Its predecessor, the 4L60 was instead controlled hydraulically.įor a detailed history of how automatic transmissions have been developed over time, ever since the first one was invented in 1904 (or 1923, depending on your view), take a look at this Wikipedia page. The 4L60E is made unique by being one of the first transmissions to use electronic shift control. The one used in the example here is also a much newer 6-speed, whereas the 4L60E is a 4-speed transmission. Please note that this is not a 4L60E specifically, but it will give you a good general overview of how transmissions work.
This is especially the case in the US, where the automatic transmission is extremely popular.įor a quick explanation of how a basic automatic transmission works, if you’re not familiar with it, check out this video. In 2015, about 34% of the cars in the world were equipped with one. Give us a call today, our team of Frederick, MD auto repair specialists is standing by ready to help you in any way possible.On the roads of most countries today, an automatic transmission isn’t a rare sight. Here at Ken’s Automotive & Transmissions, we have provided auto repair services to Frederick for years and we have cleaned our share of gears. If you’re having trouble with your vehicle’s transmission, or if your car is stuck in first gear, then you should seek the assistance of a trained Frederick, MD auto repair mechanic. Fixing an issue with your car’s transmission could be a simple fix, or it could be something that takes time to diagnose and fix. Not that older vehicles were “simple,” but modern vehicles are much more complicated than their mechanical brethren of the past. Work With an Experienced Frederick, MD Auto Repair Mechanic
So if your car is stuck in gear, it could be in limp mode, and if this is the case, you should seek the aid of a Frederick, MD auto repair specialist immediately. It’s meant to allow you to drive to a transmission repair shop without damaging your transmission. But what if it’s getting bad readings? Or no readings at all? If your computer has problems receiving signals it will go into what is referred to as “limp mode.” Limp mode is a safety feature that will keep your car stuck in either 2 nd or 3 rd gear if the computer can’t get accurate readings from the solenoids. Your car’s computer makes all of the gear shifts based on the solenoids and the readings it gets from them. Our experts at Ken’s Automotive & Transmission recommend flushing/changing transmission fluid every 30K miles. And this is what leads a solenoid to become blocked. Over time, small bits of metal and other debris will get into the fluid (if you’ve ever seen black transmission fluid, this is what causes it).
The most common cause of a stuck solenoid is the failure to replace your transmission fluid when you should. However, sometimes these solenoids can get stuck andĬan prevent your car from shifting gears entirely. Your car’sĬomputer sends electrical signals to the solenoids, opening them upĪllowing transmission fluid to flow through them and allowing the Switch or a starter, and they’re used by your vehicle’s computer toĭetermine your speed and which gear should be used. A solenoid is a coil of wire that is used to power a The transmission is anĮssential part of your vehicle, but sometimes they can break down,Īutomatic transmissions shift gears due to the action of the Trust us, nothing can throw a wrench in yourĭay like not being able to drive your car. Delaying or having to change your plans due to an automotive