Three Common Issues With Automatic Transmissions And How To Identify Them
If you're driving a car with an automatic transmission, you may have noticed some odd behaviour. With an automatic transmission, the vehicle can automatically shift between gears. This makes it easier to drive and increases fuel efficiency. However, sometimes your transmission will act up and cause problems. Automatic transmission services can help identify and fix these issues.
Here are some common problems that may cause your transmission to act up:
1. Slipping Transmission
If you notice that your vehicle is slowing down when you're driving, or it slows down when you're accelerating, then chances are that your transmission is slipping.
A slipping transmission can be caused by a number of different things, but the most common cause is worn-out clutch packs and bands in the transmission. When these parts wear out, they become less flexible and will sometimes not fully engage their gears.
Other causes of slipping transmissions include:
A bad torque converter: A torque converter is an integral part of a car's automatic transmission because it converts engine power into hydraulic pressure, which then turns the wheels
Worn-out clutches or bands: Clutches and bands are what connect and disconnect each gear in an automatic transmission to allow for smooth shifting between gears without any interruption in power delivery or speed change between them.
A malfunctioning valve body: The valve body controls how much fluid flows through each section of your car's automatic transmission so that it can engage each gear properly when needed.
Regular automatic transmission services can help maintain the transmission by catching and fixing minor issues before they become major ones.
2. Leaking Fluid
A leaky transmission is a major problem that requires immediate attention. The fluid inside the transmission helps lubricate gears, provide a cooling mechanism for the engine, and transfer power to your car's drive wheels. If you notice any of these symptoms of a leaking transmission, have your automatic transmission serviced as soon as possible:
- The car will not shift gears smoothly, especially when you accelerate or brake.
- You can hear a whining noise when driving at high speeds.
- Your car's engine may overheat.
3. A Noisy Transmission
A noisy transmission is usually caused by faulty bearings or internal gears rubbing together. This can happen for various reasons, including:
- A build-up of dirt and grime inside the transmission.
- An incorrectly installed clutch disc or pressure plate.
- Failure of an axle shaft seal or gasket.
If you've identified any of the above issues, then it is important to get regular automatic transmission services from a qualified professional to ensure your vehicle is running smoothly.
For more info about automatic transmissions, contact a local company.