5 Automatic Transmission Problems You Can't Ignore

Through the years, automatic transmissions have gained complexity with each model year, making them efficient but also susceptible to numerous complications in case of neglect. When such transmission issues come into play, it is quite beneficial to detect them during the onset phase of the problem and abstain from trying to fix it unless you have vast mechanical skills. In this blog, we shall look at numerous automatic transmission problems and their solutions with real-life incidents, steps that one can take to prevent these problems, and the importance of constant professional care.

Common Transmission Problems

Transmission problems can significantly impact your vehicle's performance, safety, and longevity. Recognising early warning signs and addressing them promptly is crucial to preventing costly repairs. Here are five common transmission problems, their causes, and expert recommendations for resolution:

1) Transmission Slipping

When a driver experiences a transmission slip, it is the unexpected disengaging of the gear the driver is driving. There is also a loss of power whenever you are driving, and it may be because the vehicle changes gear and back for no reason at all while there is still some gas on the pedal. Transmission slipping refers to slippage when gears slip due to the failure of the unmatched transmission bands caused by a failing clutch.

• Case Study: One of the car owners said that the car felt slow and at times they lost power while driving up a hill. The car was later examined by one of the specialists and it was found out that the transmission bands had worn out and that is why the gears were slipping.
• Avoid DIY: This can be an advanced fault for a layman to address, and trying to do it yourself without the right skills or knowledge can make most issues worse. Always seek help from a professional automotive technician.

2) Fluid Leaks

The transmission fluid is important as it protects and cools the transmission system. A leaking fluid can lead to problems like shifting in and out of gears, sticking, or overheating of the system. Leaks in the transmission fluid are commonly due to worn out seals or a broken transmission pan.

• Case Study: A driver complained of noticing a pink sticky substance underneath their vehicle. A mechanic attending to the same car noticed a slight fracture in the fluid container, which was causing the leak. Replacing the pan and fixing the seals relieved the issue, which was fixed, and the transmission worked well again.
• Preventive Tip: Make sure to inspect the area underneath the vehicle after parking it for any stains, especially if you have recently driven it. And check that the level of the hydraulic liquid is appropriate regarding the auto fluids.

3) Overheating

Excessive heat can create a problem for automatic gearboxes since they react in an adverse manner, stalling gears or melting seals. This usually happens when the gear is stressed, such as when loaded behind a vehicle, pushing heavy objects, or being driven for an extended period in unfavourable weather.

• Case Study: Transmission overheating was experienced as this car owner regularly towed a trailer. There were several breakdowns before the mechanic recommended putting an additional transmission oil cooler.
• Avoid DIY: Most of the time, overheating damages parts inside the unit, which most DIYers are not familiar with. Inspections and any kind of repairs by a professional are highly advisable.

4) Delayed or Harsh Shifting

If you notice a delay when shifting gears or that your car shifts harshly, it's a clear sign of a transmission problem. The causes can vary, including low fluid levels, a failing solenoid, or wear in the transmission system.

• Case Study: A driver complained that their car jerked violently every time they shifted into gear. A mechanic found that the transmission solenoid was failing and promptly replaced it.
• Preventive Tip: Do not drive in rough conditions, and do not use anything other than quality transmission oil. This can be beneficial to you in averting much of the transmission concerns that come with delay and harsh shifting.

5) Grinding or Shaking

Automatic transmissions are designed to change gears smoothly. If you feel grinding or shaking while shifting, this could indicate serious internal wear or component failure.

• Case Study: One customer came to shift the gears, and when they did, they could hear a loud grinding noise. On investigation, the transmission mechanic stated that the gear or several gears were worn out and had to be replaced.
• Avoid DIY: It can be extremely complicated to diagnose the issue and fix the internal transmission problems as it requires special instruments and tools. Trying to cure this at home may make things worse.

Preventive Maintenance Tips

1. Check Transmission Fluid Regularly: Besides the gears, the transmission fluid is critical in ensuring that one's vehicle is able to shift without slippage. Very low levels of fluid can lead to overheating and gear slipping, among other problems. Make sure that the fluid is clean and not below the recommended level.
2. Use High-Quality Fluids: Poor or wrong transmission oil can erode your transmission with time. Always use the fluid recommended by the manufacturer in order to achieve the best performance.
3. Avoid Overloading Your Vehicle: Besides normal driving, you should avoid carrying heavy loads and, at times, towing some other heavy items like trailers, which places a pressure load on the transmission. If you do a lot of towing, a transmission cooler can be installed to decrease the chances of overheating.
4. Drive Gently: Angled driving, hard acceleration, abrupt brake changes, jumps from higher overdrive gear, etc., are all causing unnecessary stress to your transmission. Keep attempting to drive carefully in order to prolong the life of your transmission.
5. Get Regular Transmission Check-ups: No matter how perfect your car seems to be, in your opinion, a certified professional will conduct maintenance practicals at regular intervals and help discover problems that could be developing in the transmission system before they actually do.

Why You Should Avoid DIY Repairs?

Repairing the issues which the transmission has on your own can prove too hard. Their sheer complexity and myriad of movements do not offer themselves for easiest repairs. Without the right instruments and mechanical understanding, things could get worse. Such components as gears, solenoids, and clutch packs have to be handled with great precision.

Several transmission repair enthusiasts, Non-professionals, have disregarded what is prevailing knowledge within their means, assuming they can put things back together after mismatching, which has made them incur huge losses in transmission repairs instead of seeking help at the right time. Underlying problems such as leaks from the transmission fluid, gears that are gelling, and electrical wiring problems have also proved great levels of professionalism and attention are needed.

Conclusion

There are many common problems that can affect an automatic transmission, ranging from fluid leaks to gear-shifting problems or even complete mechanical failure. Even though many tendencies exist for drivers to try and fix such problems on their own, it is generally a good idea to ask for help. If your transmission slips, overheats, or delays shifting, there is always a professional who can accurately diagnose the underlying issue and treat it.

Excessive prevention such as using high-quality fluids, not rash driving, or getting overhauls every now and then would avoid the early retirement of your auto transmission. To maintain the truck in top condition, rely on competent people for the repair of the transmission, as they possess adequate skills, tools, and expertise.

With the help of these tips, most of the transmission problems can be avoided and the vehicle will serve for long before becoming a problem.