Powertrain

 

Powertrain System

The powertrain system includes the engine, transmission ("transaxle” on front-wheel-drive vehicles) and drive axles that work in tandem to move the vehicle. The complexity of vehicles have changed over the years and Custom has changed with them. Custom has the latest diagnostic equipment to troubleshoot the most complicated repair.

Service and Maintenance
While many of your vehicle’s powertrain components such as the driveshaft and the axle shafts don’t require much routine maintenance, as shown below, there are few parts that need periodic attention.

• Check the engine oil level at every fuel fill and add oil if necessary
• About once a month, make sure all tires are inflated properly and check for unusual wear or damage
• Have underbody flushing performed approximately once a year
• The engine’s exterior should be cleaned periodically
• Build-ups of oil and dirt can cause the engine to run hot or hide leaks
• Have your vehicle inspected if the “Service Engine Soon” light illuminates

Your vehicle’s differential is a kind of “unsung hero” within the powertrain system. The differential has two primary responsibilities: directing engine power to the drive wheels and allowing the wheels to rotate at different speeds when cornering. If the wheels couldn’t rotate at different speeds, your vehicle’s tires would display a wheel “hop” effect, thereby making cornering a rough experience for both you and your tires.

Special Note: When an engine or transmission fails a radiator must be replaced. This is due to the engine or transmission contaminating the radiator with excessive gear shavings or other foreign objects.

Points of Interest

• Engine
• Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

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Engine
The engine is the heart of the vehicle. The engine uses internal combustion energy (the igniting of fuel and air) to send power through the transmission or transaxle to the wheels.

Common signs of wear include the engine running rough, high oil and/or fuel consumption, and visible oil smoke while the engine is running.

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Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
The function of the powertrain module is to monitor and control the operation of the ignition, emission, fuel injection and automatic transmission systems.

Common signs of wear include engine no-start, reduced or loss of engine power, and erratic transmission operation.