What to Do When the Car Transmission Fails?
3 Answers
Disassemble the automatic transmission and inspect each component of the planetary gear mechanism for signs of wear, check for any broken gears, examine the one-way overrunning clutch for wear or sticking, and inspect the bearings or thrust washers for damage. If any abnormalities are found, they should be replaced. The correct usage methods for the transmission are as follows: 1. Avoid coasting in N gear: Manual transmissions can coast in neutral, but automatic transmissions absolutely cannot. The principle of an automatic transmission differs from that of a manual transmission; coasting in N gear can easily burn out the transmission. 2. Do not shift to P gear at traffic lights: When waiting at a traffic light, do not shift into P gear (parking gear). If the car behind rear-ends you at this time, it can cause transmission damage. When parking, you can first apply the foot brake and wait until the car comes to a complete stop before shifting to P gear to avoid P gear hesitation. 3. Avoid shifting gears too quickly: Many people often shift from D gear to R gear before the car comes to a complete stop, creating an instant "reverse rotation pressure" that pushes against the reverse gear clutch plates. Over time, this will cause excessive wear on the clutch plates.
A broken transmission can be really frustrating, but don't worry, let me share some experience. I've found that transmission issues usually come with warning signs, like strong jerking when shifting gears, strange noises, or even failure to shift at all. The first thing I do in such cases is to safely pull over as soon as possible and turn off the engine to avoid further damage. Checking the transmission fluid is a simple step—just pull out the dipstick to check the color and level. If it's black or too low, there might be a problem, but don't try adding or fixing it yourself to prevent making things worse. Then, I call for a tow truck to take it to a professional repair shop or dealership, where they can use diagnostic tools to determine whether it's a shifting module issue or internal wear. Repair costs can range from a few thousand to over ten thousand, especially for automatic transmissions. Regular fluid changes, about every 60,000 kilometers, can help prevent major issues. In short, don't delay—letting the problem worsen could compromise driving safety.
I've been driving for most of my life and have encountered transmission failures several times. I remember once on the highway when the gear shifting suddenly failed, so I slowly drove to a rest area and parked safely. I checked the oil level myself and it was normal, but the oil was too dirty. I didn't dare to touch it and called for a tow to the repair shop. The mechanic said it was caused by worn clutch plates, and it cost several thousand to replace them. Now I have the experience: if there's a transmission problem, never force it on a long drive to minimize internal damage. For prevention, change the transmission oil on time and drive smoothly with less sudden acceleration. A car is an iron-clad companion; after repairs, it's essential to test it on the road for peace of mind. Regular careful maintenance can save you from major troubles.
