What are the symptoms of a bad automatic transmission clutch plate?
3 Answers
Symptoms of a bad automatic transmission clutch plate: 1. The clutch plate starts to slip; 2. Shaking and abnormal noises occur during gear shifting. Automatic transmissions that have clutch plates are dual-clutch transmissions and AMT transmissions. AMT transmissions have been phased out, and cars using AMT transmissions are rarely seen nowadays. Dual-clutch transmissions are developed based on manual transmissions. Compared to manual transmissions, this type of transmission has an additional set of clutch and gear-shifting control mechanisms. Prolonged use of the clutch plate increases wear. When the clutch plate wears to a certain extent, slipping occurs. Clutch plate slipping reduces the transmission efficiency of the gearbox, leading to insufficient power in the car. Additionally, during aggressive driving, a burnt smell may be noticed inside the car when the clutch plate slips. If this happens, it is essential to replace the clutch plate promptly. When replacing the clutch plate, always go to a 4S shop and use genuine parts, as they offer better reliability and durability.
If the clutch disc (the clutch component inside the transmission) of an automatic car fails, the most obvious symptom is a slipping sensation during acceleration: when you press the gas pedal, the engine revs soar, but the car speed doesn’t budge, as if it’s idling, especially noticeable when starting from a red light or climbing a hill. Next, gear shifting also becomes problematic—there may be a delay of several seconds before upshifting, accompanied by clunking or humming noises, with the steering wheel slightly vibrating. Once, while driving, I suddenly smelled a burning rubber odor, which startled me, and I pulled over to check, avoiding a major issue. Over time, fuel consumption also spikes, wasting money for no reason. If left unrepaired, this problem can damage the entire transmission, and repairs can be extremely costly. So, as soon as you notice it, head to the shop immediately—don’t tough it out.
I think the symptoms of a failing automatic transmission clutch plate are quite recognizable: the car may jerk or shudder when starting or driving at low speeds, as if being held back by something; if the engine noise suddenly increases during acceleration but the speed doesn't pick up, it's 90% likely due to slipping. When shifting gears on the highway, if you feel particularly strong impacts or the upshifting is as slow as a turtle crawling, that's a strong signal. The principle is actually quite simple – wear of the clutch components leads to low transmission efficiency, and overheating friction plates may even produce smoke. As a car enthusiast, I've tested these during my own modifications. Early detection can save a lot of money, otherwise the cost of a major transmission overhaul will really hurt your wallet.