3 Steps to Start Diagnosing Your Transmission Repair
As a driver, it can be helpful to understand the basics of how to diagnose a broken transmission. Whether you drive an automatic transmission or manual transmission, many of the signs and symptoms of a broken transmission are the same or similar. A mechanic is best able to run full diagnostics and carry out a transmission repair , but the more you’re aware of ahead of going to an auto shop, the better you can direct your mechanic’s attention once you get there.
Pay Attention to Any Symptoms of a Broken Transmission
One of the best ways to help diagnose any transmission repair is to pay attention to which symptoms you’re experiencing. Different transmission problems will show up in different ways, so take note of each one that you encounter. Keeping track of these common signs can go a long way towards helping diagnose a broken transmission.
Transmission Fluid Leak
Take a look under your car for fluid spots on the ground or, if possible, use the transmission fluid dipstick to check the level of your transmission fluid. If you notice a transmission fluid leak, it points to your transmission fluid pan or its gasket, worn seals, leaky fluid lines, or a faulty torque converter.
Transmission Overheating
If your transmission is overheating, you’re likely to notice a hot, burning smell and you may notice your engine temperature rise more than normal, too. When a transmission overheats, it’s typically because of low or old transmission fluid, though it could also be a clogged fluid cooler line or defective solenoid.
Clicking or Whining
Similar to leaking transmission fluid, this symptom is an indicator that you don’t have enough transmission fluid or may have a faulty torque converter. You can check your transmission fluid levels and add some if necessary, but if that doesn’t get rid of the clicking or whining sound, you likely need to have your torque converter repaired or replaced by a mechanic.
Slipping Gears or Difficulty Getting in and Out of Reverse
Like the rest of these symptoms, slipping gears and difficulty changing into or out of Reverse can be an indication of low transmission fluid. This symptom could also point to a defective solenoid, worn gears, broken transmission bands, or burnt clutch plates. Take a look at your transmission fluid level and go from there.
Delayed or Erratic Shifting
Again, this could mean your transmission fluid is low, burnt, or otherwise ineffective. If you recently had your transmission fluid changed or topped it off yourself, it’s possible that the wrong transmission fluid was used. Otherwise, it could also point to broken vacuum lines or a defective solenoid.
Check Your Transmission Fluid
As you can tell from the above symptoms, many of the most common transmission problems could be a result of low, old, dirty, burnt, or otherwise ineffective transmission fluid. No matter what symptoms you’ve noticed, it’s a good idea to take a look at your transmission fluid to make sure it doesn’t need to be changed and to help diagnose what may be going on with your transmission.
Transmission Fluid Levels Should Be Adequate
First of all, use your transmission fluid dipstick to determine the current level of transmission fluid. If it looks low, not only should it be topped off or replaced as soon as possible, but it’s also a likely sign that you have an undiagnosed transmission fluid leak. Your transmission is a closed system, meaning what’s in your transmission should stay there, so any time you notice less transmission fluid than there should be, the most likely reason is a leak.
Check the Color and Consistency
Secondly, take a look at the consistency and even give your transmission fluid a quick sniff. If it’s dark-colored or black, you should have it replaced as soon as possible. Similarly, if it smells burnt, it should be replaced and it could also indicate another problem: your transmission overheating.
Check for Diagnostic Codes
If you’ve determined that your transmission fluid is not what’s causing a broken transmission in your case, the next step is to check diagnostic codes. Typically, this step will be done by a mechanic, but it can also be an option for you to do at home.
Purchase an On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) Scanner
In order to check diagnostic codes at home, you’ll have to buy an OBD scanner. Your scanner should come with instructions on how to use it and you can look up whichever code shows up in your case. This should point you to the underlying problem, though most likely, a mechanic will have to carry out whichever transmission repair is required.
Finally, Bring Your Car to AAMCO Utah’s Transmission Experts
Ultimately, diagnosing and repairing a broken transmission comes down to a mechanic you trust. While the above steps are great to help you begin the process of diagnosing a necessary transmission repair , it’s best not to try doing the repair yourself. Get in touch with the mechanics at AAMCO Utah or schedule your appointment online today!
The post 3 Steps to Start Diagnosing Your Transmission Repair first appeared on AAMCO Utah Transmission Repair and General Car Repair.
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