Check the transmission fluid! Amount, color and smell! Have the engine idle until it reaches normal operating temperature. Then take the corresponding dipstick out ( NOT the engine oil dipstick!) and look at the liquid at the end of it. The dipstick should be wet between the marks (don't turn off the engine to do that!) That's the correct level. Now the color: It should be clear! If it is darker or worse a brownish color, it is burnt! Smell it; it shouldn't smell at all.If it's got a dark color and/or smells funny , it tells you there's something wrong with your gearbox. Changing the fluid might help for some time.Or for a longer time if the gearbox is not really damaged. Automatic gearbox fluid in older vehicles should be changed completely every 70-80 000 kilometers. Watch out! When they give a gearbox a regular service, they do not change all of the fluid; only approximately 4-5 liters out of 9-10 liters. Changing all of it takes a little longer since you have to remove the oil pan. I hope this helps.
Michel Malavialle, June 2005
