4 Common Transmission Problems & What They Mean for Your Car
The transmission system is quite a significant part of your vehicle. If it has a problem, your car will not be safe to drive. The best way to gauge transmission problems is to evaluate any abnormal changes in your transmission function. By far and wide, these are the most common transmission problems you're bound to run into. Have a look and see if your car may be a victim of the same.
Slipping gears
Slipping of the gears happens when the gear retracts either to the previous gear or to neutral. This can happen when the vehicle is stationery or in motion. In the case of the latter, your car will be at risk of hitting other cars or being hit. Slipping of the gears can be the result of poor communication by the onboard computer. If this is the case, your mechanic will need to flush the system or replace either the sensors or solenoids. It can also be due to loose clutch bands.
Delayed shifting
Delayed shifting happens when the input gear hesitates before kicking in. On the road, this anomaly is as dangerous as a slipping gear. It can stall your car when overtaking or keep you at high speeds when decelerating. Delayed shifting can mostly be attributed to inadequate transmission fluid. In automatic transmissions, the fluid provides the needed hydraulic power to shift the gears.
A top up may therefore be all it needs to correct this problem. In manual transmissions, delayed shifting is mostly as a result of a worn clutch.
Grinding noise when shifting
Grinding noises when shifting are definitely not a good sign. If your car was stationary, first check to make sure your handbrake is not engaged. If the car was already in motion, the grinding noise could be a tell-tale sign of worn gears.
If this is the case, your mechanic may recommend a rebuild. However, it could also be due to increased friction in the gearbox due to low or poor quality (thin) transmission fluid. This can be addressed though a refill.
Transmission Leaks
A transmission leak can happen if you have a loose drain pan connection underneath your transmission case. It can also be due to a worn-out gasket. These are easy to repair. However, it can also be caused by a damaged drain pan after an accidental hit.
A test can help you get to the root of the problem quickly. To detect if you have a leak in the first place, keep the car running for a few minutes then check for leaks on the ground.
If you detect any unusual behavior or noise from your car's transmission, it's best to call a mechanic such as Auto Torque right away. A professional diagnosis is always the best way to identify the problem and fix it.
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