What are the causes of automatic transmission damage?
2 Answers
Automatic transmission failures can be caused by: prolonged lack of software updates, damage to the transmission control unit, failure of internal sensors, circuit breaks in the transmission wiring, communication issues, or damage to internal gears or shifting mechanisms. Here are the warning signs of automatic transmission failure: 1. Shifting takes too long or too short: Generally, automatic transmissions have specific shifting speeds and engine RPMs. If you notice that shifting suddenly takes much longer or shorter than usual, it indicates an imbalance in the transmission ratio. You may also feel that the engine RPM is unusually high. In more severe cases, the transmission may not shift at all or experience delayed downshifting, which clearly indicates a transmission problem. 2. Transmission starts leaking fluid: This is a precursor to transmission fluid leakage, often caused by aging or poor-quality seals. Another possible cause is manufacturing defects leading to pinholes in the transmission casing. It's crucial to inspect the seals promptly. 3. Transmission slips, acceleration becomes sluggish: While driving, if you hear the engine revving without a corresponding increase in speed, and the car feels generally underpowered, this is often due to burnt clutch plates. If water enters the transmission due to external factors (such as coolant mixing with transmission fluid or water ingress through the vent cap), it can cause abnormal transmission operation. 4. Unusual odors from the transmission: You might notice a burning smell. The transmission relies on hydraulic fluid for operation. When the fluid overheats, it can produce a burnt odor, indicating that certain components are malfunctioning or that the transmission fluid has degraded, leading to increased internal temperatures.
I've encountered this issue before with my automatic transmission car. Transmission failure is often related to driving habits. For example, if you frequently accelerate or brake sharply like I used to, or drive long distances at high speeds for extended periods, the transmission internals can easily overheat, leading to component aging and oil leaks. Also, parking on slopes without shifting to P mode and relying solely on the brake puts prolonged pressure on drivetrain components. Using incorrect transmission fluid or failing to change expired fluid increases impurities inside, reducing lubrication effectiveness and accelerating wear due to increased friction. Towing heavy loads, such as moving with a large RV, can also overload the drivetrain and cause failure. It's best to adopt gentler driving habits and perform regular fluid checks and changes to avoid expensive repairs.
