Automatic Transmission Problems

Car models with automatic transmission produced initially were very simple, as they were more dependent on their mechanical components. The new breed of automatic transmission cars however, depend on a host of components - mechanical, hydraulic and electronic - all working in perfect synchronization. In fact, this perfect synchronization is a key to your car transmission, and disruption of the same is what causes your automatic transmission to falter.

What is an Automatic Transmission?

A transmission is the device that transmits the power generated by the engine to the drive wheels of your car via the axle. In front-wheel-drive cars power is transmitted to the front wheels, in back-wheel-drive cars it is transmitted to the back wheels, and in all-wheel-drive or 4-wheel-drive (more commonly known as a 4X4), the power is transmitted to all the four wheels in varying proportion. But how do you know whether a car has a manual or an automatic transmission? Very simple: While a manual transmission car has three foot pedals - clutch, brake and accelerator, an automatic transmission car has just two - brake and accelerator. A manual transmission car has a gear shift; which is replaced by a lever for parking, neutral, and engage in a car with automatic transmission.

The engine of a car runs best at a particular RPM, and the job of the transmission unit in a car is to transfer optimum power at any stage using a variety of gears, keeping the RPM in a comfortable range. This is why you will always use the first gear when moving from a standstill. As your speed increases, you will keep shifting into a higher gear. You do this gear-change manually using the clutch and gear lever in a car with a manual transmission. A car with auto-transmission will not require you to make the gear changes, it will do it automatically using a range of sensory equipment.

Diagnosing problems with the transmission is much more easy when it is manual transmission, as rough shifting of gears is the most obvious symptom of the same. When you try to shift gear manually, you get the feeling that the shift is not smooth. You immediately take the car to an authorized mechanic where the fault is rectified, causing a minimum dent to your pocket. This is usually not possible with an automatic transmission, which is considered to be a disadvantage of this transmission type. As the transmission problem symptoms in this type only become obvious after considerable damage is done - which can be a bit too late, the chances are that the damage can be major and cost you hefty sum in repairs.

Problems With an Automatic Transmission

As we mentioned earlier, the synchronization of various components of automatic transmission is important; and without it, you are bound to experience a rough ride. The automatic transmission on the latest automobiles consist of a variety of components. These include: Planetary gear sets, the hydraulic system to control and activate the clutch, the torque converter which acts as a clutch allowing the vehicle to come to a standstill with engine running and in gear, the governor and throttle cable monitor that senses when to shift gears (in older models), and the onboard computer which senses various parameters thus facilitating precise gear shifting, and giving you the freedom to choose between settings for high power or better mileage.

How all these components work is a very complex subject. The working of all of these components in perfect harmony requires high precision and split-second accuracy. The malfunctioning of even one component can cause undesired results during transmission shifting. Smooth shift happens when you can't hear it, but instead feel it when at the same acceleration your power suddenly drops down but speed increases. There is something wrong when you can feel the gear changing, but at the same time also hear a clinking noise from the gearbox. Furthermore, there is something really wrong when you feel a shudder with each gear shift. You should also keep an eye for transmission fluid (oil) leak, as well as its color and odor, if you are to diagnose automatic transmission problems before considerable damage is done.

Taking Care of Your Vehicles Automatic Transmission
Since you do not have any role in gear-change when using a vehicle with automatic transmission, the chances of the gears getting faulty due to human error are non-existent. The main ingredient that will keep the automatic transmission performing like new is the transmission oil. You know how important changing the engine oil on time is, and the serious damage that can occur in case you don't. Same is the case with changing transmission oil, but this is one area that is very often neglected, thus resulting in sudden and serious damage to the transmission.

If you get your vehicle serviced at a company specified service outlet, you don't need to worry about the various oil changes that your car requires. In all likelihood your vehicles entire service details will be maintained, and all the required changes and servicing will be done on time. The problem is that most will go to such service outlets only when their vehicles are new. The general assumption is that once the vehicle gets old, even the local mechanic will do. This is one reason why you must keep a maintenance record of all servicing and oil changes made - right from the day you bought the vehicle. Engine oil change is a regular feature and will be done at every servicing. You should know when this oil was last changed and, more importantly, when it has to be changed next.

Refer to the car manual, and always follow what your vehicle manufacturer suggests. They have done a lot of R&D to know what suits your vehicle best, and how often you have to change the transmission fluid to avoid problems. If your manufacturer suggests that you change your automatic transmission oil after every 40,000 miles, do it on time. To be on the safer side, get the oil change done around the 35,000 miles mark. This will not harm in any way, but will ensure that the transmission unit keeps performing like new.

One of the prime reasons for automatic transmission problems which occur after the oil is changed is using the wrong grade of oil. Every manufacturer clearly mentions what grade of oil is to be used in case of oil change. Make sure that your mechanic uses the specified grade of oil, and not some variant simply because the ideal oil is not available or the new variant is inexpensive. Using wrong transmission oil, however small the difference may be, could prove extremely fatal for your vehicles transmission unit. It is also possible that your mechanic has told you that he has used the specified grade of oil, but in reality has used oil of some other grade, possibly left-over after changing the transmission oil for some car of a different make. Always make it a point to be present when your mechanic is getting the oil changed. Also make sure that he changes the oil filter. Using an old filter will contaminate the clean oil getting with all the previous oils contaminants.

There are several other minor problems that may occur with an automatic transmission. Proper and timely care is all that is required to avert any damage. Most of the problems that you may notice might just require some minor tuning. If you notice that the gear does not shift smoothly or shifts at odd times, the problem could be a minor one with the on-board computer. Some settings could have got disturbed, causing the problem. What is usually required is reconfiguring the computer resulting in smoother and timely gearshifts. A delay in getting this done will have no impact on the computer, but on the mechanical parts that help in the gear change.

When you give your car for a normal service always ask the mechanic to check for even the slightest leakage of oil from the transmission unit. If a leak is noticed ask the mechanic to get the leak sealed off. If the leak is of extremely minor nature and the mechanic says that the oil leak requires a gasket change that would require him to remove the entire unit, ignore it for the time being but do get it replaced when going in for an oil change. Just make sure that the oil level is maintained, and occasionally keep checking for an increase in the oil leakage.

When a Problem is Noticed, Act Immediately

As you get used to the transmission smoothly changing gears, you will be able to notice even the slightest change when the unit performs undesirably. Do not wait for later; instead visit your mechanic as soon as possible and ask him to do the needful. It could be something very minor that can be solved immediately, but by ignoring it you are likely to spell trouble for yourself as the underlying problem is likely to get more serious, and eventually affect other components of the car. If ignored for a long time, even small problems can lead to major malfunctioning - which may require a total overhaul in return.

It is always good to be alert and wise. The moment you notice something amiss, you should resort to professional help. It doesn't only apply to your automatic vehicles transmission, but applies to absolutely any vehicle, and absolutely any component. Minor issues are known to snowball into major problems. what can be solved in a few dollars when done on time, can cost you a fortune. More the time you take in addressing the problem, the deeper will the hole in your pocket get!