A vehicle’s transmission is full of unique parts. So it’s easy to live without ever discovering the valve body. This unique piece of hardware serves as the brain behind an automatic transmission, delivering transmission fluid to the appropriate areas depending on the gear setting or movement. Its unique web of channels and passages moves transmission fluid to the appropriate gear at the right time.

Like all vehicle parts, the transmission valve body will need maintenance over time. Even if the rest of your transmission is in top-tip shape, it can’t operate without its central nervous system—the brain behind it all. Discover how to test a transmission valve body.

Identify the Problem

A valve body problem will cause the transmission to behave noticeably differently than normal. While you can’t pinpoint bore wear or reduced spool seals without visual confirmation, you can hear and feel problems in the way your transmission shifts gears.

Perform the Vacuum Test

The primary method for assessing transmission valve body efficacy is the vacuum test. Since the valve body features an intricate maze of passageways, the only way to understand the movement between them is under vacuum-sealed conditions. The vacuum creates an entirely new atmosphere wherein hydraulic parts operate without the influences of the outside world. This environment is a near-perfect replication of the ideal situation. Using the vacuum test ultimately brings technicians closer to the problem at hand.

Disassemble the Transmission

A malfunctioning valve body indicates a larger problem with the transmission itself. The transmission is much more than the brain behind the movement. When you want to test the transmission valve body, you should disassemble the entire transmission first.

If you need to research how to test a transmission valve body, the chances are that you have a significant problem with your transmission. Should you get to the bottom of your issue and need replacement pieces, our team at Transparts Warehouse can help you. As one of the premier automatic transmission parts suppliers, we pride ourselves on our ability to solve all transmission-related issues the first time around.