Gearbox Problems

A vehicle is a machine and like any other, it is also prone to failures or problems. The transmission system of a car or truck has one of the most complex mechanisms. Higher the complexity, higher are the chances of glitches and troubles. Gearbox troubles can be a real headache, as they can paralyze the car, until the gearbox is completely fixed. Any kind of problem with gearbox should be mended with the help of a professional, as the working of a transmission system is complex and you wouldn't want to complicate things further. But, some basic knowledge can help you in preliminary troubleshooting. The most commonly encountered transmission problems are listed below, along with their signs and symptoms. Along with the issues, we will also discuss how to deal with them.

Transmission Fluid Leak
Most of the trouble with a gearbox is caused by fluid related problems. Automatic transmission fluid is nothing but a lubricant used to lubricate the moving parts of a transmission system. It also acts as a heat sink to absorb all the heat energy generated inside the gearbox. This leak is caused due to several reasons like broken seal and poor installation. Fluid leakage generally starts, either due to the loosening of the filler tube or if the pan gasket is defective. Due to the fact that the transmission system is exposed to very high temperatures, it can experience a lot of wear and tear and there is an eventual break down which can cause the fluid to leak.

Gear Slipping
This is the second most commonly encountered car transmission problem. Slipping symptoms are:

• Delay in transmission - even after pressing on the gas, the response in the vehicle's acceleration is delayed.
• Increased RPM - abnormal rise in engine's revolutions per minute.
• Abrupt Downshifting - while driving at a constant speed on a higher gear, the vehicle abruptly shifts a lower gear without you changing speeds.

This problem has been attributed to incorrect transmission fluid levels, broken transmission bands or gears. Sometimes this problem can also be due to internal clutch or band. But, the best remedy for this kind of problem is to regularly check the fluid levels.

Surging of Transmission
Surging of transmission means abnormal jerking movements experienced while changing gears. As the transmission engages and disengages, a problematic gearbox does not make a smooth transition into the changed gear, and the engine takes time to adjust to new resistance offered by the wheels. This problem is only observed at lower gears and can be fixed by checking the vacuum lines and if found damaged, replace or repair them.

Overheating
If your temperature monitor shows very high temperature and you find that the car radiator is doing fine, then there is tremendous possibility that the vehicle has a gearbox problem. The main cause of overheating may be due to clogging in the fluid cooler lines. Any type of malfunctioning in the oil pump or drop in fluid levels can also be a cause for overheating of the transmission system. There may be some problem with the coolant carrying lines of the transmission fluid levels. Damage to the transmission fluid pump can also lead to transmission overheating.

These were some of the mainly encountered problems in the gearbox of cars with automatic transmissions. In case of manual transmission, issues encountered are lesser and any of those encountered can be due to human errors.