What Are the Common Faults of Automatic Transmissions?
4 Answers
Common faults of automatic transmissions include difficulty in shifting gears, gear jerking, transmission noise, and overheating. The following are detailed introductions to common faults: Difficulty in shifting gears and jerking sensation: Relevant components such as gears inside the transmission do not receive sufficient lubrication, and a durable lubrication film cannot be formed, preventing the components from operating smoothly. Automatic transmission gear jerking and impact sensation: Impurities inside the transmission cause blockages in the valve body, hindering its smooth up and down movement and preventing the sequential adjustment of oil pressure, leading to gear jerking and shifting impact faults. Transmission noise and loud sounds: Dirt inside the transmission, wear or severe wear of components such as bearings and gears, or damage to the sides of gears.
I've encountered quite a few common automatic transmission issues. The most frequent one is rough or delayed shifting, like when the car responds sluggishly after pressing the accelerator, giving a sensation of intermittent power delivery. Another common problem is slipping, where the tachometer surges during acceleration but the speed doesn't increase accordingly, usually caused by aged or insufficient transmission fluid. Transmission fluid leaks are also troublesome - if you spot oil stains under the chassis, promptly check the seals. More severe malfunctions include control module failures. Many modern vehicles use electronic control systems, where sensor faults can directly cause erratic shifting or trigger safe mode. Overheating frequently occurs too, especially during continuous low-speed driving in traffic jams, as poor heat dissipation can damage the transmission. Neglecting these issues may lead to costly major repairs, so regular fluid changes and level checks are essential. When experiencing severe slipping, I recommend stopping the vehicle to let it cool before attempting to drive again.
Last time my car suddenly had transmission issues - it shook violently when starting off, then gear shifts were delayed by several seconds like they were stuck, making the whole power delivery feel disjointed. After taking it to the repair shop, they found the transmission fluid had become dirty and clogged the filter screen, requiring a complete flush and fluid replacement. This kind of slipping caused by dirty fluid is quite common, especially in older vehicles. Control unit failures can also cause problems - my engineer friend said water intrusion or short circuits in electronic modules might make the transmission malfunction. Leakage is another concern - oil dripping from the chassis isn't a minor issue, as prolonged wear can make shifting even less responsive. Overheating is dangerous too - when the warning light comes on during summer highway driving, I immediately pull over to ventilate and cool it down to prevent a blowout. Regular maintenance is key - getting it checked every 30,000 kilometers can save you from major headaches.
Preventing transmission failures is crucial. Avoiding sudden acceleration and hard braking in daily driving can reduce wear and tear. Regular fluid checks are essential; I make it a habit to glance at the fluid level and color monthly—if it's black or has a burnt smell, it's time for a change. Common issues like slipping or rough shifting are often caused by aged fluid leading to insufficient hydraulic pressure. Control module failures are also frequent, so keeping sensors clean and moisture-free is a must. Overheating can easily trigger failures, especially in congested areas—avoid cranking the AC too high to ease the cooling system's load. Simple maintenance includes a full system flush every 2-3 years and replacing old filters. These small steps can significantly lower failure rates.
