Common Auto Transmission Issues

car gear system

Most cars in the market today have an automatic transmission system. These engines have a host of components which include mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic. These components are expected to work in perfect synchronization. Any disruption in timing is what breeds transmission problems. Some transmission issues can be easy to understand whereas others might require professional diagnostics. Here are some common problems observed in cars with automatic transmission systems.

Noise

A noisy engine or transmission system is a sure indicator that something is wrong with your car. It is worth noting that the nature of these sounds varies considerably from car to car. But if you hear some whining, buzzing, whirring, or clanging noises, you can be sure that something is wrong with its transmission. These sounds often occur during transition speeds, when the car starts decelerating or accelerating, and the intensity gives you an idea of the magnitude of the problem.

Loose Transmission

There might be cases where your car is not able to go into gear or stay once it is shifted. This is often characterized by a sudden jerk every time the vehicle attempts to engage a different gear. In worst case scenarios, the jerk might be significant to the extent of making you feel as if you might have been rear-ended. These anomalies in gear changes are often indicative of looseness in the transmission system.

Leaking Transmission Fluids

gear systemLeaking fluids are very common to any transmission system. You do not have to see the leaks; you only need to look at the indicator. From there, you are required to locate the source of the problem, which can be easily identified by looking at the last time you changed the transmission fluids. A recent change could mean that the losses are around the valves or joints and if the transmission fluid has not been changed for a while, check the gaskets and the filters.

Vehicle Not Moving

It is rare to find a transmission system failing abruptly without offering some signs. But if your car suddenly stops due to a transmission problem, the only way to fix this is to go for a transmission overhaul. However, if you need to get some warning before the failures, there is a high chance that the transmission system is still intact. Look at things like cable connections to the gear shifter, broken bushing, or issues with the drive shaft.

Author: Draven Roberts