Automatic transmission

ANSWER : This would depend on what the manufacturer recommends. Many manual transmissions do take automatic transmission fluid. If your transmission has ATF in it, it is very likely that it is supposed to have that in there. If not, it is likely that the transmission would not function properly with the wrong fluid. Many manual transmissions will also take engine oil as a lubricant. The best way to know for sure is to check your owner’s manual or call your local General Motors dealership to inquire.

ANSWER : Hi there. In most cases when you overfill the transmission fluid it can cause excessive foaming of the fluid or possible internal component failure due to excessive pressure inside the hydraulic lines. Sensors like the speed sensors however are rarely impacted by this situation. However, in regards to the possibility of probability of this; I would say perhaps a 10% chance.

ANSWER : The PCM and TCM that you presently have are incompatible with a manual transmission. The PCM hardware and some engine controls, particularly relating to idle speed and electronic "dashpot", would be different too. The only way you could reliably do such a swap is if you changed out the vehicle’s electrical system, include the wiring harness to the transmission and engine, and even that wouldn’t be a guarantee of success if your vehicle also has a body control module (i.e., that would have to be changed out as well). Your only practical option is to have the existing transmission re-built or install a re-manufactured one. Even going that route, you have to be extremely careful and vigilant that you get an EXACT replacement, in every respect, because even minor year to year differences in electronic controls could render the unit unusable. In some locales, certified Mechanics from YourMechanic will perform engine and transmission replacements, so please inquire if you simply want to repair what you have. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

ANSWER : Hi there. I’ll try to clarify this for you as it can be a bit confusing. When you replace the standing oil (or oil inside the pan of the transmission) it typically is around 4 quarts of ATF. During a standard transmission oil change, that’s how much fluid is typically used. However, the transmission is comprised of multiple hydraulic lines that have fluid inside them under pressure. This fluid does not "drip" to the pan. It is removed during a transmission flush. The amount of transmission fluid inside these lines, the torque converter and other transmission components equals about another 4 quarts. So, when we complete a transmission fluid service, we are fully flushing all old transmission fluid from the entire unit; which is where we get the 8 quart requirement. It’s always a good idea to have the transmission fluid FLUSHED instead of simply changing 1/2 of the fluid.

ANSWER : Hi there. Fluid seepage out of the vent tube can sometimes be normal, but can also be caused by overfilling. Has a service been performed recently? Perform a fluid level and condition inspection by having the engine at idle, on a level surface, warmed up engine, and remove the dipstick and cleaning it with a shop towel. Reinsert the dipstick and fully remove to a horizontal position for inspection. Make sure the fluid is not milky, very dark, or has contamination. The level should be in the safe zone marked on the stick.

Have an inspection by a qualified technician determine if any problems truly do exist and provide you with some assurance. YourMechanic has several technicians available that can assist you with a transmission leak inspection and can perform a transmission fluid service if needed.

ANSWER : Hi There,
This is a known issue in this generation Ford Focus and some Fiestas with the "Power Shift" transmission and there have been numerous recalls and lawsuits. Although, it is would be difficult to determine how much longer your transmission will last given the fact that you have many new parts, I would not recommend junking the car as it may still provide some valuable life left for you. I would recommend taking it to the dealer to see if these parts may be covered under the recall.

ANSWER : I recommend keeping your transmission in your vehicle that it is designed for. If you plan on putting in a Twin Turbo setup, then the transmission will hold up to the changes. Automatic transmissions are designed to take more abuse than a manual transmission for they have more gear to gear contact and that they can adjust clutch pressure at a greater force. You may need to build your transmission with a heavier clutch pack material, but other than that, your automatic transmission will working just fine. If you need further assistance with determining if your transmission will hold up to a Twin Turbo Engine, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

ANSWER : Hi Jose: Thanks for your question. Below is some additional information in addition to that sent to you by John yesterday. Installing used parts, particularly a part as complex as a transmission, is not the best practice. If you have a transmission fault, the first thing to do is get the cause of the fault professionally diagnosed because some transmission faults are easy to fix, such as low fluid level, replacement of burnt fluid, or needed fixes on engine controls or wiring (transmissions are electronically controlled). YourMechanic offers that service as a transmission diagnostic and you can schedule that at your convenience.

After you know, for sure, what is wrong with the transmission then a decision can be made as to the most economic and effective repair strategy. That is, if the fix is not amongst the simple causes of transmission breakdowns, but rather is due to something like a worn out band, or a leaking clutch piston, then the transmission has to be removed, completely overhauled and re-installed, usually with a new torque converter. Without a diagnostic, even installing a new transmission may not resolve your issue if the fault lies in an engine control or electronic control component and this is why you need to first get the problem identified. Hope we can assist you with this.