Solving Transmission Problems
Servicing Automatic Transmissions
It’s a good idea to change out the automatic transmission fluid at regular intervals. For specifics on that, consult your service manual or owner’s manual. It’s also important that you use the correct fluid. Some manufacturers use a specific fluid in their transmissions; stray from this recommendation, and you could damage your transmission. Some transmissions have a replaceable filter. It’s a good idea to replace this filter at the same time you replace the fluid, but it’s not always required. Once again, check the service manual for your vehicle’s specific requirements. Here are some videos on changing transmission fluid on a variety of different vehicles. Perhaps one of them can apply to your vehicle.
In Summary
Transmissions perform an important function, but issues can be tricky to diagnose without the proper tools and knowledge. Automatic or manual, you might find yourself in a position where you need to deal with a transmission issue. If and when you do, know your limits. If you haven’t worked on transmissions before and haven’t had any training, stick to checking the fluid and checking for codes when confronted with a transmission problem. If you go too far, you might cause more damage than good, and it could end up costing you big time.
On the other hand, if you have a good set of tools and some mechanical experience, you might 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.
The takeaway here is to know when to call in a professional. With a little detective work, you can get an idea what the issue is. Once you know that, you can then decide on how you’re going to proceed. And remember, with automatic transmission problems, it’s not always the torque converter that’s at fault.
I hope this information was useful to you. If you didn’t find what you were looking for, type in a few key words into the search at the bottom of the page. You can even type in specific check engine light codes. In addition to the code meaning, you might find articles and forum posts that pertain to that code. If nothing comes up for your issue, sign up for our forum and ask your question there. We’ll be happy to help if we can. It’s free, and all you need is a valid email address. Just be sure to respond to the confirmation email to complete your registration. If you don’t see the confirmation email, check your spam or bulk folder.
Stay Dirty
ETCG
Written By EricTheCarGuy
Edited By Julie Hucke
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