Detecting 6 Common Automatic Transmission Problems

There are two types of transmissions that vehicles can be built with. These include either an automatic transmission or a manual transmission. If you have any plan for a long drive out of town driving in a remote area and suddenly you realize that the automatic transmission of your vehicle is not working.

Now, what is your automatic transmission troubleshooting solution? This kind of situation does not arise all of a sudden. However, your vehicle starts giving enough warning signs well in advance, to detect such failures. For that reason, here is the list of automatic transmission problems.

Some of The Most Common Automatic Transmission Problems

If there is a mechanical problem with your vehicle, it will start giving distinct sounds and a lack of response from your vehicle. Not only that, It will release the unusual smell of the burning fuel. In an electrical problem case, the vehicle dashboard might even start indicating!

If you are noticing something out of place in your vehicle, then you should consider it to be a problem sign.

1. Transmission fluid level and leaks

Low Fluid Levels or Leaks
Always provide regular checks on transmission fluid levels. (Photo: Mericar)

The most common problem is transmission fluid level check or leak. If you see any liquid red or black in the garage under your vehicle, this could be transmission fluid. Don’t panic and get your vehicle immediately checked. Auto transmission problems mostly can be avoided by changing the filter and fluid in a timely manner as per manufacturer specifications.

 2. Slipping transmission

Automatic Transmission Problems
Slipping transmission is always a nightmare for drivers. (Photo: fast eddy vision geneva 14456 @ Youtube)

If you are driving in a certain gear and suddenly, the gear automatically shifts to another one. It also appears unusual sound coming from underneath the vehicle. In some cases, your vehicle suddenly starts falling underpowered.

It could be a sign of wear and tear in your transmission line. As terrifying as it sounds, you need to get your vehicle checked immediately.

3. Electric component failure

Automatic Transmission Problems
This is a quite common one in the automatic transmission problems list. (Photo: Marjan Laznik/Getty Images)

Imagine while driving home, you detect damage in the vehicle speed sensor or some fuse. Feeling bad, right? Yet it can get even worse since it could be an electric component failure.

Of all automatic transmission problems, this may not allow the Electronic circuits to control the transmission. You will have a vehicle that cannot work properly. Sadly, your vehicle must be fixed this issue as soon as possible.

4. Broken flax plate

Automatic Transmission Problems
The flax plate is easy to check. (Photo: flmmaz/Youtube)

In the list of automatic transmission problems, a broken flax plate is the easiest to spot. You can check the flax plate state just by looking.

A broken or damaged flax plate (alternatively called flywheel) will not transfer complete engine power to the transmission.

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5. Gear shift lock

Automatic Transmission Problems
You don’t want to park with first gear, trust me. (Photo: Nissan Owner Channel/Youtube)

Imagine you can only drive on the street in the first gear. Terrible right? In the automatic transmission problems list, the gear shift lock is by far the most dangerous. The vehicle goes into the first gear but refuses to shift into another gear. This could be caused by the transmission shift solenoid. It pushes the transmission fluid throughout the system and if it is broken or jammed could result in not transmitting enough power as you drive. When automatic transmission problems shifting gears happen, shift lock release mechanism might be the best solution. Make sure you know how it works.

6. Transmission overheat

Automatic Transmission Problems
Don’t ever ignore overheating transmission signal. (Photo: M5Board)

One of the automatic transmission problems that require much attention is the overheating transmission. Especially, if u are owning a Toyota car, this is a common issue among Toyota automatic transmission problems,

This usually happens due to burnt, dirty, or no fluid. The driver should replace this fluid immediately to avoid further damage to the vehicle. Whenever you feel such issues with the transmission, you should bring your vehicle to professional vehicle mechanics.

Note: A few small notes while driving with an automatic transmission: only use the right foot for both the accelerator and brake pedal; Always apply the brake when changing manual gear and absolutely do not shift to N when moving.

In addition, some models that use an anti-slip differential may have a manufacturing defect that causes a rattling sound when steering, and loss of control when cornering. The annoying sounds of idling once again indicate that the transmission fluid is due to be changed, or could be a sign of more serious mechanical damage. However, most of the noise is generated because the bearings or gears in the gearbox have worn out and need to be replaced.

Final Thoughts

An automatic transmission car is a type of car developed later, with many new improvements to bring the most complete experience to the user. However, in addition to the outstanding advantages of an automatic transmission, this transmission still has some disadvantages or problems. Hopefully, you will find useful knowledge in our article. Don’t hesitate to comment any questions in the comment box below!