7 Most Common Automatic Transmission Problems

 Grinding or shaking sensation in gear.

 Car won't engage or respond when in gear.
 Makes Noises: whining, humming or clunking, noisy in neutral.
 Smells like its burning.
 Gears Slipping.
 Low or leaking fluid.
 Check engine light is on.

 1. Grinding or shaking
sensation in gear
 Your automatic transmission normally operates smoothly when
shifting from gear to gear. You shouldn't feel any grinding,
slipping or shaking sensations as your car switches gears.
When a transmission is starting to have problems, these
symptoms can seem insignificant. But, it is best to pay
attention at this point because it will likely become worse with
use. If you are already feeling pretty jarring sensations when
the car shifts, it's time to get it in have us look at it. Normally
when automatic transmissions have damaged gears they
progressively get worse.
 Summary: This is a more serious problem and time is very
important. Be sure to get your car to a qualified automatic
transmission specialist soon.

 2. Car won't engage or

respond when in gear
 When you put your car into drive or reverse does it respond
immediately or is there a delay? Does the car's transmission
not engage at all when you put it in drive or reverse? These
are both issues that may signal a problem. It could indicate a
 problem with your fluid whose protective properties have
degraded and has become thick. In this case a good fluid
exchange could help you.
 Other times you may be experiencing a computer system
problem. Sometimes resetting the car's computer can solve
the problem too. You can do this yourself by disconnecting the
battery for around 30 minutes. This can allow it to reset. If this
doesn't help, it's time to let a qualified transmission mechanic
take a look for you.
 Summary: When your automatic transmission doesn't engage or
delays, it's time to have someone look at it. Most problems
from these symptoms are minor, but it's best to find out for
sure so that it doesn't cost $1000's later.

 3. Makes Noises:
whining, humming or
clunking, noisy in
neutral
 If you suddenly start to hear a whining, humming or clunking
noise under your car like you've never heard before, you may
have transmission trouble. That trouble may likely be minor,
but it could signal something worse.
 Some noises that come from your transmission can be caused
by your automatic transmission fluid breaking down. This fluid
has a hefty job of keeping an amazing amount of mechanical
gears and components lubricated. With time and use, that fluid
loses its protective properties and doesn't stop that friction.
Friction is what damages that complex automatic transmission
system.
 If you hear clunking noises and suspect it's coming from the
transmission, your transmission may already have an internal
part giving out. If that's the case, it's important to have a
qualified automatic transmission mechanic look at it right
away.
 Summary: Some noises may be simple problems due to your
transmission fluid, while other times it maybe more serious.
Certainly check your automatic transmission fluid if you can. If
you're low, add some and get into the shop soon to talk with
one of our transmission mechanics about the issue. If you're
not sure and need peace of mind, call or visit the shop right
away.

 4. Smells like its burning

 Your car should NOT have a burning smell and this is
something to be concerned about. One of the most common
causes of a burning smell from the transmission is overheated
fluid. Your transmission's fluid has a super-important role in
protecting this very expensive and complex system running
properly. Mainly it is lubrication.
 When your transmission fluid's lubricating abilities diminish, as
it does with time and mileage, it enables damaging friction
between all the parts. Friction causes the breakdown of parts
and buildup of debris and likely sludge. All of these problems
together eventually lead to a complete transmission
breakdown. That is expensive and quite inconvenient.
 Sometimes the cause is simply low transmission fluid level.
That is usually caused by a leak because in most cars unlike
motor oil, transmission fluid doesn't lessen with time. Also,
this can happen with the wrong type of fluid added to your
particular vehicle.
 Summary: If you smell burning from your transmission it’s time
to act before it’s a big problem. Check your fluid level if you
know how and call or visit us to find out the cause and ease
your mind.

 5. Gears Slipping
 Does your car slip out of gear or lose traction when you need
it? This is a serious safety problem if so. If your transmission is
slipping in and out of gears when you’re behind the wheel, and
you need to give it the gas to avoid a problem, that is scary.
 Your car’s computer tells the transmission when to shift
between one gear and another. It tells your car when to send
power to your wheels. If something is malfunctioning here the
signal is not being properly sent.
 Summary: Slipping gears is a serious safety issue.If your car’s
automatic transmission is slipping in and out of gears, call or
come by the shop, right away – safely. If you feel like you
can’t trust your car to drive it here, call us and we can arrange
a tow for you.

 6. Low or Leaking
Transmission Fluid
 Have you seen a bright red or possibly dirty dark red fluid on
your driveway or garage floor? You are likely seeing Automatic
Transmission fluid. Because transmission fluid should never
leak, this could lead to a very serious and complete breakdown
of your transmission – which is very inconvenient and costly
(often more than a new engine).
 Unlike motor oil, transmission fluid does not normally lessen
due to time and mileage. So, if you’re seeing that you are low
on transmission fluid, then you have a leak somewhere. Low
 fluid can create great friction in your transmission which will
breakdown parts inside and eventually lead to a complete
transmission breakdown.
 How serious is low or leaking transmission fluid? If you do
nothing, it will turn into a very serious problem. But, it doesn’t
have to be that way. Sometimes a leak is a low cost service
just to replace a leaking gasket or possibly a hose. Just
remember, don’t neglect a small problem in your transmission
unless you want a big problem later.
 Summary: Leaks and low fluid are not normal in your
transmission. The repair is likely a smaller one if you catch the
problem early. Look for red fluid under your car to tell if you
have a leak. Get it into the shop right way before it’s a big
problem.

 7. Check engine light is

on
 Your “Check Engine” light is there to help you know there is a
current or upcoming problem in your car. But the light can
indicate a problem from many different systems in your car,
not just your transmission.
 Your transmission contains numerous sensors that can pick up
anything unusual in your transmission – much more than you
can. These sensors send signals to your computer that
something is wrong. Then, the check engine light passes on
that message to you that something is wrong.
 Why have the check engine light checked out? Well, that’s
because if the problem is related to your transmission and an
early detection indicates a problem, your solution may be
small. If you wait, you could have just caused yourself a whole
lot of unnecessary grief and money.
  Summary: If your check engine light is on, have it checked
immediately. It may be a very small thing that your computer
has sensed and could save you 1000’s due to a repair.

 Conclusion
 Many problems with your transmission start off small. Ignoring
the signals like the symptoms listed above usually lead to
super-costly repairs. Some repairs are small and affordable
and they can prevent a huge bill later on. If peace of mind and
your money is important to you and you experience any of
these automatic transmission problems give us a call or bring
your car by the shop to get our opinion.

WHAT SHOULD CAUSE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NOT

SHIFT

One main reason why the automatic transmission in your car may not be
shifting smoothly is the ECM is going bad. It is best to get this checked out
by an experienced auto mechanic technician who understands the electrical
system. Other indicators include bad connections within, or worn out sensors
and faulty solenoids.28 Jan 2016.

1. At the top of all auto repair experts lists for causes of problematic transmissions is low
transmission fluid. Usually caused by a leak somewhere in the system, low or contaminated fluid
makes it nearly impossible for the transmission to automatically shift gears and run smoothly.
The priority for vehicles with low fluid is to flush the transmission, locate and repair the leak,
and replenish the system with fresh fluid. (Read now: “What Color Should My Transmission
Fluid Be?

2. A clogged filter (often the result of dirty transmission fluid) can lead to sluggish shifting and
transmission failure. Filter replacement usually fixes the problem.
3. The torque converter is responsible for pressurizing transmission fluid so that it can provide
the energy necessary to shift transmission gears smoothly. It is also a common source of
automatic transmission problems. According to Cars Direct, “One of the most common problems
associated with the torque converter is worn or damaged needle bearings. If the needle bearings
become worn, you will generally hear strange noises coming from the transmission while in
driving gears….in a driving gear [the car] will make grinding or brushing sounds.”