Navigating Troubles With Your Vehicle's Transmission
Transmissions are necessary for any vehicle, ensuring power is transferred from the engine to the wheels. However, like any other part of your car, transmissions can develop issues over time. Identifying and addressing these problems can save you from expensive repairs or complete transmission failure.
Common Issues with Automatic Transmissions
Automatic transmissions rely on complex gears, clutches, and fluid pressure systems to shift gears smoothly without driver input. Some common issues with automatic transmissions include slipping between gears, delayed or no shifting, or jerking sensations during gear changes.
Diagnosing an automatic transmission problem involves assessing symptoms while considering factors like vehicle age and mileage. In some cases, diagnostic tools may be used to read error codes stored in your car's computer system that could indicate specific components requiring attention.
Common Issues with Manual Transmissions
Manual transmissions use a clutch system instead of an automatic torque converter to manage gear changes by temporarily disengaging the engine from the drivetrain while shifting gears manually using a stick shift lever. Some typical manual transmission issues include difficulty engaging or disengaging gears, clutch slippage, or dragging can also indicate that your transmission is starting to be impacted by these problems.
Similar to diagnosing automatic transmission problems, manual transmission issues can be assessed based on the specific symptoms exhibited by your vehicle. In some instances, a test drive or visual inspection may reveal worn or damaged components, such as the clutch disc, pressure plate, or throwout bearing.
Problems And Issues With The Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid plays a crucial role in automatic and manual transmissions by providing lubrication and cooling to internal parts while aiding in smooth gear changes. Over time and use, this fluid can degrade or become contaminated with metal particles from natural wear and tear within the transmission.
While some vehicles have sealed transmissions without user-serviceable dipsticks for checking fluid levels and quality, others allow for the routine inspection of transmission fluid condition. If you can access your vehicle's transmission dipstick, pull it out and assess the color of the fluid. Fresh fluid should be bright red or clear with a slight amber tint, while dark brown or blackened fluid indicates it needs changing. Additionally, burnt smells coming from your transmission may signal that it is time for a fluid change.
Overheating Transmission Problems
Another of the leading reasons for transmission failure is overheating, which increases friction between internal components and wears them out over time. Some common factors contributing to overheating include heavy towing loads without proper cooling systems installed, blocked or restricted air intake vents around radiators responsible for cooling transmissions fluids, and low coolant levels due to leaks within cooling systems themselves.
For more information, contact a transmission service near you.