Automatic transmissions have been around for a while now, and they are one of the most common types of transmissions in cars today. They are reliable and usually easy to work with but also very complex and require lots of maintenance.
Many different problems may arise with automatic transmissions. Some might be minor and can be fixed by a skilled mechanic while others can be more serious and require an overhaul or replacement.
You can easily tell if your car has automatic transmission problems if you notice any of the following symptoms:
Gears Slipping
One symptom that can show up when the automatic transmission has a problem is when gears slip in and out of gear while driving. This could be caused by a leaking transmission line, a clogged transmission filter, or low transmission fluid. This may cause the engine to rev up and make the car hard to drive.
Grinding or shaking when shifting gears
The gear-shifting process in an automatic transmission car should be smooth from one gear to another. A faulty transmission system may cause the car to shake and grind when it switches gears. If you notice this, then you must take action immediately to avoid further damage to the gearbox.
Vehicle does not engage gear immediately
Your automatic transmission car should immediately respond to gear shifts from drive to reverse and vice versa. This should be swift and effortless, without any delay in engaging the selected gear.
Burning Smell
One of the symptoms of a faulty automatic transmission system is a burning smell, similar to that of burning oil emanating from the gearbox area. This is due to the transmission fluid overheating and burning up.
Jerking when shifting gears
One of the symptoms of a faulty automatic transmission system is vehicle jerking when shifting gears. This happens because the transmission system is not able to properly engage the gears, causing the engine to rev up suddenly and then abruptly fall back when the gears finally engage. This can be caused by a number of things, including a low transmission fluid level, a dirty transmission fluid, a faulty transmission filter, or a problem with the transmission itself.