What are the symptoms of transmission failure?
2 Answers
Transmission failures generally manifest in the following ways: 1. Difficulty in shifting gears and jerking sensations: Symptoms: During startup or driving, shifting gears feels stiff and laborious, as if something is obstructing, accompanied by jerking, vibration, and a sense of hesitation. Sometimes, shifting is easier when the car is cold but harder when it's warm, causing significant discomfort. Cause: Insufficient lubrication of related gears and components inside the transmission, failing to form a lasting lubricating film, hindering smooth operation. 2. Automatic transmission jerking and impact sensations: Symptoms: Lack of power during startup, noticeable jerking and hesitation when driving at low or medium speeds, accompanied by fluctuating RPM needle on the dashboard. During high-speed driving, sudden acceleration causes the car to slip, with the RPM needle rapidly rising and a distinct impact sensation. Shifting from P to R or D gear results in a strong impact sensation and jerking. Cause: Contaminants inside the transmission clog the valve body, obstructing its movement and disrupting proper oil pressure regulation, leading to jerking and shifting impact issues. 3. Transmission noise and loud sounds: Symptoms: Unusual noises or even loud sounds from the transmission during idling, driving, or under heavy load, with irregular, dull sounds during gear shifts. Cause: Dirt inside the transmission, wear or severe damage to bearings and gears, or damage to gear sides. 4. Overheating transmission: Symptoms: The computer displays an alert during driving: transmission overheating. Or, after driving for a while, the transmission feels excessively hot to the touch. Cause: The transmission is frequently overloaded, making effective temperature control impossible.
There are quite a few transmission failure cases. I once experienced strong jerking during gear shifts while driving, as if someone was holding me back. Later, an inspection revealed severe internal gear wear. Another time, the transmission slipped on the highway—engine RPM soared while the car crawled at a snail's pace, scaring me into pulling over immediately. If you hear abnormal clunking noises or find fluid leaking all over, those are red flags. Electronically controlled transmissions sometimes malfunction due to sensor failures, causing incorrect automatic shifting. Additionally, older cars may develop oil leaks or overheat, damaging components—especially watch the coolant temperature in summer. I recommend not waiting for major failures to act; checking transmission fluid level and condition monthly saves money and hassle, as dirty or low fluid can easily trigger chain failures. Regular maintenance is key, since transmission repairs or replacements can cost tens of thousands.
