How to Determine if There is a Problem with the Transmission
2 Answers
Methods to determine if there is a problem with the transmission are as follows: 1. Transmission Jerking Fault Symptoms: During driving, the impact, vibration, and jerking sensation produced when the transmission shifts gears are relatively strong, or there is a feeling of hesitation or jerking during rapid acceleration. Fault Cause: Due to excessively high automatic transmission fluid temperature, stubborn dirt and impurities appear inside the transmission, forming blockages in the valve body, causing the solenoid valve to move poorly and fail to sequentially adjust the oil pressure, leading to transmission jerking. 2. Transmission Noise Fault Symptoms: When the car is idling, driving, or under high-load driving conditions, abnormal noises or even loud noises are heard from the transmission, and there are irregular, dull sounds during gear shifts. Fault Cause: Under prolonged high-temperature conditions, the anti-wear and lubrication performance of the transmission fluid declines, causing wear or severe wear on components such as bearings and gears inside the transmission, or damage to the gear sides. 3. Transmission Slipping Fault Symptoms: While driving, when the accelerator is pressed, the engine can be heard revving (similar to the feeling of pressing the accelerator when the gear is in P or N), but the car does not show a noticeable increase in speed and has poor acceleration; another situation is that the car drives normally on flat roads but lacks power when going uphill, and the engine speed is very high. Fault Cause: The hydraulic fluid level is too high, producing a large number of bubbles when violently stirred by the planetary gear set during operation; the friction plates of the clutch or brake, or the brake band, are excessively worn or burnt.
To determine if there's a problem with the transmission, I usually start by paying attention to the driving experience. Notice whether gear shifts are smooth during driving. If there's jerking, delay, or roughness—like it's getting stuck—that might be the transmission signaling an issue. Also, listen for noises: rattling or metallic grinding sounds often indicate problems with gears or bearings. I remember one time when I was driving, the engine RPM surged but the speed didn't keep up, which was a classic sign of slipping—it felt quite dangerous. Additionally, check for oil stains where you park; leaks are a major red flag. Warning lights should never be ignored. By staying vigilant about these small details, you can catch potential issues early and get them checked at a repair shop promptly, avoiding more serious consequences. After all, transmission repairs can be expensive, and driving safety should always come first.
