Powertrain System Services: Engine Replacement and Repair, Transmission Replacement, and Differential/Transaxle Repair
The powertrain system consists of the internal combustion engine, transmission and differential/axle assembly. The powertrain is controlled via an On-Board computer network. In a front-wheel drive vehicle, the transmission and differential/axle assembly are combined into a single transaxle.
Benefits of a Properly Maintained Powertrain System
- Longer component life
- Performance
- Power
- Low oil consumption
- Quiet operation
- Low emissions
- Fuel Economy
- Smooth positive shift quality
Internal Combustion Engine
- Converts chemical energy (gasoline) into mechanical work
- Turns the crankshaft and flywheel
- Components include cylinder block, cylinder heads, intake and exhaust valves, piston and piston rings, connecting rods, crankshaft, oil pan, lubricant (motor oil), and sealing gaskets
Symptoms of a malfunctioning internal combustion engine include:
- Deep or shallow knocking noise
- Visible tailpipe smoke
- Overheating
- Loss of coolant
- High oil consumption
- Missing or rough running
- Excessive exhaust emissions
- External leaks
Transmission/Transaxle
- Connects the crankshaft flywheel to the drive shaft/axles
- Provides gear ratios for optimum performance and fuel economy
- Transmission Fluid transmits power, lubricates, prevents corrosion and removes heat. Performing a Transmission Fluid Exchange will remove and replace virtually 100% of your transmission fluid providing longer transmission life and smoother operation.
- Transmission Filter traps particles and oxidized fluid and protects transmission from solid contaminates. Performing a Transmission Filter Service will prolong transmission life and provide smoother operation.
- Components include transmission casing, valve body (automatic transmission), torque converter (automatic transmission), transmission pan (automatic transmission), clutch disc, pressure plate, throw-out bearing (manual transmission), shift linkages, lubricant, and sealing gaskets
Symptoms of a malfunctioning transmission include:
- Slipping
- Grinding when shifting
- Whining noise
- Failure to shift
- In gear vehicle will not move
- External leaks
Differential/Axles
- Connects the transmission to the wheels
- Transmits power converted by the transmission
- Components include differential casing, hypoid gears, clutches (limited slip/locking differentials), lubricant, sealing gaskets
Symptoms of a malfunctioning differential/axles include:
- Whining noise
- Growling noise
- External leaks