List of Transmission Problems (5 Pro Tips)

In this brief guide, we are going to provide you with the car Transmission Problems that your car might have and what you can do to rectify these problems before they worsen.

Nowadays, automotive transmissions have become remarkably reliable and are considered to be the most dependable systems in a vehicle. Nevertheless, in this blog, we’ll go through the most common Automatic Transmission Problems that a car driver may come across.

What are the common car transmission problems?

Most of the common car transmission problems are:

• Grinding or shaking sensation in gear.
• No response when in drive
• Burning smells.
• Gears Slipping.
• Low or leaking fluid.

Why is grinding or shaking sensation in gear a car transmission problem?

Because shaking or grinding  would mean the transmission is not functioning smoothly as car transmissions are designed for a smoother drive than manual. Therefore if you’re experiencing grinding when you accelerate then it means you have a problem.

What signs are shown by this transmission problem?

Shaking or grinding itself can be taken as a sign of this car transmission problem because vehicle transmissions are not meant to shake when loaded or accelerated. 

How to fix this sign of a transmission problem?

Visiting your trusted mechanic or service center at the earliest is possibly the only way to fix this issue as the shifting solenoids might be worn out and it requires experience and expertise to repair this problem.

Why is no response when in drive mode a car transmission problem?

As a drive is important for any vehicle and if a gear is not engaging as it should then there is definitely a problem with the vehicle internal transmission components.

What signs are shown by this transmission problem?

If you are finding it difficult to engage or if the gear is not engaging at all then this can be taken as a sign that the transmission is not functioning well.

How to fix this sign of a transmission problem?

The drive engagement problem can be fixed by visiting a mechanic checking if there is a problem with the mechanical part of the particular gear in the transmission. Also the shifting solenoids need to be checked and repaired.

Why is Burning smells a car transmission problem?

If you get a burning odor, your transmission fluid is probably overheating due to clutch debris, breakdown of metallic components and sludge. Therefore this sign is a cause for concern.

What signs are shown by this transmission problem?

The smell itself should be a good sign that there is something wrong with your automatic transmission. However you will get a more detailed sign if you use a software diagnostic tool.

How to fix this sign of a transmission problem?

Check the car transmission oil and its level. If it is too low then fill the required amount of oil in the transmission. If it is too dirty, then drain the entire oil from the transmission and fill it again. Also check for any debris and discarded materials. 

Why is Gears Slipping a car transmission problem?

These modern vehicle transmission gear systems are not designed to slip and if you are experiencing slippage then it is definitely a sign of a problem with the mechanical components of the transmission.

What signs are shown by this transmission problem?

You will be able to hear the gear slip while driving and this would be a good sign if there is slipping. Also, an error code will be displayed if you use a diagnostic tool.

How to fix this sign of a transmission problem?

The solenoids of the two gears might be worn out and need to be replaced. Also, there is a chance that these solenoids might also be broken. Rarely, complete mechanical failure occurs with these transmissions.

Why is Low or leaking fluid a car transmission problem?

Modern car transmissions are leakage proof systems and if anything is leaking out of them then it is definitely a sign of a problem which may cause serious trouble for you in the future. 

What signs are shown by this transmission problem?

You would get an error such as P0842 or errors in the similar range which are associated with transmission fluid pressure. If these sensors get a low pressure this will indicate there is not enough fluid and a leakage somewhere in the transmission.  

How to fix this sign of a transmission problem?

Finding where the leak is and closing it, is the most obvious solution to fix this sign before it causes mechanical damage to your car. Usually the gaskets or the seals in the transmission are worn out or broken to cause a fluid leak.

How to diagnose these Car common transmission problems precisely?

As most of these problems can be felt while driving you can tell immediately the cause of the problem. If you want to pinpoint the cause then you can use a software diagnostic tool to be plugged into your transmission control unit but it is recommended to use one as written in the manual.

How to prevent getting these problems in the first place?

To prevent these problems you should also change the transmission oil as recommended by the manufacturer. Also, you should service your vehicle at the recommended time or after specified miles from the previous one.  

FAQs: Car transmission problems

What happens when your car has transmission problems?

Transmissions can overheat and essential gears can slip, surge, or become ground down, and especially in the case of automatic transmissions, total vehicle failure can occur. therefore, without the right amount of clean and debris-free transmission fluid.

What are early signs of transmission failure?

The early signs of transmission failure are:

• Burning Smell: this is one of the most common sign of failing transmission
• A Low Level of Fluid: This indicates Transmission fluid is leaking 
• Check Engine Light: Also one of the most common signs 
• Abnormal Appearance of the Transmission Fluid: This means something critical has failed.
• Odd Noises: Usually indicated mechanical components are failing
• Sluggish Performance: This indicated gears are not engaging swiftly
• Grinding and Shaking: There is unwanted friction in the transmission
• Hard to Put the Transmission in Gear: the gears are not engaging smoothly

Conclusion

In this brief guide, we have provided you with the common Automatic Transmission Problems and what you can do to rectify these problems before they worsen.

If you have any questions or comments please let us know.

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