Introduction
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.

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).

There are major differences in the replacement cost and lifespan of automatic and manual gear.
Top 10 Transmission Issues
Transmission Shaking
Causes
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
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).
Transmission Filter
Causes
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
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.
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
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.

Faulty Solenoid System
Causes
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
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
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.
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).
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.
