Solving Transmission Problems
Internal Manual Transmission Problems
If you know your clutch is good, your fluid is good, and your shift linkage is intact and you still have a shifting problem, you might have an internal transmission problem. I’ve run into two main things here: problems with bearings and problems with synchronizers. These are fairly straightforward to replace with the right tools.
You might need a bearing separator and a press to do so, however. Be sure to keep everything in order while you’re working. If you can do this, you should be fine. Consult your service manual for specifics on your application.
Every once in a while, you run into broken gears inside the transmission. If you have broken gears inside your transmission, then it might be time to replace it. The gears are the most expensive parts. You might find it’s cheaper to just replace the transmission instead of replacing the broken gears and everything that goes with them. As with any repair like that, weigh the cost of repair against replacement and choose the most economical path. If you haven’t done internal transmission repair before, I would advise you either take it to a professional, or just replace the transmission as a unit. A failed repair would mean the added expense of replacement on top of the time and effort you’ve already spent removing the transmission to perform your repair. If you decide to repair the transmission yourself, know that you’re likely to need a few special tools. Consult your service manual before you start digging in. This way you’ll know what tools you might need for the job you’re attempting before you get past the point of no return.
Honda Manual Transmission Tips
I know Hondas better than just about anything, so they get their own section here. As for fluid, I know that the Honda manual says you can used 5W30 or 10W30 motor oil in their transmissions. I do not recommend this. In fact, I recommend that you only use Honda fluid in your Honda manual transmission. There is one exception; I have found one other fluid that works well and that’s GM’s Syncromesh fluid. I’ve actually had luck fixing stubborn synchronizers using this fluid, so it’s something to be considered. In fact, I know some GM guys who call it “transmission rebuild in a bottle.” If you have a shifting problem with your Honda manual, check the clutch hydraulics for leaks, particularly the clutch master. These have been known to leak, and when they do they can cause shifting problems, usually grinding into gears.
In addition to checking the hydraulics, check the shift linkage for worn bushings. This is also a common problem with Hondas. This linkage is often located above an exhaust shield. You might have to drop that down to do a proper inspection. If the bushings are worn, replace the linkage; it’s much easier than trying to mess with new bushings.
Lastly, Honda third-gear synchronizers are known for faults. If you only have a shifting issue going into third gear, you might need to replace the third-gear synchronizer.
If you put a performance clutch in your Honda and you have a hydraulic clutch, be prepared to replace the clutch hydraulics often. Performance clutches have pretty stiff pressure plates and the already-weak Honda clutch hydraulics don’t hold up well under the extra load.
Here’s a video on changing Honda manual transmission fluid.
Automatic Transmissions
Automatic transmissions are a world apart from most manual transmissions because of the complexity of their operation. However, in function, they are the same. Automatic transmissions help optimize engine torque and also provide a reverse gear in the same way a manual transmission does. The difference is how an automatic transmission does this. Automatic transmissions have a whole host of different components and controls to accomplish the task.
Having a general idea of these parts and how they operate is a good start when dealing with automatic transmission problems. Given the complexity of the automatic transmission, I would advise you take the work to a professional, or you replace it as a unit if you run into problems with one. Servicing automatic transmissions requires a lot of special tools as well as specialized knowledge and experience. If you are missing any one of those, you’re going to have a hard time of it, and your chances of success are very slim. This section of the article will walk you through the basics if you run into an automatic transmission problem. For specifics, consult the service manual for the vehicle you’re working on. To see what’s inside an automatic transmission, check out these videos on the basic parts.
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