transmission gear

Table of Contents

Introduction

Transmission is the automotive component that delivers power from the engine to the wheels. The transmission comprises a series of gears (gear train) located in the car’s chassis. The working of transmission, in simple words, can be described such that when the car moves, the transmission connects the engine with the wheels through the powertrain and vice versa.
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There are different types of transmission, such as automatic and manual transmission. Manual transmission requires extra effort from the driver, who has to use the clutch and a manual gear stick to shift the gears (1) manually. On the other hand, the automatic transmission uses sensors and a torque converter to shift the gears. Like every vehicle part, the transmission is also prone to problems. This article will discuss common transmission problems, their causes, and common solutions.

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Difference between Automatic and Manual Transmission

If we start with the major difference between an automatic and manual transmission, it will be the clutch. A clutch in the manual transmission is used to disengage the flywheel and shift the gears according to the speed requirement (4). However, there is no clutch in an automatic transmission. A torque converter and solenoid system replace it. When there is no clutch, there is also no third pedal in automatic vehicles. Manual cars have a manual gear stick with 1, 2, 3, 4, R, etc., printed on the gear knob. These illustrate the particular number of gears (including the reverse) engaged if you push the rod at that particular position. In automatic cars, this is replaced by P, R, D, L, etc., indicating parking, reverse, drive, low-drive, modes, etc. So, when the driver engages in any of these modes, the actuator, solenoid, and sensors change gears sensing the car’s engine load (1).

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There are major differences in the replacement cost and lifespan of automatic and manual gear.

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Manual gear will wear out quickly because some drivers cannot switch gears at the right time. But it is relatively cheaper to replace a faulty manual transmission system. On the other hand, the automatic transmission has a longer life span, but when it goes bad, it will be expensive to replace.
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Top 10 Transmission Issues

Transmission Shaking

Causes

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Shaky Transmission’ is a common term in mechanics when they refer to a transmission problem resulting in the shaking of the car or grinding sounds. It mostly happens during changing of the gears.

Transmission shaking can indicate that transmission fluid is low and prompt action is required before driving long distances. In some models of Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac, transmission shaking was due to a manufacturing fault that was resolved later. In an automatic transmission system, the drivers will notice a wild shake when the gear is changed. While in the manual transmission system, the drivers will notice a grinding sound when shifting gears (1). Some drivers report that the shaking sensation is so strong that it feels like they are involved in some accident.

How to Resolve the Problem

To alleviate transmission shaking, make sure that you change the transmission fluid at the required interval. You can consult the vehicle’s instruction manual to check the transmission oil change mileage. If you have purchased a secondhand vehicle, it is recommended to change all the vehicle fluids, including the transmission fluid, to avoid the shaking/grinding sound. However, if the shaking/grinding sound remains after changing the oil, it indicates that some transmission component is malfunctioning (1). In this case, take the car to the professional service center to get the faulty parts replaced. Remember that driving with symptoms of faulty transmission can severely damage the transmission system resulting in expensive repairs.

Low Transmission Fluid

Causes

The transmission fluid plays an important role in the vehicle. The main role of the transmission fluid is to lubricate all the metal parts and bearings in the gearbox.
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Moreover, it also helps in generating the required amount of hydraulic pressure and creates friction in the internal engine. This fluid allows the shifting of gears without any damage. The basic cause of a poor transmission system is the low amount of transmission fluid (1). The transmission fluid falls below the level due to leakage in the system. The low transmission fluid makes it difficult to shift the gears automatically. Also, the burning smell of the fluid will be observed due to the transmission fluid leakage. The vehicle will fail to accelerate because less power is generated due to minimum pressure.

How to Resolve the Problem

First, perform the transmission dipstick to ensure the fluid level to solve this issue. This test is performed by parking a car on a level surface and using the dipstick to find the fluid level indicators (4).

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If the fluid level is low, there may be a leakage in the transmission pan or a gasket failure. Thus, by replacing these parts, the transmission fluid level can be fixed, and the vehicle’s performance can be improved.

Transmission Filter

Causes

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The filter is an essential part of the transmission system, and the major role of the transmission filter is to protect the transmission system from dirt and debris. This filter is present between the transmission pan and the tube.

A transmission filter is a metal plate having small holes. These holes collect all the dirt particles and prevent the transmission system from getting damaged. Moreover, a rubber gasket creates a seal between the filter and the pan. Also, a pickup tube creates a linkage with the oil pump. So damage to any part of the filtration system impacts the system’s overall performance. This happens when the filter is damaged or clogged. As a result, the transmission fluid is not transferred to the system, and the parts are not well-lubricated. This creates serious system damage, leading to shifting and gear problems. Moreover, the vehicle gets overheated due to a poor filtration system.

How to Resolve the Problem

So, it is necessary to solve the transmission filter issues immediately. Otherwise, misfires can occur in the cylinders (1). The only solution to this issue is to clean the clogged filters. Preventive measures should be taken. To solve this issue, the transmission filter should be replaced. Moreover, fixing the rubber gasket can also help in resolving the issue. To maintain the efficient performance of the vehicle, it is necessary to service the transmission filters after a certain period.

Torque Converter Issues

Causes

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There is a torque converter in the transmission system. The main aim of the torque converter is to transmit the generated torque from the engine to the load. This torque is generated in the engine’s internal combustion when the spark is ignited due to the burning of air and fuel.

Torque converters are made of five components the impeller, turbine, stator, fluid, and clutch. In these components, the stator is essential to the torque converter (4). If the stator is damaged, this converter will function in fluid coupling. An impeller is a sharp fan-based structure that speedily pushes the transmission fluid through the blades toward the turbine. The turbine in the torque convertor causes the transmission in the shaft and pump of the engine. This occurs when the transmission fluid speedily hits the turbine blade (2). Then it enters the stator of the system. The stator is the main part of the torque converter and pushes the liquid in the opposite direction to the impeller direction. Another important part is that it immediately turns off the turbine and impeller when the fluid moves at maximum speed. This, as a result, increases the fuel efficiency of the engine. So damage to any part of the convertor will ultimately stop the overall functioning of the converter.

Sometimes, the transmission converter gets damaged due to excessive heat production. This overheating results in a faulty seal, and the fluid will start leaking from the turbine. Due to the leakage of fuel, fuel efficiency is reduced. Also, the leakage of fuel can cause misfires in the cylinder.

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The burning smell of fuel is also observed. Due to poor torque generation, less amount of rpm is generated. Other than it, damaged needle in the turbines creates harsh noises in the engine.
How to Resolve the Problem

To resolve all the issues, the entire transmission system does not need replacement rather, the damaged part of the torque converter can easily be fixed or replaced. Moreover, replacing the TCC solenoid can help resolve the torque converter issues. Besides this, check the wiring and connections to resolve the errors (2).

Delayed/Jerky Transmission Shift

Causes

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Delayed transmission shift, as discussed above, can be a symptom of solenoid issues, clogged transmission fluid, and bad transmission filters. In addition, delayed transmission shifts can exert pressure on the engine, impacting its lifespan.

If you own a slightly older vehicle, the problem might lie in the valve sticking to the valve body. In newer vehicle models, the vehicle’s computer is responsible for changing the gears so that the delayed transmission can signal a faulty valve solenoid. Reconfiguring the computer can resolve the issue of delayed transmission. In some cases, the driver might experience a jerky transmission shift. A jerky transmission shift is the opposite of a delayed shift, where the gear changes before the desired RPM (3). There can be an issue with the spring-loaded dampeners called accumulators. The accumulators are responsible for gently shifting the gear. The car will experience a jerky/sudden gear shift if the accumulators have gone bad.

How to Resolve the Problem

You must take the car to a professional service center to resolve these transmission problems. Disassembling the transmission system will illustrate the actual reason causing this problem. In manual cars, damaged clutch plates cause jerky/delayed transmission shifts. This is because the clutch would not function properly, resulting in a delayed transmission shift (2). In the manual transmission case, you can check the color of the transmission fluid to analyze the clutch’s health. If the transmission fluid is dark brown/blackish, it indicates that the clutch plates need replacement.

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Faulty Solenoid System

Causes

In a transmission system, there is a solenoid system, and the role of the solenoid is to control the flow of transmission fluid. The solenoid system is hydraulic valves, which control fluid flow according to requirements.
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Thus, this part helps in changing the gears. The opening and closing of the valves depend upon the signal received from the vehicle’s electronic control unit. Therefore, this part helps generate the required amount of pressure that aids in changing the gears. But sometimes, the solenoid system gets damaged, and the entire transmission system is damaged (2). The solenoid system may fail due to multiple reasons. Among them, one major reason is electrical problems. The system may get damaged and hot when the incorrect voltage is applied to the coil. As a result, the right amount of transmission fluid is not pumped into the system. Thus, the metal parts and bearings need to be better lubricated and become damaged. Another reason for the faulty solenoid is the dirt particles (3). The contaminated transmission fluid may permanently open or close the solenoids. Besides, the solenoid’s mechanical wear and tear can also impact its performance.

How to Resolve the Problem

To maintain the health of the solenoid, it is necessary to check the supplied voltages. The voltages must be maintained. Also, clean the surface of the solenoids to remove dirt and moisture. In damaged solenoids,

the solenoids can be replaced easily but only supply voltages when connected to the valves. Moreover, replacing armatures can also help resolve the problems.

Transmission Bands

Causes

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Transmission bands are also essential in the transmission system and are usually steel-made. This part mainly aims to link a gear train to the housing.

When the transmission fluid is squeezed, the band rings are hardened and ultimately damaged. Due to the damaged transmission bands, the gears will start slipping, and the performance of the transmission system will be impacted (5). As a result, the noise is observed from the engine. In addition, the vehicle fails to accelerate at high speed, and the metal parts get poor due to the lack of lubrication. Also, the transmission pan gets damaged, and the transmission fluid leakage results in a poor rotten egg-like smell. Besides this, the vehicle usually stops responding upon pressing the pedal.

How to Resolve the Problem

The only solution to this issue is to replace the transmission band. Also, tightening the band seal can help in resolving the issue.

Sudden Deceleration

Causes

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Sudden acceleration or deceleration of the car can indicate a problem in the transmission system. In this case, the car can suddenly speed up or slow down when the accelerator is pressed.

Similarly, the car’s RPM is variable, and you might notice a sudden lunge back or lurch forward when the car is neutral or in parking mode (3). Again, this indicates that the transmission components are malfunctioning and require replacement. In the case of a manual transmission, the car might face sudden deceleration due to a faulty clutch and low transmission oil.

How to Resolve the Problem

You need to find the malfunctioning transmission component to resolve the issue. In some modern vehicles, an onboard diagnostic system will display a transmission error on the vehicle’s cluster meter. You can further connect a hand-code reader to analyze the malfunctioning transmission component.

Leaking Seals

Cause

Like the engine, the transmission also has a gasket that seals the transmission fluid, maintaining its flow around transmission components.

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However, if the transmission seals are damaged, it can cause a leakage in the transmission fluid. As discussed above, low transmission fluid can cause several problems, such as shaky transmission, sudden deceleration, etc.
How to Resolve the Problem

The only solution to this problem is the replacement of transmission gaskets/seals. If the seals are slightly damaged, they can also be repaired (5). You can always consult the vehicle’s instruction manual to further know about the transmission gasket replacement.

Bad Transmission Sensors

Causes

Like the engine, the transmission also has a series of sensors that helps in gear shifting, especially in an automatic transmission system (3).

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Some of these sensors can go bad with time, resulting in a faulty transmission system.
How to Resolve the Problem

The solution to this problem is to clean the transmission sensors first and test drive the vehicle. However, if the problem persists, it is high time to replace the transmission sensors. This would help in improving the transmission performance over time.

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Cost to Resolve Transmission Problems

The following table illustrates the cost required to resolve different transmission problems:

Common Transmission ProblemsCost Required to Resolve the Problem
Transmission Shaking$125-250 if it is due to low fluid, $600-1000 if the problem is due to the bad torque converter
Low Transmission Fluid$125-250 to replace transmission fluid
Bad Transmission Filters$50-100 to replace the transmission filter
Torque Converter Issues$600-1000 to replace the faulty torque converter
Faulty Transmission Solenoid$50-100 to replace transmission solenoid
Bad Transmission Bands$2000-3000 to replace transmission bands
Bad Transmission Sensors$50-200 to replace transmission sensors
Sudden Deceleration$1000-2500 if the problem is due to clutch damage
Leaked Seals$150-200 to replace damaged seals
Delayed/Jerky Transmission$200 to reconfigure the computer, $600-1000 to replace the faulty torque converter

Conclusion

To conclude, transmission is one of the most important components of an automobile. So, its performance should be at its peak for optimized vehicle performance. Like engine oil, transmission oil needs to be replaced along with the filter at service maintenance, or there can be certain problems, such as shaky transmission and sudden deceleration. Some other transmission problems can be low fluid levels, bad filters, torque converter issues, a faulty solenoid, and bad transmission bands. There can be several reasons for these transmission problems that will be discussed separately. However, it is recommended that drivers avoid driving with a faulty transmission system that can eventually damage the whole transmission and the vehicle’s drive train.

FAQs

The most common type of transmission includes automatic and manual transmission. The driver needs to shift the gear in the manual transmission using the clutch and the gear stick. However, in an automatic transmission, the driver needs to engage a particular level (P, N, D, L, etc.), and the actuator will automatically shift the gears. There is no clutch in cars with automatic transmissions. The third transmission type is available in modern cars called CVT (constantly varying transmission). This is an attempt to improve the automatic transmission to enhance the car’s fuel economy.

Common signs of bad transmission are refusal to switch gears or late/early gear switch. This is common in vehicles with automatic transmissions. In the manual transmission case, the burning smell indicates that the clutch plate is burning, so there would be a problem engaging different gears in the car. Similarly, transmission oil leakage, slipping gears, check engine lights, etc., are other common signs indicating a malfunctioning transmission system.

Well, it depends upon the extent of the issue. If the issue is as minute as the sensor issue, it can be resolved within $100-200. However, if the issue is complex, such as a transmission band issue or the torque converter issue, then the cost can exceed $1000. However, you should always check for transmission fluid. Maintaining an adequate transmission fluid level can save up the cost of replacing expensive transmission parts.

References

About Author

Andrew Ray

Andrew is an automotive technician with 10 years of experience mainly in American and Japanese cars, covering everything from routine vehicle maintenance and engine inspections to tire rotation.