
How to Fix Automatic Transmission Problems
- Clear all DTC's with a engine scan tool (diagnostic trouble codes.)
- Start the engine and observe the MIL, if it does not illuminate continue to next step (service engine soon or check engine light.)
- Drive the vehicle while trying to maintain a constant throttle position as it accelerates up through all four gears.
Full Answer
How hard is it to rebuild an automatic transmission?
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How much does it cost to repair an automatic transmission?
Transmission replacement is one of the most expensive jobs done by any mechanic. According to Transmission Repair Cost Guide readers, the average cost of transmission replacement ranges from $1800 to $3400. The labor to remove and replace a transmission ranges from $500 to $1200 for 4 to 10 hours of billed time.
How reliable is a rebuilt automatic transmission?
While both rebuilt and remanufactured transmissions may be compatible with your vehicle, reman systems are more reliable and higher in quality. Additionally, remanufactured transmissions pass through a dyno testing process before leaving the workshop.
How do you completely drain automatic transmission?
How do you completely drain the transmission?
- eHaze
- Fiftygrit. I take mine to a mech friend and he has a pump system, no solvents, just drops the pan and one of the cooler lines and pumps the old ...
- Heelclickerman. You can drop your pan, replace filter, reinstall pan and fill with new fluid. ...
- RDyson. ...
- Angelo C. ...
- Heelclickerman. ...
- RDyson. ...
- NavyDood. ...
- eHaze
- Heelclickerman. ...

Can you repair an automatic transmission?
Often with a transmission repair, you are only fixing one specific part of the transmission. This repair can take place without having to rebuild the entire transmission. This option typically costs less than a rebuild or a replacement.
What is the common problem of automatic transmission?
Low or Leaking Transmission Fluid You are likely seeing Automatic Transmission fluid. Because transmission fluid should never leak, this could lead to a very serious and complete breakdown of your transmission – which is very inconvenient and costly (often more than a new engine).
How much does it cost to fix automatic transmission?
Replacements can range from $1,800 to $3,400. Depending on the repair shop and technicians, labor charges can range from $500 to $1,200. Here's a quick overview of the average transmission replacement cost: Remanufactured transmission – $1,300 to $3,400.
What causes automatic transmission failure?
Transmission failure can be caused by slipping, symptomatic noises, lack of fluid due to leaks, overheating, or outside factors that affect the transmission.
What are the top 5 signs of transmission problems?
Top 5 Signs of Transmission TroubleGrinding Noises. One of the more common symptoms of transmission trouble is a grinding noise that occurs during shifting. ... Burning Odor. Transmission fluid often smells tart or slightly sweet. ... Transmission Warning Light. ... Delayed Shifting. ... Transmission Fluid Leak.
How do you diagnose an automatic transmission problem?
What Are the Transmission Failure Symptoms?Refusal to Switch Gears. If your vehicle refuses or struggles to change gears, you are more than likely facing a problem with your transmission system. ... Burning Smell. ... Noises When in Neutral. ... Slipping Gears. ... Dragging Clutch. ... Leaking Fluid. ... Check Engine Light. ... Grinding or Shaking.More items...•
Is it cheaper to rebuild a transmission or replace it?
A transmission replace is the most expensive option when fixing your transmission. In many cases you will hear this referred to as “re-manufactured.” Basically, the manufacturer will replace parts that have gone bad with modified parts. This is an option if the transmission is too damaged to even consider a rebuild.
Is it worth fixing a transmission?
Rebuilding a transmission can save you a lot of money over the short-term, while keeping car payments out of your monthly budget. For many, rebuilding their transmission is worth the initial cost. Rebuilding a transmission may cost you twenty-five hundred dollars or more, which is a significant chunk of change.
Is it better to replace a transmission or buy a new car?
It is almost always less expensive to repair a car than buy a new one. Although something as severe as a blown motor or a failed transmission will run you between $3,000 and $7,000 to replace at a dealership, such repairs still don't cost as much as buying a new car.
How do you fix transmission problems?
0:343:04How to Fix Transmission Shifting Problems in Your Car (Fluid Change)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPull off the dipstick. Hey. It's really dirty supposed to be red it's black. So we're going toMorePull off the dipstick. Hey. It's really dirty supposed to be red it's black. So we're going to change the filter and the fluid in the transmission a lot of times that will fix it.
How long should a automatic transmission last?
approximately 7 yearsTime and mileage vary between car drivers and how they use or abuse their transmissions. Still, typical automatic transmissions last around 150,00 to 200,000 miles or approximately 7 years.
How much does a new transmission cost?
between $1,800 and $3,400The average price range for transmission replacement is between $1,800 and $3,400 for a brand-new component. The additional cost of labor is often between $500 and $1,200, and you should also take taxes and associated fees into account. Learn more about your car's transmission with our service center, below!
How much does a new transmission cost?
between $1,800 and $3,400The average price range for transmission replacement is between $1,800 and $3,400 for a brand-new component. The additional cost of labor is often between $500 and $1,200, and you should also take taxes and associated fees into account. Learn more about your car's transmission with our service center, below!
How long does an automatic transmission last?
approximately 7 yearsTime and mileage vary between car drivers and how they use or abuse their transmissions. Still, typical automatic transmissions last around 150,00 to 200,000 miles or approximately 7 years. Cases exist in both extremes; extreme longevity and early failure.
Why does my transmission go into gear but not shift out of first gear?
Goes into gear but does not shift out of first gear: When the vehicle is cold or going around corners the transmission fades in and out of gear: In most cases this means the transmission fluid is low. The transmission will lose hydraulic pressure causing the transmission to drift in and out of gear.
Why does my automatic transmission make a noise?
If the transmission filter becomes plugged due to debris , it can make a whirring noise.
Why does my transmission make a whirring noise?
If the transmission filter becomes plugged due to debris, it can make a whirring noise. If the fluid level is low, you might hear a bubbling sound which is caused by the pump scavenging fluid inside the transmission pan. Most internal failures are due to bearing, clutch or hard part failure.
Can you overfill transmission fluid?
When adding transmission fluid, do not overfill, doing so could cause the fluid to become aerated which will affect transmission operation. If the fluid level is low with no visible leaks, check the radiator for fluid in the coolant.
What to do when transmission is rough?
When you find that your transmission is rough getting in and out of gears, the best thing you can do is a transmission fluid flush and add a little bit of a slip-stop additive to get things running like new.
What are the most common transmission problems?
The most common transmission problems are leaking seals , a worn-out clutch, or old transmission fluid. But while these are the most common problems, they aren’t the only ones you need to keep an eye out for. We’ll give you an in-depth dive into each issue below. 1. Leaking Seals.
Why is my transmission overheating?
Overheating Transmission. While an overheating transmission is a sign of a deeper problem, it might be the only thing you notice. There are tons of reasons your transmission might overheat. From jammed gears to old transmission fluid, you’ll need to thoroughly troubleshoot your transmission to find out what’s going on.
What causes rough shifting?
Rough shifting is another one of those problems that can be caused by a litany of problems. There could be jammed gears, worn bands, or about a dozen other problems. The only way to find out for sure is to tear apart your transmission and rebuild it.
How to tell if a transmission leak is coming from the bottom?
If it’s coming from the bottom, it’s likely the transmission pan, but it’s likely a front main if it’s coming from the front.
What happens when oil leaks in transmission?
Just like your engine, oil fills your transmission to keep everything running smoothly. That transmission fluid is held inside through gaskets and seals, and as your transmission ages, those gaskets and seals can wear out. If this happens you’ll get a leak, and you’ll need to make repairs.
What are the problems with manual transmissions?
Replacing a clutch isn’t easy or cheap, but it’s necessary to keep things running the way they should. 3. Old Transmission Fluid/Filter.
How long does it take to rebuild a transmission?
But, if the person is an experienced mechanic, it should not take longer than expected. Usually, a transmission rebuild takes 3 to 4 days. It will depend on where you have taken the Transmission for a rebuild.
What is automatic transmission?
There are two types of Transmission. The Automatic Transmission. It is where the vehicle shifts the gears on its own without the input of the driver.
What is transmission in a car?
Transmission is a mechanism contained in the engine of a vehicle. The responsibility to change the gears of the vehicle solely falls on it. This engine energy is, in turn, transferred to the wheels to enable the car to move. In simple terms, It is the mechanism that converts the engine power into a force.
Why is transmission important?
It is important because it converts the engine force into power that enables the vehicle to move. Without Transmission, engine power cannot reach the wheels of your car. Simply put, the transmission system is a link between the engine and the wheels. Another aspect that you should understand is the RPM.
Why do you pour transmission fluid through a funnel?
Transmission fluid. Hand pouring transmission fluid through funnel as for the good car maintenance. Transmission fluid plays the role of lubricating the engine parts. The fluid ensures the proper functioning of the transmission system. Also, it helps to lower the engine’s heating, which ensures the engine stays cool.
How to tell if transmission fluid is leaking?
Another visible sign is the leaking transmission fluid. When you park your vehicle at one point for some time, you notice colored fluids on the ground. It is an indicator of a faulty transmission system. Remember, the transmission fluid comes in different colors.
How do you know if your transmission needs a rebuild?
When you step on the accelerating pedal, the engine makes loud and unpleasant noise. There and then, you will know that the Transmission has a problem and needs a rebuild.
What Is Automatic Transmission Service?
Just like an engine, the automatic transmission is filled with a fluid that must be changed at specific intervals, and the filter is kept clean with a filter. An automatic transmission service is when the transmission fluid is drained and the filter is replaced, which requires the removal of the transmission pan.
When Should You Perform This Service?
Servicing the automatic transmission should be part of routine scheduled maintenance, which varies depending on your specific vehicle. The average mileage suggested for this service is around 50,000 to 60,000 miles with some manufacturers recommending such service at 100,000-mile intervals.
Is This An Easy DIY Repair?
If you’re just wanting to drain the transmission pan and replace the filter, this service is similar to an oil change, although the average cost is quite a bit more expensive. A DIY transmission service can be a little trickier than an oil change, though, as it requires more access under the vehicle and is usually a messier job.
Not All Automatic Transmissions Are The Same
Almost everyone knows (or should know) the difference between automatic transmissions and manual transmissions.
Conclusion
Don’t burn up your transmission by forgetting to have this service performed on your car regularly. Whether you do it yourself or take it to a professional shop, this scheduled maintenance item should be a top priority to keep your vehicle on the road.
What to do if your transmission is not working?
If none of the other steps have helped you figure out what’s wrong with your automatic transmission, have an expert transmission specialist help troubleshoot your vehicle. For some issues it is just best to go to someone with more experience who has most likely seen the symptoms you have been trying to figure out. Even if you are able to troubleshoot your automatic transmission issues, it’s often best to bring your vehicle in to a professional in if the problem is too complicated to fix yourself. If you’re looking for the best transmssion mechanics near you, look no further than one of our AAMCO Utah Transmission and Total Car Care centers . Schedule an appointment online today!
What to do if transmission fluid is low?
If the fluid levels are low, you should add more transmission fluid of the correct type as specified in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. You may need a complete fluid and filter change if your transmission fluid is contaminated, black, or burnt. Check the handy reference chart below for the health of your transmission fluid.
What to do if your car does not come up with a code?
If the car does not come up with any codes or there isn’t a solution for the code then you’ll want to check out a repair manual or website for your vehicle’s specific make and model. Repair manuals tend to how much more in-depth details about your vehicle and how to fix them, although you’ll need to pay for them to access that info. There are some auto repair websites online that offer free information or have an ask a mechanic forum.
Does AAMCO check OBD codes?
AAMCO Utah will check your OBD codes for free. There may also be a few autoparts shops near you that offer free scans as well. If you prefer to do it yourself, you can purchase your own OBD scanner. These OBD codes will often reveal a lot about what is wrong with your transmission.
Overview on automatic transmission problems and solutions
When it comes to transmission maintenance or upgrade s, they can be complicated and expensive, so it’s a wise suggestion to pay an alert to any odd behavior.
Automatic transmission high RPM before shifting
High RPMs cause increase fuel consumption and put additional pressure on your engine. It’s time to send your car to a repair shop for a transmission examination if the engine starts to rev higher before a gear shift during acceleration or if you feel a jerking feeling.
Automatic transmission not shifting into high gear
A shortage of fluid in the transmission is usually one of the primary causes of the automatic gearbox not shifting into high speeds or not changing gears at all. This is commonly caused by a worn-out oil seal in the unit, which causes the fluid to leak.
Automatic transmission only shifts manually
The back of the transmission may have a defective shift governor. As you accelerate, the governor will shift the gearbox. A manual gearbox is used in some instances, whereas an electronic transmission is used in others.
How to fix Nissan Xterra transmission problem
Buying a secondhand transmission is the easiest option to address your transmission problems. To get one, try visiting junkyards to check if they have them, and they usually come with a 30-90-day guarantee. In addition, the fact that they are “used” typically indicates that they are still in good functioning order.
Why the delayed shifting when accelerating
The shifts are designed to be delayed or, to put it another way, the transmission is supposed to shift at higher RPMs when you accelerate quickly. You wouldn’t be able to merge safely onto a freeway if the transmission didn’t work like this.
Reason for automated transmission making rattling noise
One of the most prevalent indications of transmission failure is rattling. In transmission with hundreds of pieces, a single bearing or even a worn casing may cause a disturbing noise.
What is an automatic transmission?
As for an automatic transmission, it is basically an automatic gear shifter that does the work for you. It uses what’s called a torque converter to determine when to shift so that when you speed up, it moves to a higher gear, and when you slow, it returns to a lower one.
How much does it cost to fix a transmission?
A transmission repair usually costs you between $1200 to $5000. Learn what you can expect to pay to fix your transmission, whether manual or automatic.
What is transmission fluid?
Just like an engine, a transmission requires fluid to function, which in this case is called transmission fluid. It not only acts as a lubricant but as a hydraulic fluid as well. This keeps it within a safe operating temp, facilitates gear shifts, and lubricates the moving parts.
What does it mean when your transmission is leaking?
Transmission Fluid Leak. This one is similar to the last in that it means your transmission doesn’t receive the essential fluid it needs. However, if your transmission is leaking fluid, you can’t simply add more, you need to fix the issue.
What happens if your transmission fluid filter is clogged?
If you didn’t know, your tranny has a filter that screens out harmful debris like dirt, dust, and metallic flakes before they continue on to wreak havoc. However, once the filter screens out enough debris, it can become clogged, rendering it useless.
How does a transmission work?
While an engine creates power, a transmission controls how much of it actually reaches the wheels at any given speed. Using the gears of a bike as an example. When you shift between one to the other, the chain is temporarily lifted off, then put back in place. This is similar to how a manual transmission works.
What happens if you ignore your transmission?
If you start experiencing issues with your transmission, then it’s likely time to get it checked out. If you ignore it, it may eventually fail, meaning your car won’t be able to function. Now that you understand the basics behind how a transmission works. Let’s look at what causes one to fail.
Why is my automatic transmission so complex?
Because of that your automatic transmission can be more expensive to repair than your engine (depending on your particular car).
What does friction do to a transmission?
Friction is what damages that complex automatic transmission system. If you hear clunking noises and suspect it's coming from the transmission, your transmission may already have an internal part giving out. If that's the case, it's important to have a qualified automatic transmission mechanic look at it right away.
Why does my transmission make a noise?
Some noises that come from your transmission can be caused by your automatic transmission fluid breaking down. This fluid has a hefty job of keeping an amazing amount of mechanical gears and components lubricated. With time and use, that fluid loses its protective properties and doesn't stop that friction.
What does it mean when your transmission is shaking?
1. Grinding or shaking sensation in gear. Your automatic transmission normally operates smoothly when shifting from gear to gear. You shouldn't feel any grinding, slipping or shaking sensations as your car switches gears. When a transmission is starting to have problems, these symptoms can seem insignificant.
What happens when transmission fluid is lubricated?
When your transmission fluid's lubricating abilities diminish, as it does with time and mileage, it enables damaging friction between all the parts. Friction causes the breakdown of parts and buildup of debris and likely sludge. All of these problems together eventually lead to a complete transmission breakdown.
Why does my transmission slip in and out of gears?
If your transmission is slipping in and out of gears when you’re behind the wheel, and you need to give it the gas to avoid a problem, that is scary. Your car’s computer tells the transmission when to shift between one gear and another. It tells your car when to send power to your wheels.
Can a leak in a transmission be a low cost service?
If you do nothing, it will turn into a very serious problem. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. Sometimes a leak is a low cost service just to replace a leaking gasket or possibly a hose. Just remember, don’t neglect a small problem in your transmission unless you want a big problem later.
What Is Automatic Transmission Service?
When Should You Perform This Service?
Is This An Easy Diy Repair?
- Fluid Leaks are a huge issue, this repair will greatly depend on the location of the leak. If it is not clear where the leak is coming from, clean the transmission off using a degreaser such as 409 cleaner and hose off, then take the vehicle for a short drive and inspect for a leak which is done best bylifting the vehicle on jack stands. Common lea...
Not All Automatic Transmissions Are The Same
Conclusion