Powertrain Services: Engine, Transmission & Differential

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