Solving Transmission Problems
Hydraulic Clutch Problems
There is one issue that hydraulic clutches have that mechanical ones don’t: leakage. If you find any leakage in a hydraulic clutch setup, you need to repair it. Once enough fluid leaks out, you will no longer be able to operate your clutch. Before that happens, you might notice difficulty engaging gears when shifting. This could indicate that the clutch is not fully releasing. If that’s the case, the clutch will still be partially applied when you shift gears.
Looking for leaks is simple as long as you can put your eyes on the hydraulic clutch components. I usually start by looking up under the dash where the clutch pedal mechanism terminates at the firewall or bulkhead. This is usually where the master cylinder is located. If you see any leakage from the master cylinder, replace it. I’d also recommend replacing the slave cylinder at the same time. This way you know that all the working parts of your hydraulic clutch system have been addressed and should be functioning normally from here on out. It would be a real pain to have to go back and replace a slave cylinder after replacing the master cylinder.
Inspect the slave cylinder in the same way as a master cylinder if you can get access to it. If your slave cylinder is part of your throw-out bearing assembly, I’d recommend you replace it when replacing your clutch.
If you don’t and it ends up leaking, you’ll have to go back in there to replace it. Here’s a video about inspecting and replacing clutch hydraulics that you might find useful.
One thing that came up a lot in the comments of that video was the bleeding procedure. Personally, I think the best way to bleed out a system like that is with a vacuum bleeder. A pressure bleeder will also work well. The method shown in the video was to illustrate how to perform the job with minimal tools; however, I’d recommend a vacuum bleeder or pressure bleeder for best results.
Solving Manual Transmission Problems
If you know that you don’t have a clutch issue and you’re still having issues with your manual transmission’s shifting, you might have an internal issue with your manual transmission. There are a few things you want to check before tearing into that transmission, however.
The first thing to check is the shift linkage. Your transmission might be fine, but if the linkage that connects your shifter to the transmission is having issues, your transmission won’t be able to shift properly. So before you remove the transmission, inspect the linkage or shift cables for wear or loose parts. Any slop here can translate to a shifting problem.
The next thing to check is the transmission fluid level and condition. Manual transmissions use a variety of fluids; be sure to consult your service manual or owner’s manual for the type of fluid you should have in your transmission. If you use the wrong fluid, it can cause shifting problems. If your shifting problem is temperature-related, this might indicate a fluid issue. If you don’t know what type of fluid is in your transmission and you’re having issues shifting, I would recommend just changing the fluid and rechecking for the condition. Keep in mind it might take a while for the new fluid to work its way in and resolve the issue if that is indeed what is wrong.
15 thoughts on “Solving Transmission Problems”
Colin
January 8, 2024 at 11:43 pm
Hi Eric I have a 2011 dodge ram 1500 when u put it in reverse sometimes there is a delay , but if I move the shift bet more to park it will go in I checked transmission fluid it’s good I’m wondering if the transmission is on its way out or what it could be, sometimes u put it in drive it make a chirp noise mostly if u are putting some that is for the noise in drive but reverse does it most time but all day if u are towing a atv trailer.
Chad Samsel
May 16, 2023 at 4:59 pm
I am getting ready to put my modified 5speed to 6 speed transmission back together. I am concerned because I haven’t found any tips or tricks on aligning the shift forks when reinstalling the shift selector. Thanks.
Victoria Addington
April 18, 2022 at 10:50 am
Thank you for explaining that automatic transmissions present a reverse gear just like manual transmission does. My brother’s vehicle is acting up, and he thinks it’s because of the automatic transmission. I think he should let an expert see it and allow them to fix it.
https://www.wangaraautomatictransmission.com.au/
luis martinez
November 30, 2021 at 9:06 pm
I went to pull out my transmission dipstick in the transmission fluid shot out burning hot just wanted to know why did I do that if it’s not supposed to
William Blanks
November 3, 2021 at 8:34 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYSispke5Qg
Mike
June 26, 2021 at 6:54 pm
Eric – I live in the oven = Arizona and would like to hear your thoughts on whether or not adding a separate trans cooler is worth the extra $$$ ? The lines on my 1992 f150 go through the radiator. I’m considering adding a separate cooler with fan attached which will go in front of the radiator. Thoughts? Thanks.
Kristofer Van Wagner
May 6, 2021 at 1:03 am
I do appreciate that this post pointed out that it is important for us to have our transmission repaired by professionals. In doing so, we can prevent further damage. Assuming that I need to have my transmission repaired, I will look into hiring a certified professional.
Scott
February 11, 2021 at 4:19 pm
Can a transfer case off a 1988vjeep cherokee v8 work on a 1995 jeep cherokee?
luis martinez
November 30, 2021 at 9:08 pm
I went to pull out my transmission dipstick in the transmission fluid shot out burning hot just wanted to know why did I do that if it’s not supposed to
Desperate Mike
December 5, 2020 at 11:19 am
I have a 2004 Sentra specV with a transmission leak passenger side, I replace de oil seal twice with cv axle joint twice as well and still have a leak…opened up transmission and can’t find anything wrong…any idea what could be the problem?
Daniel
April 26, 2021 at 12:51 pm
The shaft itself on which the oil seal is installed has come off
StreetMechanic
November 3, 2020 at 1:30 pm
I have a 97 Honda accord 4 cylinder and I recently got code p0715 and I changed the sensor. After changing the sensor the code came back and i changed it again. Now my car is making a whirling sound and its still having the high rpm low speed issue in addition to the code p0715. What could be the issue? What am i missing?
Dave Smith
October 27, 2020 at 3:51 pm
consider replacing your transmission as a unit yourself if you find that you have an internal transmission problem you can’t fix. Especially with automatic transmissions, this would be a good course to follow. Another option to consider is removing your failed transmission and taking it to a shop that can rebuild it for you. At least you’ll be able to save on the removal and replacement of the transmission. (Drop-in a used) Be sure you find the correct transmission, the right fluid, and understand the TCU. Learn the Transmission that is installed. Re set the TCM/U that you have. re-check the rest of the modules that affect the computerized operation of the car, too. — Battery disconnect, low fluid, and pressure change can destroy a transmission that you have 30 to 90 day warranty for, if that. My A604 is non functional likely for this reason. Presented starter type problem, cranked after the computer reset third time, you go off.. and after it sat, same thing. You can go through replacing three and more sensors, and three on a transmission, and checking vacuum.. that might resolve a bigger problem later. Keep the fluid filled. Instead you might see white smoke billow from a relief opening after a hard clunk, then no gears will engage. That might be serviceable, or not. At 127 thousand miles, this car might get a drop-in, and be resold to a desperate person that needs a car. A car that might last longer, or not. “For Sale in Georgia”
Yaman
July 24, 2020 at 4:14 am
I have Honda 99 model 1500cc automatic transmission
1st and gear change normal while 3rd to 4th gear need 3300 rpm is it not normal or not,
Please also make a video on it,
My car is converted from manual to auto with four gear ,
From Pakistan
Please make a video I will understand properly after seeing video
Alejandro campusano
April 29, 2020 at 2:14 pm
Hola como saco una trasmisión automática de jeep gran cherokee 3.7 año 2005 como se sacan los pernos superiores ud podría ayudarme en eso