar to those listed above, please reach out to us as soon as possible so that we can possibly correct the issue by replacing the lead frame and not the entire transmission. As long as we confirm that the lead frame is the issue and that the transmission pan does not show signs of metal debris, we most likely can be successful in rectifying your transmission’s issues by replacing the lead frame. Never ignore a potential lead frame transmission problem, and never attempt to fix the problem on your own if you’re unsure how to do so. When you address a transmission issue promptly, you may prevent a minor headache from becoming something much more significant.

Learn More About Our Transmission Shop in Houston

At Circle D Transmission in Houston, TX, our experts are on hand to take a closer look at your transmission and determine the cause when you encounter common transmission issues. Whether you need basic transmission repairs or a full transmission replacement, we can help. Learn more by contacting us online or calling us at 713-895-7019 today to schedule an appointment.

Common Transmission Problems and Their Solutions

A person with their hand on the stick shift puts a car into gear

Your vehicle’s transmission is a complex machine within a complex machine (a car). As is the case with any such machine, it can stop working for various reasons.

Understanding common transmission problems and how to fix them can help you save money over the years by minimizing the need for repairs. The following overview covers some noteworthy transmission issues you may encounter, along with how to fix them.

Just remember that attempting to fix a transmission when you don’t know what you’re doing can cause more harm than good. Thus, it’s best to hire transmission repair professionals if you’re unsure of how to address an issue.

Common transmission problems drivers face include:

Transmission Won’t Stay in Gear

Does your transmission fail to easily engage when shifting gears? Or, does it not stay in gear?

Low transmission fluid may be the culprit. Check your transmission fluid levels and add more if you’re running low. 

If addressing low transmission fluid levels doesn’t fix the problem, a shifter cable issue may be the cause. Fixing a shifter cable is something only a professional can do.

Fluid Leaks

Transmission fluid is bright red. Check for transmission fluid stains around all areas you regularly park your vehicle.

Again, low transmission fluid can cause problems. You may add more fluid to address the immediate issue of low transmission fluid levels. However, if you suspect a leak, you’ll have to get an expert to take a closer look. They can determine the leak’s cause.

A Burning Smell

A burning smell when you operate your vehicle is always an issue requiring immediate attention. Often, a transmission leak is the cause.

Get in touch with a professional to address the leak as soon as possible. If you don’t repair a transmission leak in a timely manner, the transmission itself can become damaged beyond repair. You may need to replace your transmission entirely if this happens.

Strange Noises

Your transmission may generate noises you haven’t heard before. Common descriptions for transmission noises include humming, buzzing, and clicking, among others. Some transmission noises are so loud that drivers describe them as roars.

Damage to one of the transmission’s components is likely to blame for these new sounds. Or, a component may be loose. If you lack the expertise necessary to inspect a transmission and repair or replace a damaged part, contact a transmission specialist for assistance.

Shaking at High Speeds

Does your vehicle shake when traveling at high speeds? There are various potential causes for this problem. Because a shaking vehicle can increase your chances of being hurt in a collision, it’s vital to have a specialist take a closer look at your vehicle. They need to confirm the cause of the issue so you can be confident you’re fixing it thoroughly.

A vehicle may shake when traveling at high speeds due to a transmission issue. Per news reports, some vehicle brands like Chevrolet have been the targets of lawsuits due to their faulty transmissions causing this type of problem. If your vehicle needs a new transmission, installing it is a job for the professionals.

The Importance of Addressing Transmission Issues Fast

Never ignore a potential transmission problem, and never attempt to fix the problem on your own if you’re not sure how to do so. Your vehicle can’t run properly without a properly working transmission!

These tips will help you identify the early signs of an issue. When you address a transmission issue fast, you may prevent a minor headache from becoming something much more significant.

Learn More About Transmission Services in Houston, TX

At Circle D Transmission, in Houston, TX, our experts are on hand to take a closer look at your transmission and determine the cause when you encounter common transmission issues. Whether you need basic repairs or a full transmission replacement, we can help. Learn more by contacting us online or calling us at 713-895-7019 today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our performance transmissions.

True Transmission Experts at Circle D Transmission

Do you know what it means to be a true transmission expert? To us it means specializing in one area and working every day to remain as an expert. At Circle D Transmission we specialize in transmission repair - we don't repair brakes, engines, air conditioners, or any maintenance services other than transmissions. What that means to YOU is that we are experts in our field. Our highly trained transmission technicians are able to hone in and become transmission experts with today's sophisticated transmission units. So, if you suspect that your transmission is giving you an issue, go see a transmission specialist - one that is an expert and has the experience to diagnose your transmission properly. Call us at 713-895-7019 or send us an email to: info@circledtrans.com

Frequent Transmission Issues

On a daily basis we get phone calls from clients describing the issues noted below. If your vehcicle is experiencing any of these issues your best bet is to bring it to Circle D Transmission so that we can complete an initial evaluation and address any potential transmission issues. 

1 - I am pressing the gas, but the RPMS are going up and my vehicle is not moving like normal - my transmission seems to be slipping

 

2 - I hear a strange noise that seems to be coming from my transmission - especially when it changes gears

3 - I notice a leak where I park my car 

4 - My check engine light is on and my car seems to be stuck in one gear

If you're experiencing any of the issues above please call Circle D Transmission at 713-895-7019 or email us at: info@circledtrans.com

 

 

Rebuild my Transmission or replace with a Remanufactured Transmission?

At Circle D Transmission, we pride ourselves in the proper diagnosis of your transmission problem. If we determine that your transmission requires rebuilding or replacing, you have more options these days. There are times that it makes more sense to replace your transmission with a remanufactured unit instead of us rebuilding it. For instance, severe hard part damage, a lack of available parts, or a longer / nation-wide warranty, are all things to consider when making the decision to replace your transmission. At Circle D Transmission, we approach every vehicle on an individual basis and look for the best solution for you and your situation. If you suspect that you're having transmission issues, the first step is to bring it to us for a professional diagnosis. Call us at 713-895-7019 or email us at: info@circledtrans.com 

Circle D Transmission - Houston's Top Choice for Professional Diagnosis and Repairs
Circle D Transmission, located in Houston, Texas has been helping people just like you since 1976 with their transmission repair needs. We are still owned and operated by the same family for over 4 decades. So, when you begin noticing a problem with the transmission in your vehicle, we know what you’re thinking...How much is this going to cost me and how long will I be without my vehicle? We know that bringing your vehicle to a transmission repair shop is...