An automatic transmission is structurally significantly different from classical mechanics. Over the decades of car evolution, automatic transmissions have changed greatly, the number of stages has increased (there are options for a multi-stage automatic with a number of gears of 7, 8 or 9), and the boxes are now equipped with an electronic control unit. The design of a modern “automatic machine” has become more complex, which overshadows numerous advantages with a fly in the ointment in the form of reduced reliability, because the more complex the design becomes, the more troubles, including material costs, are caused by its breakdown.
The automatic transmission makes it easier for the driver to control, relieving him of unnecessary obligations to change gears; now these functions are carried out by the control unit. The operating modes of the box are adapted to the driving style of the car owner and since the process is automated, the skills of a professional are not required. Advanced drivers who practice extreme driving would not trade mechanics for anything, but the majority of motorists choose automatic transmission. With high-quality care of the box and moderate operating conditions, the device will faithfully serve its 250,000 or up to 5 years, but under the influence of various unfavorable factors, the period can be significantly reduced. If the normal operation of the automatic transmission is disrupted, it typically goes into emergency mode; most often, the driver is given the opportunity to get to the nearest service center. This is a common occurrence that does not depend on whether the device belongs to a certain type (classic automatic transmission, robotic or CVT) or manufacturer.
What is automatic transmission emergency mode?
If the automatic transmission does not operate normally, or any malfunction or failure occurs, the electronic control unit activates emergency mode. Notifications or warning lights illuminate on the vehicle's dashboard to notify the driver of this condition.
When the automatic transmission goes into emergency mode, the car is characterized by loss of dynamics, slow acceleration and movement only in third gear, and starting the engine becomes difficult, especially at sub-zero temperatures outside. In most cases, the car is able to go to the service station under its own power and continue moving up to 60 km/h, but in case of serious malfunctions it is better not to risk it and call a specialist directly to the place or park and use the services of a tow truck.
It is impossible to operate the car in emergency mode of the automatic transmission. Such actions can lead to even more serious malfunctions, threatening expensive repairs of the automatic transmission. All that transport can be used for under such circumstances is movement towards a service center to repair the breakdown.
When you turn on the emergency mode, you should identify the reason for its activation and take measures to eliminate the problem. If the automatic transmission not only signals the transition to this mode, but also makes various noises, driving under its own power is risky, since the consequences for the device, as well as the car owner’s pocket, can be sad.
Automatic transmission error: why the car goes into emergency mode
If emergency situations arise when normal operation of the automatic transmission is not possible, the ECU turns on the emergency mode of the automatic transmission and signals this by turning on the corresponding lamp on the dashboard. What caused this? Can problems be fixed on site? An automatic gearbox, subject to operating conditions recommended by the manufacturer, will last 250 thousand km or up to 5 years. In reality, the actual service life depends on many factors - driving style, service intervals, etc.
Automatic transmissions are equipped with an electronic control unit, which is responsible for operating modes and carries out all the necessary procedures for changing gears.
If emergency situations arise when normal operation of the automatic transmission is not possible, the ECU turns on the emergency mode of the automatic transmission and signals this by turning on the corresponding lamp on the dashboard.
Why does the automatic transmission go into emergency mode?
The reasons for the automatic transmission going into emergency mode may be the following:
- Lack of transmission fluid. If there is insufficient oil in the automatic transmission, the electronic control unit switches on emergency operation.
- Malfunctions of the electronic control system. Automatic transmission errors can be caused by failures of the automatic transmission ECU.
- Problems in the operation of the hydraulics or mechanical elements of the automatic transmission - malfunction of the torque converter, wear of the clutches, other hydraulic or mechanical damage trigger the emergency operation of the automatic transmission.
- Call a specialist. The specialist will diagnose the automatic transmission, determine why the automatic transmission has entered emergency mode, and, if possible, eliminate the malfunction on the spot.
- Get to the car service center. In 3rd gear, you can get to the service station under your own power, where the technicians will diagnose and repair the car’s automatic transmission.
Transmission oil leak
The automatic transmission goes into emergency mode if there is a lack of transmission oil. A leak can occur due to failure of sealing gaskets, damage to the housing, or malfunction of the automatic transmission valve body. If, during inspection, oil leaks are found in the pit or on the lift, then it is necessary to contact specialists as soon as possible to troubleshoot the problem. Most often, transmission oil and sealing gaskets will need to be replaced. In a specialized auto repair shop, technicians will be able to determine the causes of leaks and eliminate them.
Control unit malfunctions
Abnormal operation of the transmission ECU can lead to the activation of the emergency mode of the automatic transmission. Typical problems with the control unit are incorrect speed selection and gear shift blocking. To troubleshoot problems, you will need to diagnose the computer, replace failed elements or the entire unit, damaged cables, and contact groups.
Failure of hydraulic or mechanical parts
The self-diagnosis system, when faults are detected in the mechanical or hydraulic part of the box, will ensure that the automatic transmission goes into emergency mode. Common problems are wear of the clutches, malfunctions of the valve body or torque converter. After diagnosing the automatic transmission, it will be possible to determine the reasons for the failure of individual parts.
Features of automatic transmission emergency mode
If the automatic transmission is in emergency mode, then you can continue driving only in third gear. The speed of the car in this case is limited - no more than 60 km/h. Starting a car in emergency mode (for example, in winter) is quite problematic. The emergency mode of operation of the automatic transmission is designed to allow you to get to the service station without calling a tow truck. Operating the car in emergency mode is not allowed, as it can lead to serious damage and, as a rule, expensive overhaul of the automatic transmission. Therefore, if the emergency mode is activated, it is necessary to determine as soon as possible the reason for the automatic transmission entering this mode and eliminate the malfunctions.
What to do when emergency mode is activated
Don't know what to do if the automatic transmission fails? There are two options to solve the problem:
Of course, you can immediately go to a service station for diagnostics and repairs, but it will be more convenient to call an auto electrician to the site of the breakdown. The technician will perform diagnostics and, if the breakdown can be fixed immediately, will perform the necessary work. This way, you can save time on a trip to the service center in case of minor breakdowns, which, after diagnostics, a mobile auto electrician can fix on the spot.
Possible causes and solutions
Let's look at why this problem occurs and how to get the automatic transmission out of emergency mode when you can fix the problem yourself.
The ECU, like other electronics, can simply generate an error. Then the problem is solved simply by analogy with a computer, which after a reboot begins to work correctly - stopping and restarting the power unit in some cases saves the situation. Sometimes resetting the battery terminal can help. But if simple methods for solving the problem did not turn out to be effective, it’s time to conduct a diagnosis.
There may be several reasons why the automatic transmission goes into emergency mode, the main ones being:
- the ATF fluid level has deviated from normal values;
- malfunction of hydraulics or mechanical components of the box;
- incorrect functioning of the electronic control unit.
Deviations in the fluid level in any direction can provoke malfunctions in the operation of the device, as a result of which the automatic transmission goes into emergency mode; the control unit in these circumstances acts as a protective mechanism, protecting against the consequences of underfilling or overfilling.
If there is an excess volume of liquid, the excess will simply need to be removed, and then the ECU error will be reset, and if the amount is insufficient, the cause of this phenomenon should be found and eliminated. A critically low level of lubrication, as well as an excessively high one, poses a danger to the device, so you cannot hesitate here. The result of exceeding the required amount of ATF is foaming; an insufficient amount leads to a decrease in oil pressure in the valve body, oil starvation, which in turn provokes a number of problems, since the box parts are not lubricated and quickly wear out from friction, and their fragments damage other elements. A decrease in lubricant level leads to a decrease in pressure in the valve body, which leads to related malfunctions. Reasons why there is not enough fluid:
- underfilling when servicing automatic transmission. The ATF level is checked using a dipstick; if a lack of volume is detected, the fluid is added. It is important to use the same lubricant that has already been poured into the box, otherwise, as a result of a conflict between additives, the performance will deteriorate. When a critical liquid level is detected, we are talking about a leak;
- violation of the integrity of the automatic transmission housing. Then it’s a pointless exercise, it will still go away, and the emergency mode will become a regular occurrence for the automatic transmission. It all depends on the severity of the damage. Repair work will not be cheap, and sometimes it will be impractical, since its cost can be close to the price of a new box;
- seal wear. You can solve the problem of the occurrence of an emergency mode under such circumstances yourself by simply replacing the worn-out element;
- wear of the gasket between the engine and gearbox. The issue can only be resolved by replacing the element, and the device cannot be removed separately on all brands of cars, so it is better to go to a service center, where the procedure will be performed using the necessary equipment.
An unsuitable one is also one of the provocateurs of incorrect operation of the box and its transition to emergency mode, so you should carefully monitor the materials used when servicing the device.
Malfunctions of the hydraulics or mechanical part of the box
An automatic transmission may indicate a problem due to violations of the integrity of the housing, wear of the friction group, which is not uncommon, or problems with the valve body. Electronic diagnostics do not always give a clear picture of what is happening, because to find out exactly the source of the problem you will have to remove the pan to inspect for dirt, signs of wear - metal shavings, friction dust, etc. It happens that it is necessary to completely dismantle and disassemble the box to accurately assess the condition of the transmission elements .
Worn clutches quickly render the transmission fluid unusable. Damaged gear teeth and wear products of parts, like a domino effect, damage the remaining parts of the automatic transmission, which will eventually lead to a major overhaul of the device.
Incorrect operation of the electronic control system
Often, emergency mode is triggered by a breakdown of the computer, sensors, connecting cables or contacts. Each of the likely sources of the problem requires separate consideration:
- If the automatic transmission regularly drops into gear after warming up to operating temperature, the temperature sensor may malfunction. It needs to be replaced if a problem is identified;
- When switching gears to “D” mode, you can hear a dull knock, followed by activation of the emergency mode. It is also possible to turn it on when moving from first to second gear. Then the reason lies in the breakdown of the input or output shaft rotation sensors. The malfunction is diagnosed by scanning and eliminated by replacing parts;
- Malfunctions of the camshaft, throttle, and air sensors lead to the box being stable in emergency mode or unexpectedly turning it on, but not when shifting gears. The problem is determined by scanning and solved by replacing the required element;
- Poor contact of the cables, among other things, can also provoke shocks, jerks, slipping and other noticeable malfunctions. In this case, the transition to an accident is unstable and can occur at any time. If the diagnostics do not reveal the sources of the problem, we solve the issue by ringing or test replacing the elements;
- Often the precursor to an automatic transmission emergency mode is damaged or contaminated valve body channels, solenoid failures, scuffing in the valve plate, or jamming of plungers. Such problems are caused by low-quality lubricant, as well as untimely replacement;
- when the automatic transmission does not recover from the accident despite all attempts made to correct the situation, the problem is probably a breakdown of the control unit. It is difficult to diagnose such a problem, but a trial replacement of the ECU will clarify the situation.
What to do if the automatic transmission goes into emergency mode
You should respond to the box's signals immediately, since the problem will not resolve itself, and continuing the trip may end in an undesirable way.
The first thing you need to do is stop and turn off the engine, then start it again, then continue the drive in moderate mode and, if the mistake is repeated, solve the problem in other ways.
Further actions, if the problem is not solved, are to measure the ATF fluid level and check its condition, after which it is necessary to act on the situation, correcting it, depending on what deviations were detected.
If previous attempts were unsuccessful and the automatic transmission falls into emergency mode again, you need to immediately go to a service center to diagnose and fix the problem, since self-diagnosis does not always determine the cause of the malfunction.
The transmission goes into emergency mode when serious failures occur to protect the power plant from damage and alert the car owner to visit a service station. At the same time, the car refuses to pick up speed; gears do not change when selecting mode “D”. The Check AT, HOLD, Check Engine, O/D OFF indicators light up on the dashboard. The malfunction may disappear after restarting the engine. Emergency mode allows you to deliver the car to the repair site under its own power, without resorting to the services of a tow truck.
The “HOLD” indicator lights up
If the mechanical and hydraulic parts of the automatic transmission malfunction, it leads to
- Loss of traction - the automatic transmission slips, the car's dynamics decrease
- Jerks appear when shifting gears (Typical problem of incorrect transmission)
- Reverse or forward gears are lost
There is a problem with the operation of the mechanical or hydraulic parts of the automatic transmission. In this case, it is necessary to eliminate the problem at the root. The budget will be significantly different when eliminating the “disease” at an early stage than if you do not pay due attention to the box. Damage to the housing, malfunction of the clutches, there are quite a lot of options here. You need to remove the box and inspect each group separately.
If problems arise regarding wear of parts, it should be remembered that every malfunction in modern units, as a rule, leads to the breakdown of the next parts in the chain. When shocks or jerks appear in the automatic transmission, the sooner the diagnosis is made, the less time and money the owner loses.
The indication lights up when the box warms up to operating condition:
- Temperature sensor faulty (replace)
- Rare oil changes (Leads to increased wear of all internal parts of the automatic transmission)
The box falls into emergency mode, or the indication lights up when the vehicle is moving:
- Malfunction in electrical wiring (No good contact in the connection of terminal blocks)
The box is in emergency mode, or the light comes on when changing speeds:
- Faulty or poor contact of the sensor (Diagnostics required) The electronic control unit receives an incorrect signal from the sensors
Camshaft positions:
- Mass air flow
- Throttle position
- And others
A dull thump when turning the selector lever to position D
- The rotation sensor of one of the shafts is faulty (for diagnostics)
- Poor oil condition (chips)
If the car does not come out of the Accident position, then most often the electronic control unit is faulty.
The electronic control unit is one of the important components of an automatic transmission. On his shoulders lies the management of all processes of the box. If a malfunction occurs, the first step is computer diagnostics
.
The ECU issues an error code
, by which you can quickly understand the malfunction and quickly fix it.
When electrical problems arise, things get a little more complicated. The scanner cannot always detect places of poor contact (oxidation or short circuit). In the event of a malfunction of this kind, it is necessary to inspect the problematic contacts and their continuity.
Deviation from the norm in the transmission oil level
For normal operation of the gearbox, there is a certain range of the required amount of transmission fluid. An abnormal oil level that can cause an emergency operation of the automatic transmission may be:
- overflow when the transmission is above the recommended level;
- underfilling, which occurs when the amount of oil in the box decreases below normal.
Excess fluid in the automatic transmission leads to foaming. Rubbing surfaces are less well lubricated and scoring occurs at the contact points. Increased wear of gearbox parts occurs. Excess oil may escape through the breather. The malfunction is eliminated by draining excess oil. After this, it is necessary to reset the error recorded in the memory of the electronic control unit.
There are several reasons why there is not enough transmission fluid in the box:
- During maintenance, little oil was added. Diagnosed by checking the level. To eliminate the problem, simply top up to normal. It is important to use a similar transmission. Otherwise, a chemical reaction may occur between the automatic transmission additives, which will lead to a significant deterioration in properties;
- The automatic transmission housing has mechanical damage. What to do in this case depends on the extent of the damage. If you continue to add oil, the box will go into emergency mode at regular intervals. To detect the malfunction, you should look for an oil leak similar to the one shown below. Fixing the breakdown can be equal to the cost of a new automatic transmission;
- Failure of the gasket between the engine and gearbox. Diagnosed by the location of the leak. Elimination requires replacing the gasket. This is not so easy to do, since it may require complete dismantling of the power plant with associated units. It is only possible to remove the automatic machine separately on some cars. It is recommended to visit a service station, where specialists will make repairs using special equipment;
- The seal does not hold. You can make the repair yourself by replacing the failed element.
With oil starvation, accelerated wear of contacting surfaces occurs. The separated fragments contaminate the transmission and increase the intensity of damage. The automatic transmission overheats and creates additional stress on the engine. Driving for a long time with low oil levels can result in costly repairs.
Hydraulic malfunctions or physical damage to the automatic transmission
During self-diagnosis, the electronic control unit can detect a malfunction in the mechanical part of the automatic transmission, as a result of which it goes into emergency mode. Worn clutches are the most common reason why the box switches to abnormal mode. Electronic diagnostics do not always work correctly and rarely show an exact breakdown. It is necessary to disassemble the automatic transmission and visually inspect each part.
Broken gear teeth or pieces of friction clutches increase wear on associated automatic transmission elements. Driving for a long time in a car in which the transmission has switched to emergency mode leads to expensive major repairs, therefore, before the car owner has removed and inspected the automatic transmission parts, operating the car is not recommended.
Electronics failure
Problems with the electronic component of the gearbox may be caused by:
- sensors;
- connecting cables;
- contact sockets.
The sensor contacts may oxidize or come off, and this becomes the reason why the automatic transmission goes into emergency mode. The wires used have a small cross-section and are prone to fray and break off. As a result, information stops flowing to the ECU.
To diagnose the culprit of the automatic transmission in emergency mode, you need to read the error using a special scanner. Self-diagnosis is not always able to indicate a faulty sensor, so it is recommended to visually inspect the condition of all accessible circuit elements. If it is impossible to determine the breakdown, it is recommended to change the meters one by one and check whether the emergency mode is activated or not.
Abrasion of valve body channels
A box in which the oil has not been changed in a timely manner has contamination of the hydraulic plate channels. The machine operates with jammed plungers. The transmission is supplied with increased pressure through the channels. Small fragments contained in the liquid damage the aluminum channels. In this case, the box can operate in emergency mode.
To ensure that contamination problems do not arise unexpectedly, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the transmission fluid. The machine requires only high-quality oil. Modern machinery has become highly sensitive to improper maintenance. Measures must be taken before the automatic transmission goes into emergency mode.
Regardless of the reasons why the automatic transmission switched to emergency mode, it is imperative to visit a service center or fix the breakdown yourself. If there is a suspicious grinding noise, it is necessary to turn on the emergency lights and call a tow truck, despite the fact that the automatic machine allows you to move on. In this case, continued operation becomes dangerous for the entire power plant, as it causes accelerated wear of its components. It is important to remember that damage does not go away on its own.
If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below the article. We or our visitors will be happy to answer them
Reason one
: Level is not normal.
This means both underfilling and overfilling. All this disrupts the operation of the ECU, forcing it to turn on emergency mode. When overwatering, you just need to get rid of the excess. If there is a lack of fluid, you need to look for the cause of this phenomenon and eliminate leaks.
Reason two
: problems with the operation of the hydraulics or mechanical part of the automatic transmission.
Here, renovations can greatly ease your budget. emergency mode
may get stuck due to damage to the gearbox housing itself or a malfunction of the friction group. You will have to remove the pan and inspect it for the presence of foreign particles - friction dust, shavings, metal debris, etc. If all this is present, you will have to examine each element of the transmission separately in search of the cause, or conduct an electronic one. Although scanning does not always accurately determine mechanical damage.
Reason three
: problems in the operation of the electronic control system.
The most common reason why an automatic transmission goes into emergency mode
. There are several situations that we will examine separately.
The gearbox is either stably in emergency mode, or goes into it after heating to operating temperatures. The cause may be a faulty temperature sensor, which should be replaced.
The gearbox is either consistently in emergency mode, or goes into it unexpectedly and haphazardly. The reason may be damage to the electrical wiring between the blocks, or malfunction of some of the block connection chips. It can be eliminated by testing the wiring, test replacing the chips one by one, to identify the faulty one.
The gearbox is either consistently in emergency mode, or goes into it suddenly, but not when changing gears. The cause may be faulty sensors: camshaft, throttle, air flow, ABS. Scanning helps identify what exactly is faulty.
When the lever is moved to “D” a dull thud is heard, after which the automatic transmission emergency mode
. Or this mode is activated when moving from first to second gear. The reason is a breakdown of the input or output shaft rotation sensors. A scan may show this. Eliminated by replacing sensors.
The gearbox is consistently in emergency mode and does not want to leave it under any action. The control unit is faulty. Scanning does not always show this, so a test replacement of the unit helps.
Automatic transmission went into emergency mode, Video
We looked at typical cases when the automatic transmission went into emergency mode
. But it would be worth noting that an automatic transmission is such a complex mechanism that the same symptom can correspond to different damage. And only a specialist can make an accurate diagnosis. In order not to overpay for repairs, you should still have your car checked at a car service center.
The automatic transmission goes into an “emergency” if the self-diagnosis system detects a malfunction, which, with further movement, can damage the gearbox. Let's look at the dangers of automatic transmission emergency mode, how to read fault codes yourself, reset the error and find the reason for its occurrence.
The emergency mode of the automatic transmission is intended only to get to the nearest safe stopping place and call a tow truck. However, if the cause of the malfunction is not insufficient oil level, or there is no grinding noise coming from the box, then in most cases you can get to the nearest service station on your own.
What triggers the emergency mode?
- friction dust;
- metal fragments;
- shavings, etc.
If any of this is detected, then electronic diagnostics of the automatic transmission or a careful examination of each automatic transmission unit is needed. Please note that scanning does not always reveal all mechanical damage with maximum accuracy.
- The automatic transmission constantly operates in emergency mode or switches to it immediately after the unit warms up to normal temperature. A typical cause is a broken temperature sensor. Replacing it will solve the issue. A little less often this is caused by overheating, which will help eliminate it. In such a case, it is also worth checking the electrical wiring and block connection chips. Even selective, selective replacement of chips often helps to eliminate the problem.
A possible cause of failure and activation of the emergency mode is sometimes the failure of the electronic automatic transmission system.
Reason one
: Transmission fluid level is not normal. This means both underfilling and overfilling. All this disrupts the operation of the ECU, forcing it to turn on emergency mode. When overwatering, you just need to get rid of the excess. If there is a lack of fluid, you need to look for the cause of this phenomenon and eliminate leaks.
Reason two
: problems with the operation of the hydraulics or mechanical part of the automatic transmission.
Here, renovations can greatly ease your budget. into emergency mode
due to damage to the gearbox housing itself or a malfunction of the friction group. You will have to remove the pan and inspect it for the presence of foreign particles - friction dust, shavings, metal debris, etc. If all this is present, you will have to examine each element of the transmission separately in search of the cause, or conduct electronic diagnostics of the automatic transmission. Although scanning does not always accurately determine mechanical damage.
Reason three
: problems in the operation of the electronic control system.
There are several situations that we will examine separately.
The gearbox is either stably in emergency mode, or goes into it after heating to operating temperatures. The cause may be a faulty temperature sensor, which should be replaced.
The gearbox is either consistently in emergency mode, or goes into it unexpectedly and haphazardly. The reason may be damage to the electrical wiring between the blocks, or malfunction of some of the block connection chips. It can be eliminated by testing the wiring, test replacing the chips one by one, to identify the faulty one.
The gearbox is either consistently in emergency mode, or goes into it suddenly, but not when changing gears. The cause may be faulty sensors: camshaft, throttle, air flow, ABS. Scanning helps identify what exactly is faulty.
When the lever is moved to “D” a dull thud is heard, after which the automatic transmission emergency mode
. Or this mode is activated when moving from first to second gear. The reason is a breakdown of the input or output shaft rotation sensors. A scan may show this. Eliminated by replacing sensors.
The gearbox is consistently in emergency mode and does not want to leave it under any action. The control unit is faulty. Scanning does not always show this, so a test replacement of the unit helps.
We looked at typical cases when the automatic transmission went into emergency mode
. But it would be worth noting that an automatic transmission is such a complex mechanism that the same symptom can correspond to different damage. And only a specialist can make an accurate diagnosis. In order not to overpay for repairs, you should still have your car checked at a car service center.
Here is the first entry. It was a long time ago. All this was a long time ago. As I find time and photos, I will add more. I’ll say right away that this trouble happened at 90,000 miles (exactly according to the book, changing the oil in the automatic transmission, although it was already transparent and did not stink.
And yes, I thank the guys from the forum (ceedclub). They described everything there. So, thanks to them, I made my own box))
So it all started when I was driving home from vacation calmly, 90 talking on the phone with my brother, straight small bumps and then bam such a jerk but in the opposite direction. It was as if someone had caught me in the butt with a cable while I was walking. Well, I'm on the sidelines. Let's see everything is fine. Nothing, no oil anywhere. Well, everything is fine. Let's move on, I put it in D and it won't go. I think it's possible because it's on the side of the road. I give the gas, it doesn’t move, it’s no longer moving. As a result, while driving home, I became bolder and started accelerating. I have never used an automatic transmission before. I determined that this was an emergency mode and that it was in third gear. Well, knowing how the car should drive and taking into account that there are only 4 gears. I got home. I installed it, upset that I don’t know what happened in the automatic transmission. Po sat and called. I think let me start it. Started it up and voila, it flew as before. I probably drove the car around the city at night for an hour. Everything is fine. But after a couple of days it began to appear more and more often. As a result, you left in the morning and after 15 minutes bam and you are in emergency. So here's to the point. This all happens due to the fact that the negative contact on the cable comes off when the automatic transmission heats up to operating temperature. Diagnostics usually show a failure of all automatic transmission electronics. It is better to do the diagnosis while it is hot. How to solve this problem. There are two ways. 1) Simply buy a new cable and install it in the automatic transmission to replace the old one. 2) This means first taking out the old cable, soldering all the tracks (duplicating them with wires). We are talking about the second less expensive one. By the way, at the time when I made my box, this cable cost 4000 -4500 rubles. Now I don’t even know. I soldered the contacts, not to save money. And not the certainty that the same story will happen in the same 90,000 years. I won’t tell you the number of this cable because I didn’t need it (well, if I find it, I’ll add it)
Let's start with what I bought to remove everything and finish the train. -A set of heads (our sizes) -Hyundai oil ATF SP III - 2 liters (well, you never know, although in essence we pour everything into a clean container and pour it back in the same way. In the process, I lost about half a liter, who how. -Oil filter (if necessary) I didn’t take it, because a couple of days before I changed the oil and the filter itself. -Brake disc cleaner (this is for degreasing the area where the pan meets the box) -Car sealant (our usual one took white) - I bought the wires from the auto shop, one meter from the Volgov wiring. You know, they often sell pieces. So I took them. - a soldering iron - narrow ties (this is for tightening the wiring) - well, screwdrivers and a utility knife - oh yes, and confidence (I screwed you up) you understand)))) As it turned out, there is nothing complicated at all in the disassembly. We don't remove the box.
We drive the car into the pit and remove the armor. We unscrew the plug in the pan of the box (first, place a clean container under the oil. We will fill it back in). We unscrew the pan and see the valve body (that’s what it seems to be called, the torque converter is a well-known donut). We turn off the cables, there are two of them, the one we need and the smaller one. We unscrew the hydraulic unit and remove it. You should be careful here; there are springs, they vary in color and hardness. They are in cups and are not secured in any way. I took a picture of the whole thing when I took it out, well, just in case. Next we see a set of clutches\packages. And our train hangs from the driver's side. I fumbled for a long time before I picked it out of its seat. The main thing is to take your time and don’t break the white latch that secures the chip with the wiring to the box from the outside (I broke it like most))), now sometimes I fix it once every six months) There is a stop ring on the outside. We remove it and it calmly comes out of the seat. Solder it contacts. We put everything back together in reverse order. Fill the oil through the dipstick. We check the level with the car running in neutral and everyone enjoy life.))
Drain the oil, unscrew the pan. After removing the pan, unscrew the oil filter.
Here it is the oil filter. After replacing the filter, do not forget to remove the magnets. (photo not mine, there wasn’t that much shavings, that’s already bad)
And don’t forget to check the rings to make sure everything is in place.
I didn't change the filter. That's why the photo is not mine. But don’t forget to move the magnets to the new filter.
Here it is the hydraulic unit. We fold back these 2 cables, the one on the left is what we need.
Remove the switch and pull out the piston.
We unscrew the valve body itself. Marked in red in the photo. But I might have missed a couple since it was a long time ago. I did this, unscrewed it around the perimeter, if it didn’t work. then he tore off all the remaining ones and, without unscrewing them, loosened them completely and watched when it would go.
This is our train.
Here is the removed hydraulic unit and puzhinki. Once you unscrew it, remove it carefully so that everything doesn’t fly apart. They won't jump out, but still. On the left side of the box oil filter you can see a piston and a foot. We saw in the 4th photo when everything was unscrewed.
This latch is invisible. Located outside the box where the connector is connected to the box.
What is gearbox emergency mode?
Owners of manual cars don't know this. If you have a classic automatic and the warning light on the dashboard comes on, your gearbox has gone into Emergency mode.
The automatic transmission goes into emergency mode due to many factors, the main ones being overheating of the box or automatic malfunction.
Must meet quality standards from the manufacturer, and its level is set according to cutting. If this is an overflow, you need to drain it to the mark. Below the required level - there is an oil leak.
What to do if the machine goes into trouble?
In the event of a malfunction of the valve body solenoids or problems with the wiring, a short movement should not result in dire consequences, since the automatic transmission ECU selects the safest operating mode. The concept of emergency mode means that the car moves only at one of the speeds. If the automatic transmission gets into trouble and blocks second or third gear, follow the following procedure:
- stop and check the oil level in the automatic transmission. If the transmission design does not provide a dipstick, look under the vehicle. Leaking transmission fluid is red in color and the characteristic smell of burnt oil indicates that it is not worth driving further;
- move the wiring harnesses going to the automatic transmission. If the reason is poor contact of the engine compartment wiring, under the right circumstances you will be able to temporarily remove the box from emergency mode;
- Turn off the engine and turn off the ignition for 1-2 minutes. If this does not help, disconnect the negative terminal of the battery for 2-3 minutes. On some cars, such manipulations actually allow you to remove the emergency mode;
- If the oil level is normal, continue driving to a safe stop or the nearest service station. At the same time, you need to drive as carefully as possible. Do not press the pedal to the floor, driving the engine speed into the red zone.
Possible causes of malfunction
- Exceeding the operating temperature limits, in other words – overheating.
- Insufficient ATF fluid level, resulting in a decrease in oil pressure in the valve body. Often, a breakdown does not occur at lightning speed and begins to manifest itself through delayed gear shifts, jolts, and shocks when switching.
- Malfunction. To accurately select the moment of gear shifting, efficient acceleration and fuel economy, the automatic transmission electronic control unit is based on the readings of either DBP or TPS. Incorrect operation of the sensors lights up the Check Engine on the dashboard, but can also cause jolts, impacts and the automatic transmission going into emergency mode.
Where should you start diagnosing?
Only the earliest models did without an electronic component. All other units, depending on the model and year of manufacture of the automatic transmission, have an electronic “brain” and a self-diagnosis system. If the automatic transmission in your car has an “accident”, you should start with computer diagnostics. You will need a device to connect to the diagnostic connector and appropriate software to read the information. After reading the current fault codes, look for their decodings on the Internet in order to have a clearer idea of the direction of further searches. The most common causes of automatic transmission emergency mode:
- incorrect gear ratio of individual gears;
- malfunctions in the electrical circuit of the solenoid valves;
- discrepancy between the rotation speed of the input and output shaft of the gearbox.
If there is an error with the solenoid valves, do not rush to disassemble the automatic transmission. It is necessary to diagnose the wiring and the automatic transmission ECU. If you know, then easily check the resistance of the wires of the shaft rotation sensor. You need to remove the connectors from the box body, as well as the automatic transmission control unit connector. Check the wires not only for breaks, short circuits to “-”, “+”, but also for short circuits with each other. This is quite likely in the event of chafing or melting of the insulation. Also be sure to check whether power is coming to the control unit connector and whether there is a reliable ground. The location of the control units, pinout of connectors and wire colors can be found in the vehicle repair and operation manual.
In the video, Ivan Saichenko shows how to properly check the wiring if the automatic transmission is in emergency mode.
Visual inspection and soldering of contacts
When searching for the cause of the emergency mode of the automatic transmission, pay attention not only to the wiring harnesses at the points of their contact with the body, but also to the power connectors themselves. Sometimes, due to corrosion or careless removal/installation, the connector pins simply break off. The automatic transmission can go into emergency mode even if there is oxide on the contacts.
On many Audis and Mercedes, the automatic transmission ECU is located under the front seat, where moisture often gets in. Before disassembling the automatic transmission, it would be useful to remove the control unit board. Even if there are no oxides on it, we recommend making sure that there are no microcracks in the soldering areas and, if necessary, soldering the main contacts.
We recommend disassembling the box to troubleshoot the hydraulic unit, check solenoids, and clutch packs only after a complete diagnosis of electrical circuits and easily accessible elements.
Old automatic transmissions were very reliable mechanisms. Initially, they did not have any complex electronics or control systems. The gears were simply switched alternately, depending on the readings of a pair of sensors; there was no control system, sport modes, and so on. But according to modern trends towards increasing fuel efficiency and vehicle efficiency, more and more changes were made to them. Since the late 80s, automatic transmissions were gradually transferred to electronic control, and in the mid-90s they began to install electronic control units (essentially computers), an economy mode, a sport mode and a winter mode appeared, and there were more and more steps.
Increased complexity and fine tuning of systems have made modern automatic transmissions very reliable.
In the 2000s, automatic transmissions came to their modern form - they began to work in tandem with the engine, controlled by one or two electronic control units; the control itself was transferred to the hydraulic unit of the box. The increasing complexity and fine tuning of systems have made modern automatic transmissions much less reliable.
Like any computer, the electronic control unit can make a mistake and “fail.” In this case, the emergency mode will disappear after stopping and starting the engine. In some cases, it helps to reset the battery terminal. It is not always possible to resolve the error this way. If this does not happen, it’s time to go for diagnostics.
In emergency mode, the car loses its dynamics, the gear does not engage, slowly picks up speed, warning lights are on, indicating that something is wrong with the automatic transmission.
You cannot drive in emergency mode - it exists only to drive a few kilometers to the service station. Typically, in an automatic transmission, in emergency mode, only the third speed is switched on, at which starting and driving take place. Accelerating over 60 in this gear is not recommended; the engine and gearbox will get very hot. Getting off the road in third gear is also not easy, especially in winter.
When the “HOLD” lamp blinks, the automatic transmission goes into Emergency Mode
If the activation of emergency mode is accompanied by the appearance of any persistent extraneous noise from the box, it is better to use a tow truck. Serious auto repair shops that repair automatic transmissions provide a tow truck free of charge.
If the breakdown occurred on the highway, where it is difficult to find a car service center, then you can take a risk and try to get there in an emergency box. But the outcome of this can be different - from “it hasn’t gotten worse” to the purchase of a new automatic transmission. You should drive without accelerating more than 80 km/h, accelerating and braking smoothly, trying not to press the gas pedal to the floor again.
Automatic transmission 722.6 - general questions | Thread starter: Kait
Automatic transmission 722.6, or as the Americans call it NAG1, is a five-speed automatic that was installed on cars of such brands as Mercedes, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Porsche, Jaguar, SsangYong.
The 722.6 automatic transmission has five forward gears, a reverse gear and a neutral gear.
The automatic transmission 722.6 differs from its predecessors in the presence of an electro-hydraulic control system.
This system controls gear shifting as well as torque converter lock-up. The automatic transmission mechanics consists of 3 planetary gears, 3 disc brakes, 3 locking clutches and 2 freewheels. With their help, the automatic gearbox has three downshifts, one forward, one upshift and reverse. The operation of the controls is carried out using hydraulics, which is controlled by the ECU - the electronic control unit of the automatic transmission. The electronic control system of the automatic transmission with high precision regulates the change in pressure indicators in the booster controls during shifting. This can significantly improve switching quality.
In all operating books for Mercedes with automatic transmission 722.6, it was initially stated that these units are maintenance-free and the oil in them does not change during operation. Several years later, which have passed since the start of production of this box, Mercedes nevertheless issued an internal memo in which it was recommended to change the oil in the automatic transmission 722.6 every 60,000 km.
The oil poured into the automatic transmission 722.6 must be in accordance with approval sheet 236.14.
bevo.mercedes-benz.com/bevolisten/236.14_en.html
Teodosio The most common breakdowns that can occur during operation of an automatic transmission.
1. Automatic transmission shift control module (in common parlance, shifter) Chrysler - 52104 468AJ Or rather, it is not the entire automatic transmission shift control module that fails, but only the electrical board installed in it. But the board is not supplied separately, and its repair does not always lead to the expected result, so you have to replace the entire expensive module.
2. With a high mileage and a fairly mature age of the car, the automatic transmission 722.6 may develop another malfunction - a malfunction of the electronic board. The electronic board with speed sensors installed in it on the 722.6 automatic transmission is mounted on a hydraulic control unit, which is located behind the automatic transmission filter. Due to regular overheating, it may fail. A malfunction may also occur in the input and output shaft sensors. These sensors are integrated into the electrical board of the automatic transmission 722.6.
3. Oil leaking through the electrical connector of the automatic transmission. If oil leaks through the connector, due to static electricity, it enters through the automatic transmission wiring. Thus, the control unit fogs up with oil and the brains begin to fail. Failure of the Siemens automatic transmission control unit is quite rare. If the automatic transmission starts acting up, then the first thing you need to check is the connector, which is located on the side of the automatic transmission. If you find an oil leak through it, you need to check the Siemens automatic transmission control unit. It is located next to the shifter; check its condition and, if necessary, wash it with alcohol.
Teodosio Teodosio Despite all this, it must be said that the automatic transmission 722.6 has very high reliability indicators, and it is very difficult to completely disable it. We can say that the automatic transmission 722.6 has established itself as a very reliable unit that can last 200 - 300 thousand km without serious breakdowns.
All of the above faults can be identified during automatic transmission diagnostics, and their elimination can be done without removing the automatic transmission from the car.
Emergency mode of automatic transmission.
If the automatic transmission is severely worn out, or if its elements are faulty, the automatic transmission enters the so-called emergency mode. There are two types of emergency operation modes of the machine - electrical mode and mechanical mode.
When entering emergency mode for any electrical reason, the automatic transmission remains in the gear that was engaged when a malfunction occurs, and the corresponding error is recorded in the memory of the automatic transmission control unit. After stopping the car and restarting the engine, the automatic transmission will operate only in second gear when moving forward, and reverse gear will also be engaged. In this case, control voltage will not be supplied to all solenoids and pressure regulators, and therefore all pressures will be maximum. While in this mode, shifting into gear from park or neutral will occur with a significant impact. At this moment, the main thing is not to panic ahead of time. Of course, repairs and diagnostics will need to be carried out, but it is not a fact that the automatic transmission itself is faulty. It is possible that the problem lies in the wiring or in the automatic transmission shift control module, or the sensors or solenoids may be faulty. In most cases, the automatic transmission is removed from this emergency mode only by erasing errors from the memory of the control unit.
When entering emergency mode for some mechanical reason, the automatic transmission electronics engages third gear or engages the gear that was last successfully engaged. After stopping and restarting the engine, the mechanical emergency mode is turned off and can only be turned on again if this malfunction reoccurs.
You can drive a car with an automatic transmission that is in emergency mode to a service station (emergency mode was created for this purpose). When driving in emergency mode, do not allow the engine speed to exceed 3000. In this case, it is necessary to monitor the temperature of the coolant.
Teodosio Estimated cost of repairing automatic transmission 722.6:
The cost of repairing the torque converter of the automatic transmission series 722.6
(including dismantling and installation of the box, spare parts and gear oil) from 20,000 rubles
The cost of a major overhaul of an automatic transmission 722.6 (removal and installation of the gearbox valve body, spare parts and transmission oil) from 50,000 rubles
The cost of repairing the electronic control unit of automatic transmission 722.6 from 6,000 rubles
The cost of replacing the contact board of an automatic transmission 722.6 is from 15,000 rubles
Teodosio Manual from Mercedes for automatic transmission 722.6
https://jeep-style.ru/media/kunena/attachments/608/722..
Teodosio automatic transmission 722.6 is installed on the following cars:
https://jeep-style.ru/media/kunena/attachments/608/Mar..
Dmitry () https://jeep-style.ru/ob/161-akpp-722-6-obshchie-vopro.. Sashka () Good afternoon, maybe someone has encountered this, please help me, I don’t know where to dig, in short it was like this , first the gearbox started acting up, then there was no 5th gear, then the traction disappeared after I turned off the car and started everything back to normal, then it fell into emergency mode, the obd2 diagnostic says error p0715, the speed sensor was condemned to the board, after replacing the filter board, connector gaskets, etc. .d.
assembled, look at the errors, error p0778 Prassure Control Solenoid “B” Electrical, order the solenoid, change, assemble and do the same thing again, rang the board, solenoids, wires from the brains to the board, removed the brains, looked everything dry, rang the solenoids, even everything is already installed on the board normal, where to dig finally xs, car Mercedes w211 e320 cdi 4 matic Tags:
How to remove a Mercedes automatic transmission from emergency mode
Reasons for the box going into emergency mode
Modern automatic transmissions are complex mechanisms. Unlike their predecessors, modern models are closely connected to the engine, controlled electronically and have a lot of sensors and protections.
The first and most common reason for the automatic transmission to go into emergency mode is an abnormal oil level. Occurs due to a leak in the automatic transmission, oil overflow or abnormal operation of the valve body. If we are not talking about the valve body, it is easy to fix. Leaks in an automatic transmission can be either mild or serious - for example, damage to the automatic transmission housing or the gasket between the engine and the automatic transmission has failed.
Emergency mode occurs due to a leak in the automatic transmission
Such repairs will not be cheap. In mild cases, some kind of gasket or seal is usually responsible for the oil leak.
A low oil level in the box is very dangerous. Some gearbox units stop lubricating normally and begin to wear out, contaminating the entire automatic transmission with their fragments. Other units begin to overheat and this also does not have the best effect on them. As a result, a chain reaction occurs - the weakest and most distant parts break, then all the rest. High oil levels are also dangerous. In the best case, excess oil will be released through the breather. At worst, it will foam and simply lose its properties, leading the automatic transmission to the same picture as with oil starvation.
This can also include the operation of an automatic transmission on “non-native” oil. Some automatic transmissions are so optimized and tuned that they simply cannot operate on oil with slightly different characteristics. The second reason is that the self-diagnosis system detected problems with the hydraulic or mechanical part of the automatic transmission. Most often this is wear of the friction clutches. The electronic diagnostic system will be able to correctly indicate a breakdown only in some cases. In any case, you will need to remove the box and inspect its insides for wear and damage.
One of the reasons for automatic transmission emergency mode is problems with the hydraulic part
Worn clutches will quickly cause the oil to burn, it will saturate the remaining clutches and at one point the automatic transmission will “stop” completely until it is drained. Broken gear teeth or worn-out metal parts will quickly damage neighboring ones, and where one small part needed to be replaced, the entire transmission will have to be changed.
The third reason is a malfunction of the electronic control unit, wiring or sensors. And this is the real scourge of modern automatic transmissions. Most often, this is a bad contact of one of the cables. Most of the contacts in an automatic transmission are very small and thin wires, tracks less than a millimeter thick and cables thinner than a sheet of paper. Damaging such wiring is as easy as shelling pears. Such a small nuisance, in addition to emergency mode, can also give serious symptoms in the form of kicks, jerks, slipping and loss of gears. The transition to emergency mode in this case is chaotic. The automatic transmission can drive safely for a week, but on the weekend it goes into emergency mode on every bump.
A worse option is worn valve body channels. Dirty oil eventually clogs the hydraulic platen channels, jamming the plungers. Or some seal begins to leak.
Dirty oil contaminates the hydraulic plate channels
The result is the same - the valve body goes crazy and opens the valves to the fullest, starting to drive a huge amount of oil through itself. Oil filled with metal fragments acquires properties similar to sandpaper. The aluminum channels of the hydraulic plate wear out very quickly, and very soon the hydraulic unit receives damage that is incompatible with its future life. The abnormal pressure that it begins to supply to the box is also not good for it. A chain reaction begins, which ultimately leads to expensive repairs.
If the automatic transmission switches to emergency mode only when it is cold or hot, the problem may be in the temperature sensor.
When you engage forward gear, the transmission goes into trouble due to a failure of the input or output shaft rotation sensors.
If the box does not exit emergency mode at all, the electronic control unit is most likely damaged.
The most disgusting thing about such breakdowns is the enormous difficulty of diagnosis. The vehicle's self-diagnosis system may not indicate the cause at all. And local experts will shrug their shoulders, offering to change one thing or another. And the reason for everything will be a small torn wire in the very depths of the valve body.
If the box does not exit emergency mode, then the electronic control unit is damaged
Automatic transmission in emergency mode: why does this happen?
Let's start with the fact that today there are several types of automatic transmissions: classic automatic transmissions, robotic gearboxes and CVT variators. At the same time, each type of gearbox is characterized by various malfunctions, and quite often and regardless of the type of gearbox, the machine “goes” into emergency mode. In this article we will look at the classic automatic transmission with a torque converter (hydromechanical automatic transmission), what emergency mode is for an automatic transmission of this type, and also why the automatic transmission goes into an “emergency”.
Automatic transmission emergency mode: what is it?
So, the transmission goes into emergency mode if there is a breakdown or malfunction of the unit. In other words, turning on the emergency mode automatically signals the occurrence of certain problems. At the same time, notifications or warning lights check AT, HOLD, check engine, etc. light up on the instrument panel. If the automatic transmission has an accident, the car stops accelerating dynamically, the sharp response to pressing the gas pedal disappears, gears do not change in D mode, etc. The fact is that in this mode the car starts and moves only in third gear.
At the same time, the emergency mode itself can be considered protective, since its activation allows you to prevent a number of more serious damage to the automatic transmission. The emergency mode of the automatic transmission also allows you to continue driving under your own power to the nearest service station.
In other words, you cannot constantly drive in emergency mode with an automatic transmission, but you can get to a car service center without towing a car with an automatic transmission or a tow truck. Now let's look at why and when the emergency mode of the automatic transmission turns on, the reasons for its activation, as well as options and methods for solving the problem.
Automatic transmission goes into emergency mode: reasons
Let's start with the fact that modern automatic transmissions are quite complex units. At the same time, as practice shows, there are several main reasons why an automatic transmission “falls” into an accident.
- First of all, a low or high level of ATF fluid in the box can lead to malfunctions, resulting in emergency mode being activated at the command of the automatic transmission ECU.
A decrease in level can occur as a result of leaks, while an excess often occurs due to errors during maintenance of the box. For example, too much fluid in an automatic transmission leads to foaming, and not enough fluid leads to oil starvation. The result is a decrease in pressure and deterioration of lubrication; the rubbing surfaces at the contact points wear out greatly. The electronics detect deviations from the norm, emergency mode is activated, and an error is registered in the ECU. For this reason, if the box goes into emergency mode, you need to start by checking the oil level in the machine. It is also recommended to carry out self-diagnosis of the automatic transmission (if possible and if you have the skills to carry out this operation).
- Another reason may be problems associated with the operation of hydraulic devices, as well as mechanical problems. For example, the emergency mode of an automatic transmission can turn on if the automatic transmission case is damaged, the clutches are slipping, worn out, slipping or “burnt”, problems have arisen with the gas turbine engine, etc.
In this case, it is necessary to carry out in-depth diagnostics of the automatic transmission. The check begins with computer diagnostics, but such scanning does not always provide a clear picture of the nature and cause of the malfunction. In this case, it may be necessary to dismantle the transmission pan in order to inspect for the presence of dirt, friction dust, and metal shavings. In some cases, troubleshooting will also require completely removing the automatic transmission and disassembling the unit in order to assess the degree of wear and condition of individual elements.
- The third reason for the machine to go into emergency mode is problems with the electronic control system of the automatic transmission. In this case, the symptoms may be different, the malfunction may be “floating” or persist permanently.
For example, when the transmission is cold it works normally, but after warming up the automatic transmission immediately goes into emergency mode. In such a situation, the culprit is often the temperature sensor, which requires replacement. If the gearbox “falls” into emergency mode unexpectedly, that is, regardless of various factors and conditions, then the cause may be simple damage to the electrical wiring, problems with contacts, etc. In this case, an experienced diagnostician checks the wiring and connections. Let us also add that if the transmission suddenly goes into emergency mode, and such a transition does not occur during gear shifting, then the cause may be the ECM sensors (camshaft sensor, TPS, mass air flow sensor, etc.). In this case, you need comprehensive computer diagnostics of the engine and automatic transmission. Also, problems with automatic transmission often arise when the driver moves the selector to position D or when switching from 1st to 2nd gear. At this time, a blow is heard in the box, then the emergency mode of the automatic transmission is activated. In this situation, there is a high probability of damage to the shaft rotation sensors. We also recommend reading the article about why the automatic transmission pushes, kicks or jerks the automatic transmission. From this article you will learn about the reasons for the appearance of jerks or jerks in the automatic transmission when changing gears. It should be remembered that sensor contacts can oxidize or break, thin wiring often breaks, cables wear out, etc. As a result, communication with the ECU is lost. This is also one of the answers to the question why the automatic transmission went into emergency mode.
To diagnose automatic transmissions in emergency mode, it is better to read errors using a diagnostic scanner, since automatic transmission self-diagnosis is not always able to detect a problem. If the diagnostics do not produce results, then the breakdown should be looked for manually (by checking sensors, “ringing” circuits, etc.).
If the automatic transmission is always in emergency mode, and restarting the engine or resetting errors does not help, and the sensors and wiring are in order, then the possibility of problems with the transmission ECU cannot be ruled out. In this case, they often resort to the method of replacing a block with a known working one for testing purposes.
- A common cause of automatic transmission failure is contamination/damage to the valve body channels, the appearance of scoring in the valve plate, and malfunctions of the solenoids. In this case, the machine operates in emergency mode. The reason is increased sensitivity to the quality of oil in the automatic transmission and fluid pressure.
To avoid such damage, it is necessary to service the gearbox in a timely manner. You also need to use only the ATF fluid that the manufacturer allows for use in a particular type of automatic transmission. Remember, mixing transmission fluid from different manufacturers can cause the additive packages to react, as a result of which the properties of the oil will be changed and malfunctions of the automatic transmission may occur. It turns out that if the automatic transmission has gone into emergency mode, the oil level is normal, but its color, smell, viscosity and general condition are in doubt, then you should diagnose the transmission and be prepared, at a minimum, to completely replace the transmission fluid.
What's the result?
As you can see, there are a lot of reasons why the emergency mode of the automatic transmission turns on. Moreover, even rare activations of this mode, which are eliminated by restarting the internal combustion engine, indicate that the problem with the machine already exists and with a high degree of probability will only progress. We also recommend reading the article about why the automatic transmission does not change gears. From this article you will learn about the main reasons why gear shifts do not occur in an automatic transmission. As for the errors and failures themselves, prolonged driving in a car in which the transmission has switched to emergency mode is not allowed. In other words, in this mode you can only drive to a car service center, while avoiding stress on the internal combustion engine and automatic transmission.
Let us remind you once again that until the breakdown or malfunction is eliminated, normal operation of a car with an automatic transmission in emergency mode is prohibited! Moreover, if the automatic transmission has already “gone” into an accident, but when driving you hear extraneous sounds during the operation of the machine (grinding, humming, crunching, knocking), then it is better to refuse to drive to the service under your own power.
The best course of action in such a situation would be to call a tow truck, since towing a car with a faulty automatic transmission without hanging the drive wheels can lead to even more serious consequences for the automatic transmission, which itself is faulty and has gone into “emergency” mode.
What to do if the box goes into emergency mode?
The first thing to do is “reset” the error. To do this, you need to stop the car, turn it off, wait a few seconds and start it again. Next, you need to drive a few kilometers in quiet mode and see if the error repeats.
The second thing to do is look at the level and condition of the oil. The level measurement procedure may vary depending on the vehicle model.
And finally, thirdly, if the emergency mode of the automatic transmission has not stopped, you must immediately go to a normal service center for diagnostics.
Audi A6 and C7
On Audi A6 and C7 cars, the most common reason for the automatic transmission going into emergency mode is failure of the solenoids and poor contacts. This is due to the new design of the automatic transmission of the Audi A6 and C7, in which the electronic control unit is combined with a hydraulic plate. The electronic control unit of the Audi A6 and C7 constantly overheats, which does not have a particularly good effect on its operation and service life. The solenoids in the automatic transmission of the Audi A6 and C7 last approximately 6–8 years and then they must be changed.
The Audi A6 electronic control unit constantly overheats
But if the automatic transmission of the Audi A6 and C7 has not driven that much yet, the reason is in the sensor or contacts. You can’t do without diagnostics of the Audi A6 and C7. Driving with an emergency automatic transmission in an Audi A6 and C7 is not a very good idea, the gearboxes are not cheap.
BMW E90
The “wrong” oil can “wreak havoc” on a BMW E90. Symptoms may include the BMW E90 automatic transmission going into emergency mode, the engine cooling fan being activated, jerking when driving, the selector locking after moving to position P, clicking when moving to N or P.
Surprisingly, counterfeit or deliberately filled in inappropriate oil is to blame for everything. After flushing the BMW E90 automatic transmission and replacing the oil with the original one, the car will work as it should.
Volkswagen Vento
Vento car can behave very strangely due to poor contact. The Vento automatic transmission will change speeds at 4000 rpm (in sport or economy mode, it makes no difference). The Vento will engage in quarter speed at speeds above 100 km/h and will immediately drop to lower speed when braking. The temperature sensor can also cause an emergency mode in the Vento automatic transmission.
The reason for the emergency mode of the Volkswagen Vento automatic transmission may be the temperature sensor
ZF 4hp16
A simple and even miniature automatic transmission for small front-wheel drive cars. The ZF 4hp16 automatic transmission is quite rare to repair and almost eternal. If a ZF 4hp16 had an accident, almost one hundred percent of its solenoids have lived out their life. Sometimes the ZF 4hp16 comes across burnt clutches and a gear shift sensor. In emergency mode, it is worth looking at the ZF 4hp16 oil and remembering how long ago it was changed along with the filter.
AL4
On cars of the Renault-Peugeot-Citroen concern, a lot of interesting things can happen with this “wonderful” gearbox. The automatic transmission goes into error, and then the sport and snow modes light up at the same time. Snowflake and sport are bad signs for this automatic transmission and usually indicate pressure problems. And this is most likely dead solenoids or a valve body worn down by dirty oil.