It’s been a long time since most of us drove a manual transmission. Pushing the clutch in, adjusting your speed, staying in action throughout the drive – it all seems so difficult now. 

And most drivers agree. Manuals now make up less than 1 percent of all new cars sold. When people buy new cars, they want ease, they want to get in and drive. They want automatic transmissions. 

You agree? 

We get it; automatic transmissions give you a smooth, hassle-free driving experience. But like any mechanical system, they’re not without their quirks. When an automatic transmission starts acting up, it’s not only inconvenient—it can also lead to costly repairs.

Fortunately, with a bit of care and attention, you can avoid many common transmission problems. Do you know the common causes of transmission trouble? And maybe more importantly, how to recognize early warning signs and how to prevent issues before they happen?

Understanding Your Automatic Transmission

Your car’s transmission is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels, adjusting gear ratios to provide the right amount of power for various driving conditions. Automatic transmissions do this seamlessly, without the need for a clutch or manual gear shifts.

Take a peek under the hood. You’ll find all the components for an automatic transmission there. It’s a complex system made up of:

• Gears to allow your car to accelerate and decelerate smoothly.
• Hydraulic system that uses transmission fluid to operate the clutch packs and control gears.
• Torque converter to transfer engine power to the transmission while allowing the car to idle.
• Electronic Components, sensors, and control modules to ensure precise shifting and smooth operation.

When any of these components fail, you’ll notice problems with your vehicle’s performance.

Exploring Common Issues with Automatic Transmissions

If you’ve been driving for a while, chances are you’ve experienced one of these common issues with automatic transmissions before. 

Transmission Slipping

You press the gas, but the engine revs without the car accelerating as expected. This is often due to worn-out clutch packs or low transmission fluid.

Delayed or Hard Shifting

If you feel a noticeable delay or jerk when shifting gears, it could be a sign of a failing solenoid, a dirty transmission valve body, or fluid issues.

Overheating

Excessive heat is the number one enemy of your transmission. It can cause fluid breakdown, wear on internal components, and even complete transmission failure.

Fluid Leaks

Transmission fluid is vital for cooling and lubrication. A leak can lead to low fluid levels, causing overheating and mechanical damage.

Check Engine Light

Many transmission issues trigger the check engine light. Codes related to solenoids, fluid pressure, or temperature can help pinpoint the problem.

Recognize any of the above? That’s the first step in prevention. 

How to Prevent Transmission Problems

Cars on the road are aging. That’s a testament to engineering and how much better cars are made today. Thirty years ago, the average passenger car made it just over 8 years; today it’s pushing 13.6 years. 

The problem lies with keeping a car well-maintained. The mechanics of a car may mean you can drive longer, but if you don’t keep up with maintenance, costly repairs will be close behind. The best way to avoid costly repairs is to take proactive steps to care for your transmission. Here’s how:

Check and Replace Transmission Fluid Regularly

Transmission fluid is critical for lubrication, cooling, and hydraulic operation. Over time, it degrades and collects debris. How often? Check your owner’s manual, but most vehicles need a transmission fluid change every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Use the dipstick to ensure fluid levels are adequate and look for discoloration (dark or burnt-smelling fluid needs replacement).

Avoid Overheating Your Transmission

Heat is a major cause of transmission wear. Driving habits and external conditions can significantly affect the temperature. Install an auxiliary transmission cooler if you regularly tow or haul heavy loads. Avoid stop-and-go driving in hot weather whenever possible. Don’t “ride” the brakes or overuse the accelerator.

Be Mindful of Driving Habits

How you drive affects your transmission’s lifespan. Avoid sudden starts and stops, which stress the transmission. Come to a complete stop before shifting between reverse and drive. Don’t drive with your hand on the gear selector—it can lead to unnecessary wear on internal components.

Fix Leaks Immediately

Transmission leaks often start small but can lead to major damage if ignored. Check for puddles of red or brown fluid under your car. Inspect seals, gaskets, and cooler lines regularly. Have any leaks repaired promptly by a professional mechanic.

Service the Transmission on Schedule

Regular maintenance is key to preventing transmission problems. Have the transmission inspected during routine service appointments. Replace the transmission filter (if your car has one) and clean the pan to remove debris. Update the software for electronic control modules, if recommended by your car’s manufacturer.

Signs Your Transmission Needs Attention

We say it a lot around here: Spending a few minutes listening and observing your car each day will benefit you. Pilots do a preflight check before every flight. While that might not be necessary when you’re in and out of your car each day, a couple times a week could save you. That’s because even with good maintenance, problems can still arise. 

Recognizing early warning signs can help you address issues before they become serious. You might notice:

• Shuddering or Vibration: Often felt during acceleration, this can indicate torque converter issues or worn-out transmission mounts.
• Unusual Noises: Grinding, whining, or humming noises may suggest internal component wear.
• Burning Smell: Overheated transmission fluid produces a distinct burnt odor.
• Fluid Discoloration: Healthy transmission fluid is typically red or pink. Dark or brown fluid indicates contamination.
• Gear Slippage or Delays: If your car struggles to shift gears or slips out of gear, have it inspected immediately.

When to Call a Professional

While some maintenance tasks are DIY-friendly, most transmission issues require professional expertise:

• Persistent Symptoms: If you experience ongoing slipping, hard shifts, or overheating, it’s time to schedule an inspection.
• Fluid Flush or Replacement: Flushing the transmission requires specialized equipment and should only be done by a trained mechanic.
• Software Updates: Modern transmissions rely on complex software that may need updates or reprogramming.

One of our professional mechanics will use diagnostic tools to identify problems, recommend repairs, and ensure your transmission remains in peak condition.

If your transmission is acting up or you’re overdue for service, don’t wait—schedule an appointment with us today. Our expert mechanics can diagnose, repair, and maintain your transmission, keeping you on the road with confidence.