When your vehicle’s transmission is working correctly, it’s out of sight, out of mind. But when you hop in your car to head to work in the morningand it won’t move, or when it begins making odd noises or sensations while running, it suddenly becomes all you can think about.
So what are the most common transmission problems a vehicle can experience, and what can you do to fix them? We'll cover that here, but first, let's talk about transmissionsand how they work.
Types of Transmissions
There are three types of transmissions: manual (using a clutch and a manual gearbox with a stick shift that you operate by hand), automatic transmissions (you select between park, reverse and drive, but otherwise it shifts itself), and CVT transmissions (Continuously Variable Transmissions, which use pulleys instead of gears). These transfer the engine’s power to the vehicle’s wheels.
How will you know if something is wrong?
Several indicators will clue you in that something is amiss with your transmission. Here are a few of the most common tell-tale signs.
- A transmission fluid leak (look for red or brownish-red spots or pools on your driveway).
- Your transmission shifts rough or slips out of gear, which may feel like the engine is revving up and down with no increase or decrease in vehicle speed.
- Your transmission won’t go into gear (the vehicle will not move).
- Your transmission is clunking, grinding, whirring, humming noise, or shuddering.
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The Most Common Transmission Issues
As we mentioned, there are hundreds of specialized components in a typical vehicle transmission of any type. Any of these components can wear out or fail for a myriad of reasons. However, here are the most common issues.
Leaking Seals: when your vehicle’s transmission is low on fluid due to failed seals that cause a leak, it can lose so much fluid that the internal components fail to work correctly or fail.
Worn-Out Clutch: in manual transmissions, there are several components to the clutch that wear out or can fail over time, causing it not to work correctly.
Old or DirtyFilter:filters need to be replaced periodically, as they can become dirty or clogged.These issues can restrict the movement of fluid in the transmission, which can cause it not to work properly or fail.
Broken Sensors:transmissions rely on electronic sensors to operate correctly, and if one of them fails, it can cause your transmission not to work correctly or even cause damage.
Worn-Out Torque Convertor: in automatic transmissions, your vehicle relies on the torque converter to transfer power. When it fails, your vehicle won’t operate correctly.
Worn-Out Gears: as gears age, they begin to wear out, which can cause slipping (especially in manual transmissions).
Overheating: just like your vehicle’s engine, your car’s transmission depends on fluids to help keep it cool. If your car has low fluid ordirty or worn-out fluid, it can overheat.
Bad shift solenoids: solenoids are similar to sensors in that they tell the transmission what to do, but failed solenoids may be more expensive to replace.
Broken bands: your transmission has many bands that help bind the gear sets together that enable smooth, repetitive shifting. If they begin to wear, the components will begin not to engage and may break.
Software failure: besides sensors, your transmission usessoftware components to operate correctly and communicate with the rest of the systems in your car. If there is a software failure, your transmission may not work properly.
How do you fix it?
Depending on the issue (low fluid is an easy DIY job), most transmission problems can only be properly diagnosed and repaired by a reputable mechanic.
Most transmission repairs require specifictools and replacement parts to get them back up to speed. This requiresspecialized experience and education, which is why you'll want amechanic to address the issues.
Vehicle transmissions are one of the more complicated components of a vehicle and, consequently more difficult to repair or replace.
How can you prevent your transmission from failing?
While not all failures can be prevented, proper transmission maintenance is the most important thing you can do to help keep your vehicle on the road and out of the shop. Having your vehicle’s transmission properly serviced and inspected regularly will save you both time and money, so schedule your service today
FAQs
Many automatic transmission slipping issues can be fixed by adding more transmission fluid to the system. Draining worn-out fluid and refilling it with fresh transmission fluid can also be a remedy. If the transmission is leaking fluid, you'll need to find the source.
How do I find out whats wrong with my transmission? ›
Time for Transmission Repair? 5 Signs of a Faulty Transmission
- Burning Smell. A burning smell says a lot about your vehicle's safety and functioning. ...
- Strange Noises When Your Car is In Neutral. ...
- Trouble Switching Gears. ...
- Leaking Fluid. ...
- Vibrating or Shaking.
Common Automotive Misdiagnoses – 10 Engine Problems That Get Misdiagnosed As Transmission Failures
- Oil leaks. ...
- Faulty spark plugs. ...
- Engine misfire. ...
- Fuel delivery problems. ...
- Clogged catalytic converter. ...
- Faulty speed sensor. ...
- Broken temperature sensor. ...
- Malfunctioning interlock switch.
Transmission Rebuild
The rebuild transmission option can completely revive your transmission. While the transmission rebuild cost is often higher than transmission repair cost, it will get you back on the road and running smoothly. It is also often at a lower cost than a transmission replacement.
How can I reset my transmission? ›
Turn off your vehicle's ignition and wait patiently for 5 to 10 seconds. Start the engine and allow it to idle for several seconds. Switch off the ignition and wait patiently for another 30 to 40 seconds. Repeat these steps 2 to 3 times in order to reset your vehicle's transmission control module.
Can you fix a transmission yourself? ›
Fixing your own transmission can save money on labor, but you'll need to spend it on tools and parts. Professional services at Stonum Automotive may cost more, but we provide expertise and a guaranteed transmission repair.
How do I know if my transmission sensor is bad? ›
One of the most common signs of a bad speed sensor is abnormal automatic transmission operation. If the VSS is faulty, the transmission may exhibit symptoms such as delayed shifts, hard shifts, and limited gear operation.
What is the most common cause of transmission failure? ›
1. At the top of all auto repair experts lists for causes of problematic transmissions is low transmission fluid. Usually caused by a leak somewhere in the system, low or contaminated fluid makes it nearly impossible for the transmission to automatically shift gears and run smoothly.
How do I test my transmission? ›
Press the brake pedal and move the checkpoint handle sequentially from P (parking) to D (drive) and R (reverse), holding each for 3-5 seconds. The car reaction to switching should be barely perceptible, with a delay of no more than a second. There should be no kicks or extraneous sounds.
What are the symptoms of a bad transmission control module? ›
Signs of a Bad Transmission Control Module
- Unpredictable shifting.
- Trouble shifting into higher gear.
- Trouble downshifting.
- Getting stuck in the same gear.
- Poor fuel economy.
- Check engine light comes on.
Engine misfires and faulty spark plugs can also cause issues with your transmission. A misfire, bad spark plugs, or poorly performing engine parts contribute to a reduced overall performance level, which is bad news for your transmission, engine, and other components.
Can an O2 sensor cause transmission problems? ›
For example, in some situations an oxygen sensor can cause poor shifting in your transmission - if the engine isn't running correctly, the transmission control module may misinterpret when and where it's supposed to be shifting, causing erratic behavior at the transmission.
What will happen if my transmission filter is clogged? ›
A clogged filter can cause the transmission to work harder, leading to increased wear and tear. Over time, this can result in extensive damage and the need for a costly transmission rebuild or replacement.
Can you fix a transmission before it goes out? ›
Some transmission issues can be fixed with a simple in-vehicle repair or software update. But if the transmission has failed internally, it will either need to be rebuilt (if possible) or replaced.
Is it cheaper to fix a transmission or replace it? ›
Repairing is a good option if minimal parts and labor are needed to bring the manual or automatic back to working condition. Repairs are cheaper than transmission replacements and rebuilds. Average transmission repair costs range from $300 to $1,400.
Can a damaged transmission be repaired? ›
Transmission repair is ideal for minor fixes. This type of repair can include fixing specific components, in-car repairs, various adjustments, and resealing jobs. Transmission repairs do not require the transmission to be rebuilt completely. This type of repair is not an option for transmissions with extensive damages.
Can you fix transmission going out? ›
Depending on the issue (low fluid is an easy DIY job), most transmission problems can only be properly diagnosed and repaired by a reputable mechanic. Most transmission repairs require specific tools and replacement parts to get them back up to speed.
Are transmission issues worth fixing? ›
However, repairing the transmission is a better and less expensive option unless your vehicle's transmission breaks down prematurely. When a vehicle attains a particular mileage count and age, it doesn't really make much sense to get a new transmission.
Is a transmission failure fixable? ›
Some transmission issues can be fixed with a simple in-vehicle repair or software update. But if the transmission has failed internally, it will either need to be rebuilt (if possible) or replaced. Many dealerships and full-service repair shops no longer rebuilt transmissions.
