Although automatic transmission problems will take several forms, consumers, as well as general mechanics, often misdiagnose them. Many think that whenever a transmission exhibits any symptoms at all, such as: slipping, banging, hard or soft shifts, or fluid leaks, it must be replaced with a new or rebuilt one. This is not necessarily the case. Many can be repaired for far less than the cost of a replacement.
Since we know that no one wants to purchase a transmission if it were to turn out they didn’t need one, an expert transmission technician with the proper diagnostic equipment must be consulted. A systematic check by a professional is the only way to establish the real cause of operating problems and their solutions.
Each symptom may have a number of possible causes; many requiring no more than a minor adjustment or repair. A problem with the vehicle’s on-board computer or sensors can produce symptoms that lead the uninformed to believe the vehicle is in need of a transmission when, in actuality, it needs a far less expensive electrical component.
If your vehicle exhibits any of the following symptoms, a professional diagnosis is the next logical step before a commitment is made to spending a lot of money on what could prove to be unnecessary repairs.
- A “Check Engine” or “Service Engine Soon” light is shining on the dashboard.
- Fresh Fluid Stains Under the Vehicle.
- Strange noises of any kind.
- Vehicle has Lack of Power. You get no surge of power when you press the pedal to the floor.
- Delayed Engagement in drive or reverse when the vehicle is cold. Vehicle won’t move or shifts late during the first few minutes of operation.
- No Engagement in Drive or Reverse. You place the shift lever in drive or reverse and nothing happens. Even racing the engine won’t move the vehicle.
- Slippage. Engine races but vehicle moves slowly or won’t accelerate as it should.
- Rough Shifting, Clunking into Gear. Noise or harsh feeling when transmission is placed in gear or when it shifts from one gear to another.
- The Shift handle is hard to move or doesn’t point to the proper range.
- The Shift indicator must be slightly off P or N to start car.
- An odor coming from under the hood or underneath the vehicle.
Many of the above are minor difficulties that can be easily cured. Only a transmission professional will know for sure, and only after a diagnostic procedure has been performed. Should you experience any of these, contact a certified transmission technician and allow him or her to go through a complete diagnostic check before committing to any sizable investment.
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