3 Common Causes Of Serious Transmission Problems

An automobile is made up of many parts and systems that allow it to operate properly. While all parts have an important function, it can be argued that the transmission is one of the most important parts in a car. Your vehicle's transmission is responsible for transferring power to the drive train and also ensuring that your vehicle shifts gear properly. In addition to being one of the most important parts in a car, the transmission is also quite expensive to replace, so most people want to keep their car's transmission working for as long as possible. One of the keys to a long lasting transmission is to have it repaired when there are small issues in order to prevent permanent damage. Some of the more common transmission problems that require repair are:

Transmission Fluid Levels Are Low

Having the right transmission fluid levels is extremely important-- transmission fluid plays a major role in keeping the transmission cool and allowing the gears to shift smoothly. If you own an automobile, you should make it a habit to check the transmission fluid level on a regular basis. In almost all cases, low transmission fluid levels indicate a leak. The leak could be caused by faulty seals inside the driveshaft or transmission, or it could be due to a bad transmission gasket seal that needs to be replaced. Do not make the mistake of continuing to drive when your vehicle is low on transmission fluid-- it is extremely important to have the cause of the leak repaired and have the fluid refilled to the proper level.

Issues with the Torque Converter

The torque converter is a part inside of a vehicle that is responsible for pressurizing transmission fluid. The transmission fluid must remain pressurized in order for there to be enough force to shift gears as the car is in motion. It is not uncommon for a torque converter to develop worn out or broken needles, which causes it to stop working properly. When the torque converter is broken, the transmission can become damaged. A common sign that there is something wrong with your car's torque converter is grinding when your car is shifting gears.

Faulty Solenoid

A solenoid's main function is to control how much fluid flows through the transmission. When a solenoid is faulty or worn out, you will notice that your vehicle is no longer driving like it should, especially when it is changing gears. In most cases, the most common sign that the solenoid needs to be repaired or replaced is slipping gears while driving your car. If you suspect a faulty solenoid, it is essential to have repairs made right away in order to prevent irreversible damage to the transmission. 

For more information, contact a local transmission shop like AAA Commercial Transmission.