Car transmission problems are some of the most dreaded situations any car owner would wish to avoid.
Not only are they hard to diagnose, but they also cause a lot of damage that would require expensive repairs when diagnosed late.
But if one takes a little time and effort, most of the transmission issues can be identified and in some cases even fixed without professional help and a lot of money.
Here, you will find information about car transmissions, problems that may occur, how to solve them, and when it is better to consult with a professional.
Understanding The Basics of Car Transmissions
It is important to know what a transmission does before going straight to fixing it; therefore, let us define the term. The transmission is an essential part of your car’s power train system.
It transmits power from the engine to the wheels, which makes your car move. It also enables the engine to run at a variety of speeds with a range of gears to cater to various driving situations.
There are two main types of transmissions:
Manual Transmission:
The driver controls the movement of the gears through the use of a clutch pedal and a gear stick.
Automatic Transmission:
This has the advantage of not having a clutch pedal to control gear shift, with the car shifting gears depending on speed and load.
Modern vehicles may also come with Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) or Dual-Clutch Transmissions (DCTs) which are partly manual and partly automatic.
Common Transmission Issues
Slipping Gears:
This happens when the transmission either changes to an unexpected gear or cannot sustain a certain gear.
Sometimes, the engine RPMs may rise without a corresponding increase in speed, which is another indication of slipping gears.
Delayed or Harsh Shifting:
If the car takes time to shift gears or shifts roughly, this is a sign that either the transmission fluid or clutch or any other internal part is having issues.
Transmission Fluid Leaks:
Transmission fluid is vital for the smooth operation of your transmission. Leaks can lead to low fluid levels, resulting in overheating and damage to the transmission.
Burning Smell:
A burning odor can be a sign that the transmission fluid is overheating or that the transmission itself is overheating, which could lead to significant damage.
Troubleshooting Transmission Issues
So, now that you know about some of the most frequently reported transmission problems, it is crucial to understand how to diagnose these concerns.
While some problems may require professional advice from a top-rated mechanic shop, others can be evaluated and possibly treated at home.
- Check Transmission Fluid Levels
The first and often the easiest type of diagnostic measure is to check the level of the transmission fluid.
It is very important to maintain the proper level of the transmission fluid and to change it regularly because low or dirty transmission fluid can cause many transmission problems, such as slipping gears, delay shifting, and overheating.
Steps to Check Transmission Fluid:
Park the Car on a Level Surface: Make sure your car is stationary and idling, and the ground is as level as possible. Most cars should be in “Park” mode, but there are models that require a different mode, so consult the owner’s manual.
- Locate the Transmission Dipstick:
The transmission dipstick is most likely to be found close to the engine compartment. It is normally identified and has a colored handle, usually red.
- Check the Fluid Level:
Take out the dipstick and use a clean cloth to clean it before putting it back in the car till it is fully inserted then you pull it out again to check the level of the fluid.
The level of the fluid should be between the high and low limits indicated on the dipstick.
- Assess the Fluid Condition:
The fluid should be clear, and the color should be bright red or pink.
If it is dark in color, has a burnt smell, or contains particles, then it is high time to change the transmission fluid.
What to Do if Fluid Levels Are Low?
If the fluid is low, add the correct type of transmission fluid that should be used according to the type of automobile that you own (consult the car’s manual for details).
It is also important not to overfill, as this may also lead to other problems that one may not be ready to handle.
- Check for Transmission Fluid Leaks
If your transmission fluid level is consistently low, you might have a leak. Transmission fluid leaks are usually easy to spot because of the bright red or pink color of the fluid.
Steps to Check for Leaks:
Inspect the Ground: Look under your car for any puddles or stains. Transmission fluid typically leaks from the front of the vehicle.
- Examine the Transmission Pan:
The transmission pan is located at the bottom of the transmission. Check for signs of fluid around the pan, bolts, and gaskets.
- Check the Cooler Lines:
Transmission fluid is circulated through cooler lines to prevent overheating. Inspect these lines for any cracks or loose connections.
- Diagnose Gear Slipping:
Gear slipping is a common problem that can be quite irritating and, at times, can lead to accidents.
If you are experiencing slipping in the transmission, then the transmission will not engage properly in the correct gear, which will cause a power drop and acceleration problem, and in extreme cases, it will damage the transmission.
- Troubleshooting Gear Slipping:
Check the Transmission Fluid:
Make sure the volume is right, and the fluid is clean. If the fluid is low or dirty, then it means that the fluid has to be added or replaced depending on the current state.
- Inspect the Clutch:
If your car has a manual transmission, you should have the clutch checked or replaced if it has worn out.
- Consider the Torque Converter:
If both the fluid and the clutch are in proper condition and slipping continues in an automatic transmission, then the torque converter should be checked by an expert.
- Look for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs):
If you have a check engine light then use an OBD-II scanner to check the codes stored in the computer. Perhaps these codes will shed a light on what can be behind this slipping.
- Managing Delayed or Harsh Shifting
Shifting too early or too late can be problematic and can mean one thing, there is something wrong with the transmission.
This can result from a low level of transmission fluid, a faulty sensor, or internal transmission problems.
Steps to Diagnose and Fix Delayed/Harsh Shifting:
- Check Transmission Fluid:
As usual, the first step is to check the level and state of the liquid that is in the battery. Contaminated or low quality fluid can cause shifting problems.
- Inspect the Transmission Filter:
There are certain transmissions that have a filter that may get plugged up after so much use through time which will lead to poor circulation of the fluid and hence the shifting problems.
If you have a transmission filter for your car then it is advisable to replace it.
- Examine the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS):
Automatic transmissions are also managed through the position of the throttle by the TPS and shifting.
A bad TPS can cause either a delay in shifting or very rough shifting. The TPS should be checked with a multimeter or by a professional.
Takeaway
Transmission issues in your car can range from minor inconveniences to major problems that require immediate attention.
While some issues can be diagnosed and potentially resolved with basic troubleshooting at home, others demand the expertise of a professional mechanic to ensure your vehicle remains safe and reliable on the road.
For expert assistance, reach out to Eric’s Car Care. With the help of our skilled technicians and commitment to quality service, we can accurately diagnose and repair any transmission problems.
