7 Most Common Problems with Automatic Transmissions
An automatic transmission is a critical system in your vehicle that requires proper care and attention to keep it working continuously. Many people don’t realize that replacing an automatic transmission can be more expensive than replacing an engine. Therefore, if you want to avoid major repairs, it’s important to look out for the following symptoms and problems on this page.
Automatic Transmission Symptoms to Watch Out For
An automatic transmission is a highly complex mechanical and computer-controlled system. For this reason, repairing an automatic transmission can be more expensive than repairing an engine (depending on the specific car). This means that when these symptoms appear, it is better to pay attention to them rather than ignoring them or waiting for them to go away. Neglecting maintenance can cost you a lot of effort and money.
1) Wobbling or trembling sensation when walking
Automatic transmissions usually operate smoothly when shifting from one gear to another. You should not feel any scraping, slipping or shaking sensation when changing gears in your car. If you have a problem with your transmission, these symptoms may seem insignificant.
However, it’s best to be careful at this point, as it may get worse over time. If you’re already experiencing a significant jerky sensation when shifting gears in your car, take a look. Damage to gears in an automatic transmission usually only gets worse.
Summary: This is a more serious problem and time is of the essence. Take your car to a qualified automatic transmission specialist immediately. 2) Car won’t lock or respond when in gear
Does your car respond immediately or with a delayed reaction when you put it into forward or reverse gear? Does the gearbox not engage at all when you put your car into forward or reverse gear?
Both are issues that can indicate a problem. This could be an indication of an issue with the fluid that has lost its protective properties and become more viscous. In this case, a proper fluid change could help. It could also be that there is an issue with the computer system. Sometimes resetting your car’s computer will fix the issue.
You can do this yourself by disconnecting the battery for about 30 minutes, which will allow it to reset. If this doesn’t fix the issue, consider having a qualified transmission mechanic take a look. Summary: If your automatic transmission isn’t working or is lagging, have someone check it out. Most of the issues resulting from these symptoms are minor, but it’s best to be sure you don’t lose thousands of dollars later.
3) Noises: A whine, buzzing, or clattering noise becomes louder when idling.
If you suddenly hear a whining, groaning, or rattling noise under your car that you’ve never heard before, you may have a problem with your transmission. This issue is likely minor, but it could be indicative of a more serious problem.
Some noises coming from your transmission could be caused by faulty automatic transmission fluid. The main role of this fluid is to keep a huge number of machine gears and components lubricated. Over time and use, this fluid loses its protective properties and is no longer able to prevent friction – what damages complex automatic transmission systems.
If you hear a rattling noise and think it is coming from the transmission, an internal part of the transmission may already be faulty. In this case, it is important to have it checked immediately by a qualified automatic transmission mechanic.
Summary: Some noises may be due to a simple problem with the transmission fluid, but some may have a more serious cause. Be sure to check your automatic transmission fluid if possible. If it’s low on oil, add oil and come to a shop immediately to discuss the problem with a transmission mechanic. If you’re unsure or worried, call us or visit a workshop right away.
4) You smell something burning
Your car shouldn’t have a burning smell, but it’s a cause for concern. One of the most common causes of a burning smell coming from your transmission is overheating of the fluid. Transmission fluid plays a very important role in protecting this very expensive and complex system from functioning properly. It is primarily used for lubrication.
When the lubricity of transmission fluid decreases over time and mileage, it can cause harmful friction between all the parts. Friction can cause parts to break down and dirt and possibly mud to build up. When all these issues combine, you eventually end up with complete transmission failure, which is expensive and very unpleasant.
Sometimes, it may simply be due to a low transmission fluid level. This is usually caused by a leak, because unlike engine oil, most cars’ transmission fluid doesn’t decrease over time. This can also happen if the wrong type of oil is added to your vehicle.
Summary: If you have a burning smell coming from your transmission, it’s time to address it before it becomes a big problem. Check your fluid levels if you know how, then call or visit us to find out the cause and rest assured.
5) Slipping Gears
Is your car slipping out of gear or losing traction when you need it? If so, that’s a major security issue. It would be horrible if your transmission was slipping in and out of gear while you were behind the wheel, forcing you to accelerate to avoid the problem. Your car’s computer tells your transmission when to shift gears. It tells your car when to send power to the wheels. If something goes wrong here, the signal won’t be sent properly.
Summary: Gear slippage is a major safety issue. If your car’s automatic transmission slips in and out of gear, be safe and call us or come to a repair shop right away. If you feel like your car isn’t trustworthy to drive here, call us. We can arrange for a tow.
6) Low or Leaking Transmission Fluid
Have you seen a bright red or possibly dirty dark red fluid on your driveway or garage floor? You are likely seeing Automatic Transmission fluid. Because transmission fluid should never leak, this could lead to a very serious and complete breakdown of your transmission – which is very inconvenient and costly (often more than a new engine).
Unlike motor oil, transmission fluid does not normally lessen due to time and mileage. So, if you’re seeing that you are low on transmission fluid, then you have a leak somewhere. Low fluid can create great friction in your transmission which will breakdown parts inside and eventually lead to a complete transmission breakdown.
How serious is low or leaking transmission fluid? If you do nothing, it will turn into a very serious problem. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. Sometimes a leak is a low cost service just to replace a leaking gasket or possibly a hose. Just remember, don’t neglect a small problem in your transmission unless you want a big problem later.
Summary: Leaks and low fluid are not normal in your transmission. The repair is likely a smaller one if you catch the problem early. Look for red fluid under your car to tell if you have a leak. Get it into the shop right way before it’s a big problem.
7) Check engine light is on
Your “Check Engine” light is there to help you know there is a current or upcoming problem in your car. But the light can indicate a problem from many different systems in your car, not just your transmission.
Your transmission contains numerous sensors that can pick up anything unusual in your transmission – much more than you can. These sensors send signals to your computer that something is wrong. Then, the check engine light passes on that message to you that something is wrong.
Why have the check engine light checked out? Well, that’s because if the problem is related to your transmission and an early detection indicates a problem, your solution may be small. If you wait, you could have just caused yourself a whole lot of unnecessary grief and money.
Summary: If your check engine light is on, have it checked immediately. It may be a very small thing that your computer has sensed and could save you 1000’s due to a repair.
Conclusion
Many problems with your transmission start off small. Ignoring the signals like the symptoms listed above usually lead to super-costly repairs. Some repairs are small and affordable and they can prevent a huge bill later on. If peace of mind and your money is important to you and you experience any of these automatic transmission problems give us a call or bring your car by the shop to get our opinion.