Should I repair or replace my transmission?

Many of those who bring their vehicle to our Reno transmission service and repair shop are both surprised and relieved to learn that a problem with their vehicle's transmission does not necessarily mean a lot of money needs to be spent to repair it. In fact there are several transmission problems that can be solved without having to remove the transmission from a vehicle. Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists has put together the following information in an effort to make you a better informed consumer when trying to decide if you should repair or replace your transmission. The technicians at our Reno transmission shop are always available if you should have any questions about the information provided below. We also provide Transmission Inspections to determine the best solution for your particular situation. To request your inspection please complete and submit Our Online Appointment Form.

Transmission Adjustments & In-Car Repairs

The technicians at Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists understand that problems with your vehicle's transmission can often be resolved with adjustments or a minor repair. In fact, a simple adjustment can be done without even removing the transmission from the vehicle. When a late model transmission is failing to shift correctly, it can often be due to a faulty sensor receiving incorrect signals from the computer. Additionally, shifting problems can arise when a transmission is not responding to the computer correctly due to a bad connection or a defective solenoid pack. These types of repairs can be fixed without having to remove the transmission from the vehicle saving you a considerable amount of money when compared to a complete overhaul.

Reseal Job

Spotting of red oil on the ground underneath your vehicle usually indicates your transmission may need to be resealed. A transmission reseal is done in order to repair external transmission fluid leaks. Checking for leaks involves one of our technicians placing your vehicle on a rack to examine the transmission for signs of oil leaks. If while examining your vehicle our technician notices leaks near any of the external gaskets or seals and your transmission is otherwise performing well, our recommendation will usually the transmission be resealed. While most external seals can be replaced without needing to remove the transmission, a front seal replacement requires the removal of the transmission in order to gain access to it, resulting in a more expensive transmission repair.

Accessible Part Replacement

The transmission in your vehicle has numerous parts that are accessible without requiring the removal of your transmission, including the majority of the electrical parts that are serviced simply by removing the oil pan. Repairing a transmission's external parts may result in limited warranty coverage as it is not possible to see if there is any additional problems with the parts inside the transmission that are only accessible with the complete removal of the transmission.

Complete Transmission Overhaul (Rebuild)

A complete transmission overhaul, also known as a transmission rebuild, a transmission is completely removed from vehicle and disassembled in our shop. Each transmission part is laid out on a workbench and is inspected for damage and wear. The parts are then either cleaned in a special cleaning solution or replaced if damaged. If a part has friction surfaces, such as the case with bands and clutches, then it is replaced. In a complete transmission overhaul all gaskets and seals are replaced as well. The torque converter is replaced during a complete transmission overhaul, being replaced with a remanufactured one. Additionally, our technicians will review technical service bulletins to check if the manufacturer of the transmission in question recommends any modifications intended to correct design defects realized after the transmission was built. If a bulletin indicates such a defect then an upgrade kit will be used to resolve any and all design defects.

Transmission Replacement vs. Complete Overhaul

A transmission replacement may be a consideration when it is determined that your vehicle's transmission is in need of an overhaul. Rather than removing your existing transmission only to completely disassemble and reassemble it, another option is to replace it with a transmission that has already been rebuilt or remanufactured. There are several things to consider when deciding to use a replacement unit instead of a complete transmission rebuild. Although a replacement unit will get you back on the road much faster, it is not always the best solution. There are situations when any given transmission model will have numerous variations dependent upon factors such as which model vehicle, engine, axle ratio, and even tire size! The resulting problems could vary and might be as simple as a speedometer reading that is too high or low (speedometers are normally connected to a gear in the transmission by a cable). Alternatively though you might incur incorrect shift points or even a complete transmission failure due to your engine being more powerful than the one a replacement unit was designed for. Our technicians are aware of these important considerations and will discuss these in detail with you during a service consultation.

May I drive with a transmission leaking?

Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists tells all of our customers in the greater Reno area that it is best to not drive with a transmission leak. The transmission in a car or truck is a sealed hydraulic component and any loss of transmission fluid due to a leak will affect the performance of the vehicle. We encourage any of our customers in the greater Reno area to schedule a road test and multi-check inspection with Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists.

Is it better to drive in overdrive or normal drive?

Unless driving conditions in the Reno area indicate otherwise, Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists tells our customers that transmission are controlled electronically by a computer and should be driven in overdrive.

What does scanning tell me about my transmission problem?

When the transmission specialists at Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists scan your transmission they are attaching a diagnostic computer to a terminal in the vehicle. The scanning diagnostic tool communicates with the vehicle's computer to see if any trouble codes are present. If trouble codes are detected the scanner reads the output from various vehicle sensors and feeds that information to the computer. This information is then helpful in determining the transmission system's electrical control system. Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists uses high-quality transmission diagnostic equipment to help us diagnose the transmission problems of all of our customers in the greater Reno area.

Can driving condition's affect my transmission?

Yes, extreme cold or hot weather combined with poor driving conditions can impact a transmission's life expectancy. When seldom driven or usually driven short distances, vehicles may be subject to unusual wear or strain. An example would be vehicles that are normally driven a short distance normally never have the chance for the engine to heat up to the normal heat range, the result of which can be excessive engine wear.

What does a transmission repair cost at Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists?

There are several variables that can affect the cost to fix or repair a transmission in Reno. These variables include determining the cause of your transmission problem, your vehicle's age and type of transmission, and the specific service or repair that needs to be completed. Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists offers an external diagnostic service to identify how best to fix your problem and keep repair or service costs to a minimum. An external diagnostic service includes checking the level and condition of the transmission fluid, taking your vehicle around the Reno area for a road test, and a diagnosis of the external transmission controls by one of the technicians at Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists. This diagnosis will determine if there is a transmission problem, and if the problem can be corrected with an external repair or adjustment. If you would like to schedule a visit to our Reno auto repair shop for an external diagnostic service please complete and submit our Online Appointment Form and one of our technicians will contact you for an appointment.

What are tips for the best transmission maintenance?

Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists will often be asked by those in the greater Reno area who rely on our team of auto repair mechanics for their automotive expertise and advice, what are the best tips or suggestions for keeping an automatic or manual transmission properly maintained. As such, Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists has put together the following list we hope will be useful to anyone in the greater Reno area who may be wondering about how to properly maintain the transmission in a vehicle.

Be certain to have the scheduled maintenance done on the transmission in accordance with the vehicle owner's manual

It is best to always have the transmission fluid inspected when having an oil change at Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists in Reno

Avoid driving around the surrounding Reno areas in a vehicle that has little or no transmission fluid

Never switch gears from Drive to Reverse when a vehicle is moving

Wheels should not be spun on vehicles that have front-wheel drive.

When experiencing a transmission problem it is best to not drive the vehicle as doing so may result in additional damage or harm

It is always best practice not to “drag race” a vehicle as doing so puts unnecessary strain on an automatic transmission

Unless a vehicle is an automatic 4x4 or all-wheel drive, it is not recommended driving in 4x4 range on dry asphalt

Prior to shifting gear into another range it is always recommended coming to a complete stop first

When driving around the greater Reno area with a front-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle it is best to not drive with mismatched tire sizes or on spare tires

Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists hopes that these tips on transmission maintenance have been helpful to anyone in the greater Reno area who has an interest in how best to maintain a transmission. If you live in the greater Reno area and need an auto repair or service, Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists invites you to schedule online!

What type of transmission fluid does Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists recommend for my vehicle?

It is important to understand that various transmissions use different types of transmission fluids. Our Reno transmission shop offers several different types of transmission fluid brands, all of which are of excellent quality. Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists recommends you change your transmission fluid every 25,000 to 35,000 miles as part of a regular maintenance schedule for your vehicle. When you bring your vehicle to our Reno transmission shop for a transmission fluid change we will also replace your filter, the pan gasket, and perform a final leak-check followed by a thorough road test.

What are my options for a transmission problem?

Many of those who bring their vehicle to our Reno transmission service and repair shop are both surprised and relieved to learn that a problem with their vehicle's transmission does not necessarily mean a lot of money needs to be spent to repair it. In fact there are several transmission problems that can be solved without having to remove the transmission from a vehicle. Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists has put together the following information in an effort to make you a better informed consumer when trying to decide if you should repair or replace your transmission. The technicians at our Reno transmission shop are always available if you should have any questions about the information provided below. We also provide Transmission Inspections to determine the best solution for your particular situation. To request your inspection please complete and submit our appointment form.

Transmission Adjustments & In-Car Repairs

The technicians at Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists understand that problems with your vehicle's transmission can often be resolved with adjustments or a minor repair. In fact, a simple adjustment can be done without even removing the transmission from the vehicle. When a late model transmission is failing to shift correctly, it can often be due to a faulty sensor receiving incorrect signals from the computer. Additionally, shifting problems can arise when a transmission is not responding to the computer correctly due to a bad connection or a defective solenoid pack. These types of repairs can be fixed without having to remove the transmission from the vehicle saving you a considerable amount of money when compared to a complete overhaul.

In situations where a non computer-controlled transmission is either shifting too early or too late, the throttle cable may need to be adjusted. Seldom will a throttle cable go out of adjustment on its own or because of wear and tear, but rather most bad adjustments are a result of other repair work or due to damage from an accident. When a vacuum modulator is used in lieu of a throttle cable, an adjustment screw can be used to correct a transmission problem. When a vehicle uses a modulator instead of a throttle cable it is crucial that there be no vacuum leaks and the engine is performing at peak efficiency. The vacuum conditions of an engine are very sensitive and significantly impact the performance of an engine. Our technicians will quite often use a vacuum gauge when diagnosing a vehicle's performance problem and state of tune. Many of the problems a vehicle's transmission may present will disappear after a thorough tune-up or other engine performance related repairs are completed.

Transmissions in older model vehicles can experience what is called "slipping". Slipping is a condition that results in an engine racing briefly when shifting from one gear to another. Often times a transmission band adjustment is all that is required to correct slipping conditions.

Reseal Job

Spotting of red oil on the ground underneath your vehicle is usually indicative of your transmission needing a reseal job. Reseal jobs are done in order to repair external transmission fluid leaks. Checking for leaks involves one of our technicians placing your vehicle on a rack to examine the transmission for signs of oil leaks. If while examining your vehicle our technician notices leaks near any of the external gaskets or seals and your transmission is otherwise performing well, our recommendation will usually the transmission be resealed. While most external seals can be replaced without needing to remove the transmission, a front seal replacement requires the removal of the transmission in order to gain access to it, resulting in a more expensive transmission repair.

Accessible Part Replacement

The transmission in your vehicle has numerous parts that are accessible without requiring the removal of your transmission, including the majority of the electrical parts that are serviced simply by removing the oil pan. Repairing a transmission's external parts may result in limited warranty coverage as it is not possible to see if there is any additional problems with the parts inside the transmission that are only accessible with the complete removal of the transmission.

Complete Transmission Overhaul (Rebuild)

A complete transmission overhaul, also known as a transmission rebuild, a transmission is completely removed from vehicle and disassembled in our shop. Each of the parts are laid out on a workbench and is inspected for damage and wear. The parts are then either cleaned in a special cleaning solution or replaced if damaged. If a part has friction surfaces, such as the case with bands and clutches, then it is replaced. In a complete transmission overhaul all gaskets and seals are replaced as well. The torque converter is replaced during a complete transmission overhaul, being replaced with a remanufactured one. Additionally, our technicians will review technical service bulletins to check if the manufacturer of the transmission in question recommends any modifications intended to correct design defects realized after the transmission was built. If a bulletin indicates such a defect then an upgrade kit will be used to resolve any and all design defects.

Transmission Replacement vs. Complete Overhaul

When it is determined that your vehicle's transmission is in need of an overhaul, a replacement transmission may be a consideration. Rather than removing your existing transmission only to completely disassemble and reassemble it, another option is to replace it with one that has already been rebuilt or remanufactured. There are several things to consider when deciding to use a replacement unit instead of a complete transmission rebuild. Although a replacement unit will get you back on the road much faster it is not always the best solution. There are situations when any given transmission model will have numerous variations dependent upon factors such as which model vehicle, engine, axle ratio, and even tire size! The resulting problems could vary and might be as simple as a speedometer reading that is too high or low (speedometers are normally connected to a gear in the transmission by a cable). Alternatively though you might incur incorrect shift points or even a complete transmission failure due to your engine being more powerful than the one a replacement unit was designed for. Our technicians are aware of these important considerations and will discuss these in detail with you during a service consultation.

What does a transmission repair in Reno cost?

Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists tells our customers in the Reno area that there are several variables that can affect the cost of a transmission repair at our Reno auto repair shop, including determining the cause of a transmission problem, a vehicle's age and type of transmission, and the specific service or repair that needs to be completed by a technician at Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists. Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists offers an external diagnostic service to identify how best to fix your problem and keep repair or service costs to a minimum. An external diagnostic service at Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists includes checking the level and condition of the transmission fluid, taking the vehicle for a road test around the Reno area, and a diagnosis of the external transmission controls. This diagnosis will determine if there is a transmission problem, and if the problem can be corrected with an external repair or adjustment. If you would like to schedule a visit to our Reno auto repair shop for an external diagnostic service please complete and submit our Online Appointment Form and someone from Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists will contact you for an appointment.

How frequently should my transmission's fluid be changed?

Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists recommends that our customers in the greater Reno area change their vehicle's transmission fluid every 3 years / 36,000 miles. The transmission technicians at Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists recommend bringing your vehicle to our Reno auto repair shop once a year for a transmission fluid change. If your vehicle is older, or you use it for hauling heavy loads and/or towing around the Reno area, it may be required more frequently. To determine if a fluid change is needed, Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists recommends an external diagnostic service. An external diagnostic service for a transmission includes checking the level and condition of your transmission fluid, a road test around Reno, and putting your car on a lift at our shop to check your external transmission controls and to keep your transmission, and your vehicle, performing properly. Use our Online Appointment Form to schedule an appointment now!

What transmission services does Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists offer?

The primary focus of Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists is the repair and service of transmissions, and there are a variety of services available. If you think there is a problem with your transmission, an expert transmission technician at our Reno transmission shop will perform an external diagnostic service. This transmission service includes checking the level and condition of your vehicle's transmission fluid, a road test, and a diagnosis of the external transmission controls. If you have a transmission problem, this diagnostic test will determine if the problem can be corrected with a minor external repair or adjustment. Often times the replacement or adjustment of a transmission or drive-train related component(s) will correct the problem. In other cases there could be an electronic or computer malfunction. In still other cases you may need a rebuilt transmission. The best thing to do if you are having transmission problems is complete and submit an Online Appointment Form, so one of our technicians can contact you to schedule your transmission service in our Reno shop.

My check engine, transmission or overdrive light is on or flashes?

Just like your vehicle's engine, the transmissions of most modern vehicles our customers in the Reno area drive are controlled by on board computers. When a malfunction occurs, a vehicle's computer will store a code, relative to the problem, and will display a warning light on the console. Needless to say Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists tells our customers that these warnings should not be ignored. Early diagnosis, by a qualified transmission technician at Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists, with the proper equipment, can save a vehicle's owner money and help to prevent getting stranded out on the road somewhere in or around Reno. Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists has the equipment and trained technicians to help you when this occurs.

What Color is Transmission Fluid?

Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists will often be asked by our customers in the Reno area what color transmission fluid is. Our technicians tell them that transmission fluid is dyed red for identification purposes only. Without using a red dye in transmission fluid the color would be clear to slightly amber.

Does servicing my automatic transmission prevent it from failing?

Yes, the chances of various types of automatic transmission failure can be minimized when regularly serviced by a transmission specialists at Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists. Regular servicing can help prevent lubrication related problems as well as those resulting from debris or clogged filters.

How long will it take Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists to check my transmission?

The technicians at Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists understand our customers' time is valuable, so we do everything we can to get them back on the roads of Reno as soon as possible. When you bring your vehicle to Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists in Reno for a transmission check, we use the latest technology to perform an external diagnostic service. A diagnostic service at Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists includes checking the condition and level of your vehicle's transmission fluid, taking your vehicle for a road test, and external transmission control diagnosis. This service usually is completed in about 90 minutes. Ready to schedule an appointment at Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists? Complete and submit our Online Appointment Form and one of our transmission technicians will contact you right away!

Should I flush or service my transmission?

A regular question asked of the automotive repair technicians on staff at Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists is when should I flush my transmission? As a leading auto repair shop serving the Reno area, Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists usually tells our customers that in most situations and for most vehicles a transmission service, involving dropping the transmission pan and changing the transmission fluid and filter, is recommended every 30,000 to 40,000 miles — and NOT a transmission flush.

And although Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists normally recommends a transmission service over a transmission flush, there are some situations when a transmission flush is required. For example, some transmissions do not have a filter that can be serviced. When having any type of transmission problem it is advised to have the vehicle's transmission inspected by an automotive repair specialist to help prevent or minimize any damage to the transmission.

Listed below are some of the more common transmission problems that indicate a vehicle should be brought to Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists for a FREE external diagnostic inspection and complimentary test drive by one of our professional transmission repair specialists.

Gear Slipping

Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists tells our customers that just as a contaminated transmission may result in a loss of hydraulic power, not having enough transmission fluid may result in the same situation. For a car or truck to remain in the proper gear, a transmission is required to develop enough pressure. In the situation where a transmission has contaminants (clutch or metal debris for example), these contaminants can interfere with the transmission fluid flowing as intended to assist with the pressure required for proper performance.

When the transmission fluid level in a vehicle is low, it usually indicates that there is a leak and the vehicle should be brought into Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists for a free inspection before any additional damage might occur. Additionally, the discovery of contaminates in the transmission fluid may indicate a bigger problem that can result in larger problems than what a flush or service may provide. In either situation it is best to schedule an appointment and let a professional automotive repair specialists address the gear slipping problem.

Transmission Grinding or Strange Noises

A situation that can often result in symptoms that are similar to low levels of transmission fluid is when a transmission is contaminated with grease, dirt, and sludge. Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists tells our customers that when driving around the roads of the greater Reno area that if they notice a grinding or other strange noise from the transmission the vehicle should be stopped and the level of the transmission fluid should be checked with the engine still running. The color of the transmission fluid should be a bright red and not a brown or black color resulting from sludge or grime (it should be noted that some transmission fluid from European auto manufacturers has a similar color to new motor oil, i.e. golden brown).

Most importantly Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists recommends that if there is a grinding or other strange noise coming from your vehicle's transmission, your best option is to have the transmission inspected by a qualified transmission specialist, as having a transmission flush may not be the best option for the problem and may in fact worsen the situation resulting in more damage or expensive repairs. If you live in the greater Reno area and are having a problem with transmission grinding or noise, Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists invites you to use Our Online Appointment Form to schedule an external diagnostic inspection and complimentary test drive by one of our professional transmission repair specialists!

Gear Shifting Problems

Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists tells our customers that regardless of whether they drive a vehicle with an automatic or manual transmission, the transmission fluid should flow effortlessly throughout the transmission. When excessive sludge or dirt is present, there may be a sluggish response in the transmission, causing the vehicle to change gears too late or too quickly when driving. In addition to the vehicle responding sluggishly, in vehicles with manual transmissions the gears may even be difficult to or not shift at all.

As with the other transmission problems our customers in the greater Reno area may experience with their transmissions, it is best to schedule an appointment and let an automotive repair specialist inspect the transmission to help minimize any additional problem with the transmission that may result from a gear shifting problem.

Vehicle Surge

The explainable surging of a vehicle may indicate that the transmission is polluted with an abundance of contaminants or dirt and a flush is needed. A vehicle may have the tendency to jump or surge forward or fall backward for no apparent reason if the transmission is dirty and does not permit adequate transmission fluid to flow. This is normally the result of the inconsistent flow of clean transmission fluid required to ensure proper operation of gears and other moving parts in the bell housing of a transmission.

Vehicle Movement Delay

When a vehicle stalls for a couple of seconds after having been put into gear or even before moving it may be another indication that the transmission fluid is contaminated. In this situation and when no other problems are present flushing the transmission may benefit the vehicle.

Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists stresses to our customers in the greater Reno area who may be experiencing any of these transmission problems to have the vehicle inspected to see if the dirty transmission in the vehicle has not already resulted in potentially and more costly problems. If you are having problems with your transmission Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists suggests you use our online appointment to schedule an inspection or transmission flush today!

of the automotive repair technicians on staff at Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists is when should I flush my transmission? As a leading auto repair shop serving the Reno area, Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists usually tells our customers that in most situations and for most vehicles a transmission service, involving dropping the transmission pan and changing the transmission fluid and filter, is recommended every 30,000 to 40,000 miles — and NOT a transmission flush.

And although Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists normally recommends a transmission service over a transmission flush, there are some situations when a transmission flush is required. For example, some transmissions do not have a filter that can be serviced. When having any type of transmission problem it is advised to have the vehicle's transmission inspected by an automotive repair specialist to help prevent or minimize any damage to the transmission.

Listed below are some of the more common transmission problems that indicate a vehicle should be brought to Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists for a FREE external diagnostic inspection and complimentary test drive by one of our professional transmission repair specialists.

Gear Slipping

Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists tells our customers that just as a contaminated transmission may result in a loss of hydraulic power, not having enough transmission fluid may result in the same situation. For a car or truck to remain in the proper gear, a transmission is required to develop enough pressure. In the situation where a transmission has contaminants (clutch or metal debris for example), these contaminants can interfere with the transmission fluid flowing as intended to assist with the pressure required for proper performance.

When the transmission fluid level in a vehicle is low, it usually indicates that there is a leak and the vehicle should be brought into Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists for a free inspection before any additional damage might occur. Additionally, the discovery of contaminates in the transmission fluid may indicate a bigger problem that can result in larger problems than what a flush or service may provide. In either situation it is best to schedule an appointment and let a professional automotive repair specialists address the gear slipping problem.

Transmission Grinding or Strange Noises

A situation that can often result in symptoms that are similar to low levels of transmission fluid is when a transmission is contaminated with grease, dirt, and sludge. Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists tells our customers that when driving around the roads of the greater Reno area that if they notice a grinding or other strange noise from the transmission the vehicle should be stopped and the level of the transmission fluid should be checked with the engine still running. The color of the transmission fluid should be a bright red and not a brown or black color resulting from sludge or grime (it should be noted that some transmission fluid from European auto manufacturers has a similar color to new motor oil, i.e. golden brown).

Most importantly Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists recommends that if there is a grinding or other strange noise coming from your vehicle's transmission, your best option is to have the transmission inspected by a qualified transmission specialist, as having a transmission flush may not be the best option for the problem and may in fact worsen the situation resulting in more damage or expensive repairs. If you live in the greater Reno area and are having a problem with transmission grinding or noise, Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists invites you to use our Online Appointment Form to schedule a FREE external diagnostic inspection and complimentary test drive by one of our professional transmission repair specialists!

Gear Shifting Problems

Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists tells our customers that regardless of whether they drive a vehicle with an automatic or manual transmission, the transmission fluid should flow effortlessly throughout the transmission. When excessive sludge or dirt is present, there may be a sluggish response in the transmission, causing the vehicle to change gears too late or too quickly when driving. In addition to the vehicle responding sluggishly, in vehicles with manual transmissions the gears may even be difficult to or not shift at all.

As with the other transmission problems our customers in the greater Reno area may experience with their transmissions, it is best to schedule an appointment and let an automotive repair specialist inspect the transmission to help minimize any additional problem with the transmission that may result from a gear shifting problem.

Vehicle Surge

The explainable surging of a vehicle may indicate that the transmission is polluted with an abundance of contaminants or dirt and a flush is needed. A vehicle may have the tendency to jump or surge forward or fall backward for no apparent reason if the transmission is dirty and does not permit adequate transmission fluid to flow. This is normally the result of the inconsistent flow of clean transmission fluid required to ensure proper operation of gears and other moving parts in the bell housing of a transmission.

Vehicle Movement Delay

When a vehicle stalls for a couple of seconds after having been put into gear or even before moving it may be another indication that the transmission fluid is contaminated. In this situation and when no other problems are present flushing the transmission may benefit the vehicle.

Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists stresses to our customers in the greater Reno area who may be experiencing any of these transmission problems to have the vehicle inspected to see if the dirty transmission in the vehicle has not already resulted in potentially and more costly problems. If you are having problems with your transmission Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists suggests you use our Online Appointment Form to schedule an inspection or transmission flush today!

Do you offer transmission problem inspections?

Transmission Problem Diagnostic Inspection

Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists offers a performance inspection to assist in diagnosing any problems your may be experiencing with your transmission. Our thorough performance inspection includes a fluid check, examination of the pan, a driving test, and inspection using a lift. This provides a comprehensive diagnostic inspection of your vehicle's transmission performance and routine operation.

Fluid Inspection

Checking the transmission fluid is usually the primary indicator of possible transmission damage and wear. A properly operating transmission will have a clear, red fluid. If there is discoloration or an undesirable odor in combination with other trouble signs, an internal inspection of the transmission may be required. When inspecting the transmission fluid, our technicians will see if any of these symptoms may appear.

Road Test

Road testing the vehicle requires two tests. One being a stationary test and the other a driving test. During both of these, the transmission is inspected for sound of slipping, erratic shifting, and late or early shift patterns.

Pan Examination

Examining the transmission pan can be a great indicator of potential sources of problems as it permits a partial look at the inside of the transmission. And while most transmission pans may have some metal particulates, excessive amounts of metal are signs of internal wear and transmission damage.

Lift Inspection

Inspecting the vehicle while on a lift may determine the type of adjustment, repair or replacement that could be needed. In a lift inspection, our transmission technician will inspect the following:

• Electronic Components
• Fluid Retention
• Neutral Switch
• Manual Linkage
• Modulator
• Modulator Vacuum
• Throttle Linkage
• Transmission Mounts
• U-Joints

When the completion of your performance inspection indicates that an internal problem is present with your transmission, Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists suggests further examination with an internal transmission inspection. This examination consists of removing vehicle's transmission and disassembling it to inspect the internal parts. In the internal inspection, all transmission parts are examined for wear and damage. When finished, one of our technicians will provide a report of the items that are in need of replacement or repair, along with an estimate for the same.

Post Performance Inspection Recommendations

No problem with the transmission. The performance inspection indicates that no repairs or adjustments are required.

Preventive Maintenance Service. This service helps to minimize or prevent any transmission problems before they begin. Our specialists will replace the transmission's fluid and filter if necessary.

External Repair / Adjustment. This service includes any repairs to the exterior of the transmission that does not involve the removal of the transmission.

Reseal Service. This process requires the transmission's removal for replacement of any leaking transmission seals. Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists performs this service after the transmission inspection. It is intended to repair leaking transmissions that do not have any other internal problems.

Internal Inspection Services. Our transmission specialists will thoroughly evaluate all internal components of the transmission. Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists performs this service if the performance inspection shows the transmission to have an internal problem. Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists will remove the transmission, disassemble and inspect ALL internal transmission parts excessive wear. Upon your approval, our technician will replace only those necessary parts with parts meeting OEM specs to give the transmission an ability to obtain optimal operation and performance. Finally, when all work is completed, the transmission is reinstalled.

When the vehicle has undergone the performance inspection, and you have received a professional service from our qualified specialists, the vehicle is once again ready to hit the roads of the greater Reno area.