What is the automatic transmission fluid pressure switch?
Inside your car’s automatic transmission flows a liquid called Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) (or transmission oil). Its job is to lubricate the various moving parts inside the transmission. This allows for smooth shifting of gears and prevents transmission parts from overheating and wearing quickly.
Learn more about what transmisison fluid does
The automatic transmission oil pressure switch is a vital component which monitors the amount of pressure built up in the transmission case as the oil passes through. It then sends this information to your car’s onboard transmission computer (ECU) which makes adjustments to your transmission’s behavior which allow for smooth and optimal gear changes.
Many late-model cars will have several transmission pressure switches. The exact number, type and location of these switches may vary depending on your car’s make and model.
When should an automatic transmission oil pressure switch be replaced?
The transmission oil pressure switch works in a harsh environment and as a result, is subject to extreme conditions that can cause it to fail over time. The exact lifespan of a transmission oil pressure switch varies depending on several things. These include how your vehicle is driven, how often your transmission oil is changed and what condition the rest of your car’s transmission is in.
You can extend the lifespan of your car’s transmission oil pressure switches by:
- Replacing transmission oil with every 50,000 km or driving.
- Replacing the automatic transmission filter the same time as changing the auto transmission fluid
- Driving smoothly and minimising load on the engine and transmission to avoid over heating the automatic transmission.
Transmission oil changes in Hamilton
Symptoms of a faulty automatic transmission oil pressure switch:
- Difficulty shifting gears – A faulty auto transmission oil pressure switch may cause your vehicle to struggle with switching gears. This can be caused by the sensor detecting incorrect levels of pressure.
- Vehicle enters limp mode – Your car may enter limp mode when it a transmission oil pressure switch is failing. Limp mode is a safety feature restricts RPMS and locks your car into a lower gear in order to prevent damage from occurring.
- Check engine light – A faulty automatic transmission oil pressure switch may cause the check engine light or another similar warning to appear on your dashboard.
Check engine light diagnostics in Hamilton - P0844, P0845 or P0847 fault codes – Upon scanning your vehicle for fault codes, you may encounter one of these codes. Attached is a diagnostic message which can help you learn more about what has caused the problem.
Transmission Oil Pressure Switch Replacement in Hamilton
Is your car in need of a new transmission oil pressure switch? If so, we can help!
At Grimmer Motors, our team of skilled mechanics can service and repair problems in your car’s transmission including bad pressure switches. A pressure switch replacement will allow for smoother gear changes. If limp mode has been enabled, we will also ensure it is turned off.
For transmission oil pressure switch replacement in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today!