Asked by Charlie, Jasper GA
Collision damage to transmission
Truck, post front-end collision
THE QUESTION
We had a truck come in after a serious front-end collision. The engine got damaged so we replaced parts and got it running. Now the transmission acts strange — it wasn't hit directly and looks fine. Could a collision damage something related to the transmission even if the transmission itself wasn't struck? What should we check?
MIKE'S ANSWER
What I would do at MDC
This is exactly how I'd diagnose it: Verify transmission temperature with a scan tool.
Compare pan temperature with an infrared thermometer. Measure cooler inlet and outlet temperatures. Verify torque converter clutch operation. Check engine cooling fan operation.
Road test while monitoring: TCC slip RPM, Gear commanded vs. actual and Transmission temperature. Engine coolant temperature If needed, perform cooler flow and line pressure tests.