6 Common Problems with Automatic Transmission
A vehicle can have two types of transmissions. These include automatic transmission or manual transmission. If you are planning a long trip to a remote area outside the city and suddenly you notice that your car’s automatic transmission is not working.
So what are the troubleshooting solutions for automatic transmission? This situation does not happen suddenly. However, your vehicle will give you enough warning signals in advance to detect such a breakdown. For this reason, here is a list of automatic transmission problems.
Some of the most common automatic transmission problems
If your car has a mechanical problem, it may make a noticeable strange noise and become unresponsive. It may also have a strange smell like burnt fuel. Electrical problems may also cause a display to appear on the dashboard.
If you notice something wrong with your car, you should consider this as a sign of a problem.
1. Transmission oil level and leaks
Check your transmission oil level regularly. (Photo: Meriker)
The most common problem is a rising or leaking transmission oil level. If you see red or black fluid under your car in the garage, it could be transmission fluid. Don’t panic and have your vehicle inspected immediately. Automatic transmission problems can usually be avoided by changing filters and fluids in a timely manner according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
2. Gear slippage
A strange noise can also come from under the car when you are driving in one gear and it suddenly shifts into another gear automatically. In some cases, the vehicle may suddenly lose power. It could be a sign of worn transmission lines. It may sound scary, but you should have your car checked immediately.
3. Electrical component failure
Imagine you’re on your way home and realize that your car’s speed sensor or fuse is damaged. That sounds bad. However, it could be a worse problem, as it could be a faulty electrical component. Among other problems with automatic transmissions, it could be that the electronic circuitry is no longer able to control the transmission. When that happens, the vehicle will no longer function properly. Unfortunately, this problem needs to be fixed as soon as possible.
4. Broken Flat Discs
Among the list of automatic transmission problems, a broken flat washer is the easiest to identify. You can see the condition of the flat discs at a glance. If the flat disc (also called the flywheel) is broken or damaged, not all of the engine’s power will be transferred to the transmission.
5. Shift Lock
Imagine you can only drive in first gear on the road. Gross, right? On the list of automatic transmission problems, locked gear is the most dangerous. The vehicle will put into first gear but refuses to shift into another gear. Your transmission’s shift solenoid could be the culprit.
It pumps transmission fluid through the system, so if it fails or becomes clogged, you may not have enough power while driving. If you are experiencing automatic transmission problems while shifting, a shift lock release mechanism may be the perfect solution. Make sure you understand how it works.
6. Transmission overheating
One of the most common automatic transmission problems to watch out for is transmission overheating. This is a common problem with Toyota automatic transmissions, especially if you own a Toyota.
To avoid further damage to the vehicle, drivers should have this fluid replaced immediately. If you notice any such transmission problems, be sure to take your car to a professional auto mechanic.
Note: Quick tips for driving with an automatic transmission: Use only your right foot on the accelerator and brake pedals. Always brake when shifting into a manual gear and never shift into N while driving.
Also, some models with anti-slip differentials have a manufacturing defect that can cause a rattling noise when steering or loss of control when cornering. Annoying noises while idling could indicate that the transmission fluid needs to be replaced or could be a sign of more serious mechanical damage. However, most of the abnormal noises are caused by the transmission bearings and gears that have worn out and need to be replaced.
Final Thoughts
Automatic transmission cars are a late-developing type of car with many new improvements to provide users with the most complete experience. However, in addition to the great advantages of automatic transmissions, this transmission still has some disadvantages and problems. We hope you will find some useful knowledge in our article. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask them in the comment box below.
