Transmission Diagnostics & Repair

Common Transmission Problems, Diagnostics and Repair Procedures

Technical guides on automatic transmission diagnostics, repair procedures, component testing, failure analysis, and service methods for transmission specialists, rebuilders, parts suppliers, and repair professionals.

Transmission general data Jatco CVT RE0F05A (also known as NCVT) is commonly installed on small cars with engines having the capacity up to 1500 cm3. In terms of control, this transmission is fully hydraulic, i.e it includes the block of hydraulic valves like in standard automatic transmissions, but the transmission operation is performed thanks to movement of the main pulley. Number of gearsTransmission TypeDriveTorque (Nm)ATF (full capacity) LATF (change) LATF type∞CVTFWD1353,23D Fluid N-CVT The main problem of this transmission lies in increase or decrease of the gear ratio, like an emergency mode (2-nd gear). The repair of this transmission should be performed by professionals on a special bench.
Transmission general data 6-speed automatic transmission DSI-6 \ M78LE (M96) was developed in 2008 by specialists of former BTR bureau with a new Chinese owner Geely under a new brand DSI. It is more advanced modification of 6-speed automatic transmission with a longitudinal positioning for 2-liter engines SsangYong Actyon. Number of gearsTransmission TypeDriveTorque (Nm)ATF (full capacity) LATF (change) LATF type6ATRWD/AWD9,54,5ATF 3292 Technical issues and repair guidelines In many cases vibrations from the worn-out torque converter lead to the damage of the oil pump bearing. The pump with the planetary gear is considered to be a soft spot of 6-speed М78. The planetary gear is damaged by increased torque and vibrations from the torque converter. With regard to electrics solenoids-electric controllers, shifters and solenoids-electric controllers M78 are replaced in this transmission. How to repair this transmission (Videos)TCC Shudder RepairSolenoid valve test M78
Transmission general data The 6-speed automatic transmission BTR М11 with east-west positioning was installed on New Actyon (Corando С) in 2010. This transmission was paired with the 2-liter diesel engine having the torque up to 380 Nm. In 2012, after implementation of some changes the М11 unit was modified with introduction of different improvements. This transmission is intended for FWD as well as AWD SUVs. Number of gearsTransmission TypeDriveTorque (Nm)ATF (full capacity) LATF (change) LATF type6ATFWD/AWD3807,54SsangYong 0578-244021 Technical issues and repair guidelines Typical repair procedures for this transmission include reassembly and replacement of rings, seals, and gaskets (Overhaul kit). In many cases, the whole set of friction components is replaced by repair specialists. The wear-out of frictions leads to clearance increase in clutch packages. Abnormal (increased) clearances in clutch packages (and braking drums) lead to jolts and increase the risk of vibrations under load. Replacement of the brake band with a servo piston is performed in case of vibrations detection in the B1 (555) Drum or shifting with the kick or there is uneven wear-out of servo piston and brake clearance. The necessity to replace of the rear planetary gear in the М11 transmission lies in overloading caused by aggressive driving and neglect of the automatic transmission maintenance services. The oil pump is one of the most popular issues in the M11 unit. This pump breaks down in situations when the overhaul of the transmission and its torque converter is delayed for a long time, consequently leading to extreme vibrations in the torque converter, complicated by contaminated fluid. The piston of the В2 brake package is frequently replaced in this transmission. This piston gets out of order because of overheating and a long-term operation with vibrations. Solenoids are included in the list of commonly replaced spare parts. The M11 transmission design includes 6 VBS solenoids with different holders. How to repair this transmission (Videos)New Actyon BTR M11
Transmission general data The automatic transmission 4L85E was firstly presented in 2001 together with powerful engines Duramax V8 (with torque reaching up to 650 Nm). This transmission was installed only on large SUVs, pickups and minibuses. This transmission is very powerful and can be applied cars which take part in off-road racing, drag racing or custom street driving. Number of gearsTransmission TypeDriveTorque (Nm)ATF (full capacity) LATF (change) LATF type4ATRWD/4WD65013,6Dexron VI These transmissions have issues with early style 12 pin harnesses in which transmission fluid leaks around the harness and shorts the pinouts causing transmission to go into "limp mode" (some manuals say "limp home mode"). This issue can be easily rectified by simply cleaning the plug Which cars run with this gearbox?BrandModelYearTypeEngineChevrolet/GMVAN FULL SIZE 350095-094 SP RWDV6 4.3L V8 4.8L 5.7L 6.0L 7.4L 8.1L 6.5L 6.6L DIESEL
Transmission general data Flashomatic automatic gearbox was also named as BW8 (1956-66)/BW12 (1956-71). This gearbox had been actively installed on different models of Packard, Rambler, Studebaker during 1956-71. Number of gearsTransmission TypeDriveTorque (Nm)ATF (full capacity) LATF (change) LATF type3ATRWD9,84,2ATF Type F This transmission is considered to be quite durable due to its iron case. The BW-12 was installed on some Ford vehicles in 1973-74.It is a hydraulically controlled RWD gearbox. This gearbox resembles Ford-O-Matic manufactured in 3 different case sizes used from 1951 until 1968) and FMX gearbox (released in 1968), but few of the parts are interchangeable.
Transmission general data CVT VT1-27T Mini (or general name for this family - VT1F) found application on Mini BMW. In addition to Mini, this CVT was offered to Volvo, Land Rover, Hyundai, but this transmission rarely comes to repair services and its hard to find spare parts for repair of this CVT. The following modification CVT VT2 was a budget-friendly solution. This CVT had been offered to many automakers from 2009 to 2013. Number of gearsTransmission TypeDriveTorque (Nm)ATF (full capacity) LATF (change) LATF type∞CVTFWD1507,64,3Esso EZL799 Technical issues and repair guidelines This CVT has a typical design (with a solid reserve on transmission components) with a push belt and does not require repair for many years, except replacement of ATF and filter, and later – replacement of Bosh belt. This CVT was developed specially for BMW mini. Settings of the VT1 control unit are adjusted for preserving expensive cones at low speeds, when the belt and surfaces of cones operate closely to the limit. Cones have wear-resistant cover of operating surfaces with the use of space technologies can not be rebuilt and not supplied to the repair market. CVTs of this generation are very sensitive to the level of ATF, therefore the check of this parameter is very technology-savvy. Rare overhauls with reassembly of spare parts, wear-out of which leads to pressure losses on friction elements and as a consequence their (frictions) wear-out require the repair kit of gaskets and seals. While maintaining these CVTs experienced specialists replace the filter and change ATF as often as possible to avoid time consuming search operations for spare parts. Simultaneously with change of fluid and filter replacement, it is recommended to check the belt for wear-out of the protector. If there are any suspicions about wear-out, it is better to replace the belt. Even slightly wornout belt increases the risk of slipping (metal-on-metal) in situations with usual "non-sporting" acceleration in order to outrun the truck ahead. Generally, this CVT is quite comfortable and “invincible” under the condition of proper care. It is one of the top CVTs on the market. How to repair this transmission (Videos)Replacing Belt part 1Belt replacement pt2Mini Cooper CVT overviewZF VT1 CVT Transmission Stepper MotorRover - Service Insight - VT-1 Automatic TransmissionMini CVT transmission teardownMini CVT teardown test clipMini Cooper cvt adaptation
Transmission general data HONDA MHTA / SPSA / SMLA / SBLA / STYA / SZCA MHTA / SPSA / SMLA / SBLA / STYA / SZCA CVT models were developed by Honda for usage in their hybrid vehicles. These CVTs were installed on Honda cars for the domestic Japanese market and for markets of the USA and Europe. Number of gearsTransmission TypeDriveTorque (Nm)ATF (full capacity) LATF (change) LATF type∞CVTFWD5,83,5Honda Genuine CVT ■MHTA was used on HONDA INSIGHT from 2001 to 2006 with the engine L4 1.3L ■SPSA was used on HONDA CIVIC HYBRID from 2006 to 2012 with the engine L4 1.3L ■SMLA was used on HONDA CIVIC HYBRID from 2006 to 2012 with the engine L4 1.7L ■SZCA was used on HONDA CIVIC HYBRID from 2003 to 2005 with the engine L4 1.3L ■SZCA was used on HONDA FIT HYBRID from 2003 to 2008 with the engine L4 1.3L ■SBLA was used on HONDA INSIGHT from 2010 to 2014 with the engine L4 1.3L ■STYA was used on HONDA CR-Z from 2011 to 2017 with the engine L4 1.5L These CVTs are very similar in design and have many common internal parts that greatly facilitates their repair. Which cars run with this gearbox?BrandModelYearTypeEngineHondaINSIGHT01-06CVT FWDL3 1.0L
Transmission general data The 5-speed automatic transmission ZF5HP19 (with ./FL ../FLA modifications) - is considered to be one of the most popular automatic transmissions in the repair industry. Although this transmission was replaced by no less popular ZF6HP26 - 6HP19, this 5-speed unit is still widely used and repaired. It should be noted that the popularity of this transmission among repair specialists has nothing to do with its quality, on the contrary, this efficient transmission was installed on extremely durable cars. It is the case when good cars get a good transmission. First 5HP19 units were introduced in 1995 on front-wheel and all-wheel drive Audi. These gear shifting solutions were designed on the basis of 4-speed 4HP18 and 5-speed 5HP18 (thus, most of components in these transmissions are identical). The main peculiarity of 5HP19 is higher torque in comparison with 5HP18 and that it can be paired with engines up to 4 litres. The FL version of this transmission was designed for the line-up of FWD models from Audi-Volkswagen. The 5HP19FLА transmission is designed for 4WD cars with V6 engines. The 5HP19 unit found application in rear-driven BMW cars. According to VAG classification, ZF 5HP19 transmission is also known as 01L or 01V (for some vehicles). Number of gearsTransmission TypeDriveTorque (Nm)ATF (full capacity) LATF (change) LATF type5ATRWD/AWD/FWD3259,74-5,5LT -71141 Technical issues and repair guidelines The repair kit of gaskets and seals for BMW is the most popular kit ordered for this transmission. The kit of frictions is also included in a standard order for this transmission. The operational resource of this transmission before the first overhaul is significantly higher than standard 120,000 miles, but this parameter heavily depends on operating conditions. This reliable transmission can endure operation under severe conditions and heavy loads, but oil starvation will have a negative impact on its operability. The torque converter of this transmission is one of the most frequently repaired units. This torque converter is one of the first converters with early introduced ( 3-rd speed) forced lock-up mechanism, which damages the friction lining. The pump cover bushing is one of the most frequently replaced elements. As for friction discs in the 5HP19 transmission, in most cases repair specialists have to replace discs of the first "С" package near the pump. The replacement of friction components is always accompanied by replacement of sealing rings as the wear-out of these rings leads to burning of friction packages. The pressure solenoid (EDS-1 EPC) is loaded more in comparison with solenoids, therefore it works out its resource earlier. Which cars run with this gearbox?BrandModelYearTypeEngineAudiS400-025 SP 4WDV6 2.7L How to repair this transmission (Videos)ZF 5HP19 transmission assemblyRebuild Part 1 BMWRebuild Part 2 BMWZF5HP19 TeardownGear Monitoring CodesValvebodyvalve body additional information Torque converter Instruction manuals and useful linksLink typeSourceDescriptionpdfwww.at-manuals.comSpare parts catalog 5HP19pdfwww.at-manuals.comRepair manual 5HP19webSonnaxZF5HP19 Solenoid Identification
While manual gearboxes utilize the clutch to shift speeds, automatic transmissions make use of a sophisticated hydraulic system for shifting, and the transmission solenoid is especially important for this process.