What Causes Transmission Abnormalities?
3 Answers
The causes of transmission abnormalities are: 1. Insufficient lubrication of related gear components inside the transmission, preventing the formation of a durable lubricating film and hindering smooth operation; 2. Presence of contaminants in the transmission, causing blockages in the valve body and impeding its vertical movement, which disrupts the sequential regulation of oil pressure, leading to gear engagement issues and shifting shocks. Transmission maintenance methods: 1. Replace automatic transmission fluid every 12 months or 20,000 kilometers; 2. Avoid coasting in neutral; 3. Regularly check fluid levels; 4. Avoid skipping gears when upshifting; 5. Do not force the transmission into neutral; 6. Do not shorten the warm-up idling time; 7. Avoid gear grinding when engaging gears; 8. Clean the transmission; 9. Avoid driving immediately without warming up the vehicle.
I've been driving for almost thirty years and have seen plenty of transmission issues. The most common is a clunking sound when shifting gears, which could be due to worn synchronizer rings; strong jerking during acceleration is often caused by clogged solenoid valves or burnt clutch plates; oil leaks are even more troublesome—aging seals or cracks in the housing can cause gear oil to seep out. Once, a friend's car shook violently in reverse, and upon disassembly, the bearings were found completely shattered. My advice: avoid resting your foot on the clutch pedal while driving, and regular transmission fluid changes are crucial—after all, replacing a transmission costs thousands. Always keep an eye on the transmission temperature warning light; if it overheats, pull over immediately for inspection.
As an observant person who frequently maintains vehicles, transmission abnormalities usually follow certain patterns. Delayed shifting in new cars is often a software matching issue that requires a TCU program upgrade; if an older car suddenly can't shift gears, check if the shift linkage is loose. Dark and foul-smelling hydraulic fluid is definitely a warning sign, indicating abnormal internal component wear. Rough shifting during cold starts in winter is normal, but if it persists after the engine warms up, it should be taken seriously. I recommend checking the transmission fluid level during every oil change, and fully synthetic oil must be replaced at 50,000 kilometers. Sudden unusual noises require immediate stopping, as gear tooth breakage can cause chain damage to other components.
