What Causes Automatic Transmission to Fail? – Common Reasons and Signs

The transmission of a vehicle is the component that transfers power from the vehicle engine to the wheels of the vehicle. When the driver applies brakes or presses on the pedal, the gearbox responds by changing the gear ratio that governs the relationship between the engine and the drive wheels. The actual method of transmission might vary greatly depending on the sort of transmission being performed.

When an automobile comes to a complete stop, the transmission is the component that is responsible for detaching the engine from the wheel that is being driven. When the wheels are not turning, the vehicle will be able to remain in a stationary position.

The gearbox of a car is what makes it possible for the vehicle to immediately accelerate after it has been idling. A gearbox may assist minimize the amount of wear and tear on an engine by lowering the number of revolutions per minute (RPM) that the engine makes while still enabling the vehicle to move at the same or a faster pace.

What causes automatic transmission to fail?

The transmission is constructed up of a wide range of elements and mechanisms that are all interconnected with one another. These components are susceptible to a wide variety of issues, each one of which has the potential to bring the transmission to its knees, resulting in an expensive transmission repair.

Four Common Reasons for Transmission Failure

The following is a list on what causes automatic transmission to fail:

1. Low transmission fluid

When there is not enough transmission fluid in the system, it may lead to a number of significant problems with the transmission, including overheating (a major cause of transmission failure), difficulty changing gears, gear slippage, and delayed gear engagement. Ineffective seals or a malfunctioning powertrain may also lead to leaks.

2. Clogged transmission filter

Transmission problems might also be caused by a transmission filter that is blocked. Because of this, there will be a disruption in the normal flow of the (automatic transmission) fluid (ATF), the gears will begin to grind, the gearbox will respond more slowly, or the gears may slide. If you service your gearbox in accordance with the intervals specified by the manufacturer, you may be able to avoid this problem.

3. Torque converter issues

There are instances when torque converters have issues, such as needle bearings being destroyed. Because of this, the transmission may suffer considerable damage. You would be able to distinguish unusual noises originating from your vehicle’s transmission, such as brushing or grinding sounds.

4. Solenoid issues

It is the solenoid’s job to regulate the flow of fluid through the transmission as a whole. Problems with solenoids might be caused by insufficient amounts of fluid or by other technical malfunctions as well. Check the solenoid of the transmission of the car in question if there are no visible indicators of fluid leakage but the transmission is still sliding.

5. Broken transmission bands

Synchronizing the gear change process in an automated transmission is accomplished by the use of a number of thin transmission bands made of rubber. Bands that are too loose may create gear slippage and a scenario in which gear does not engage correctly. Transmission bands that are very tight can cause early wear of the vehicle’s gears and cause the bands to break.

Transmission Failure Warning Signs

These are some of the most important warning indications that a transmission problem is developing. If discovered in its early stages, the likelihood of a costly repair is considerably reduced.

1. Check Engine Light or Transmission Warning Light

A check engine light or transmission warning light is an essential indicator if there is a problem with the transmission. If you see this behavior, it does not necessarily indicate that there is a significant problem with the transmission; nonetheless, you should have both the transmission and the engine inspected if you observe this behavior.

2. Burning smell

It is never a good indication when there is a smell of burning emanating from within a car. In most cases, the cause of this burning smell is a transmission that has overheated or transmission fluid that has caught fire. In the event that this is detected, an urgent inspection of the vehicle is required so as to prevent any more damage.

3. Leaking transmission fluid

Transmission fluid seeping out of the vehicle is one of the most visible symptoms that the transmission is failing. When a car is parked, this will materialize as a fluid that has a pleasant odor below the vehicle. If you notice that your transmission fluid is leaking, you should get in touch with a professional to get it checked out.

4. Slipping gears

When driving, this notice should not be disregarded or taken lightly since it poses a significant risk. If you notice that your vehicle is shifting gears while it is moving, you need to have it checked out as soon as possible by a trained specialist in auto repair.

How to Avoid Transmission Failure?

Failure of the transmission may cause a significant amount of stress, both financially and otherwise. Maintaining your car’s transmission on a regular basis is not only an effective and simple method for extending its lifespan, but it also helps avoid unforeseen and costly repairs.

It is very important to pay careful attention to how a car sounds and how it handles in order to reduce the risk of the transmission failing. If the warning indications described above are picked up on in a timely manner, there is a strong possibility that the transmission will not break down.

Last but not least, a driver should develop conscious driving habits that do not place an excessive amount of strain on the transmission. When you park your vehicle without using the handbrake, make improper gear shifts, or shift an automatic gearbox before the vehicle has come to a full stop, you may accelerate the wear and tear on your transmission and cause it to fail sooner than it should.

The Bottom Line

Are you curious still about what causes automatic transmission to fail? Get in touch with the Car Expert Group to get further information about transmission repair. Our experts can guide you the best in maintaining the automatic transmission of your car.

Do you have any queries related to automobiles? Feel free to write to us and we would love to get back to you.