Precautions for Using the Transmission

Operation Key Points of Manual Transmission

• Gear Shifting Operation: When shifting gears, make sure to press the clutch pedal all the way down, and the movement should be quick and accurate, avoiding hesitation. For example, when upshifting, first increase the vehicle speed, then press the clutch pedal, shift the gear lever from a lower gear to a higher gear, and then slowly release the clutch pedal. When downshifting, first reduce the vehicle speed, also press the clutch pedal, shift the gear lever from a higher gear to a lower gear, and then slowly release the clutch pedal.
• Starting and Driving: When starting, engage the gear accurately and release the clutch slowly to prevent the vehicle from stalling or jerking. During driving, shift gears in a timely manner and avoid driving at a high gear with a low speed or a low gear with a high speed, as this will increase fuel consumption and engine wear.
• Other Precautions: When moving the gear lever into the neutral position, avoid shaking it back and forth. At the same time, never look down to observe, as it may affect the driving line of sight. Do not forcefully pull or push the gear lever to avoid causing the vehicle to deviate from the direction and damaging the transmission mechanism of the gear lever. In addition, do not keep your hand on the gear lever for a long time during driving to prevent excessive wear of the transmission’s shift fork.

Common Faults and Solutions

• Difficulty in Gear Shifting: It is manifested as a large resistance when shifting gears, making it difficult to engage the gear. It may be due to incomplete clutch separation, such as clutch disc wear or clutch pressure plate failure. It may also be due to a damaged synchronizer. The solution is to check the clutch system and replace the clutch disc and pressure plate if necessary. If the synchronizer is damaged, the synchronizer needs to be replaced.
• Transmission Noise: An abnormal noise is emitted from the transmission during driving, which may be caused by gear wear, bearing damage, or insufficient lubricating oil. Check the transmission oil level and quality, and add oil if it is insufficient. If the gear or bearing is damaged, disassemble the transmission for repair or replace the corresponding components.

Instructions for Using Automatic Transmission

• Starting and Parking: When starting the vehicle, ensure that the gear is in the “P” (parking gear) or “N” (neutral gear) position, and then press the brake pedal to start the engine. When waiting for parking, if the time is long, shift the gear into the “N” position to avoid the transmission oil temperature rising due to staying in the “D” (drive gear) position for a long time. Do not shift into the “P” position before the vehicle comes to a complete stop to avoid damaging the transmission locking mechanism.
• Driving Operation: During driving, do not frequently switch between the “D” and “R” (reverse gear) positions to prevent the transmission oil temperature from rising and shortening the service life. At the same time, avoid coasting in neutral, as this will not only increase fuel consumption but also may damage the transmission. In addition, do not shift gears randomly during driving to prevent the gear ratio from being mismatched, which may cause impact and wear on the transmission.

Common Faults and Solutions

• Gear Shifting Jerk: A noticeable jerk occurs when the vehicle shifts gears, which may be due to the deterioration or contamination of the transmission oil, affecting the normal operation of the hydraulic system. It may also be due to a faulty shift solenoid valve. First, check and replace the transmission oil. If the problem persists, check the shift solenoid valve and replace it if necessary.
• Inability to Shift Gears: The gear is locked in a certain position and cannot be switched normally. It may be due to a malfunction of the electronic control unit (ECU), a sensor failure, or a mechanical component getting stuck. Use professional diagnostic equipment to read the fault code to determine whether it is an electronic component or a mechanical component problem, and then repair or replace the corresponding components.

Operation Suggestions for Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

Common Faults and Solutions

• Slipping Phenomenon: When the vehicle is driving, the engine speed increases, but the vehicle speed increases slowly, as if it is idling. This is usually due to insufficient friction between the steel belt and the cone pulley, which may be caused by insufficient or deteriorated transmission oil, or serious wear of the steel belt and the cone pulley. First, check the transmission oil and replace it if necessary. If the steel belt and the cone pulley are worn, replace the worn components.
• Power Interruption: The power suddenly interrupts during driving and then resumes. It may be due to a malfunction of the internal control system of the transmission, such as abnormal sensor signals or a faulty control module. Use professional equipment to detect the fault and repair or replace the faulty components.

General Precautions for All Types of Transmissions

• Avoid Shifting Gears Before the Vehicle Stops: Regardless of the type of transmission, avoid shifting gears before the vehicle comes to a complete stop, as this will cause serious damage to the transmission.
• Prevent Semi-Clutch State: Do not stay in the semi-clutch state for a long time, as it is likely to cause accelerated wear of the clutch.
• Proper Gear Engagement: During the gear shifting process, if you encounter difficulty in engaging the gear, first check whether the clutch is pressed all the way down, and do not forcefully engage the gear.
• Eliminate Coasting in Neutral: During driving, avoid coasting in neutral for a long time. Coasting in neutral not only does not save fuel but also may cause the brake system to overheat, affecting the braking effect and even damaging the transmission.

Maintenance Key Points of the Transmission

• Regularly Check the Oil: Regularly check the level and quality of the transmission oil. Different types of transmissions have different requirements for the oil. Be sure to select the appropriate transmission oil according to the vehicle instruction manual and replace it on time. For example, the general oil change cycle for most automatic transmissions is two years or 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers.
• Proper Oil Change Method: If possible, it is recommended to use dynamic oil change, that is, use a special transmission cleaning device to fully circulate the old oil while the transmission is running, drain it completely, and then add new oil, so that the oil change rate can reach more than 90%, ensuring a good oil change effect.
• Handle Abnormalities in a Timely Manner: When the transmission shows abnormalities, stop the vehicle and check it in a timely manner to avoid causing greater damage by continuing to drive.

In conclusion, correct operation and maintenance of the transmission are the keys to extending its service life, ensuring driving safety, and maintaining the vehicle’s performance. Vehicle owners should have an in-depth understanding of the characteristics of their vehicle’s transmission, drive strictly in accordance with the operation specifications, and pay attention to daily maintenance to keep the transmission in good working condition at all times.