There are a lot of things that can go wrong with a car’s transmission, and unfortunately it can be difficult to figure out just what the problem is without the help of a mechanic in Madison, TN. But paying attention to the signs your car is putting out about transmission problems can help you understand when it’s time to bring it in to a mechanic. And once you’re at the auto repair shop, it will be easier for you to explain what you think is wrong, which will be helpful for your mechanic in solving the problem. With all that in mind, here are some common transmission problems you should be looking out for:
- Torque converter issues: Your torque converter takes force created by your engine and uses it to make your car run. If your converter is damaged or worn, it will likely make odd grinding noises while driving, and especially when switching gears. If you notice these noises, it’s best to get to a mechanic quickly, before the converter gives out completely.
- Clutch problems: The clutch is an integral piece inside of your torque converter. A common clutch problem occurs when the clutch is jammed, which can cause transmission fluid to be unevenly distributed. When this happens, your car might take longer to switch gears, or slide between gears unprompted. Intense shaking underneath the car and a drop in your engine’s power are other symptoms of a faulty or jammed clutch.
- Solenoid damage: A solenoid is the part of your car that ensures fluid flows correctly through the transmission. If your transmission fluid is low or the solenoid has electrical problems, it can become damaged. An improperly working solenoid can result in difficulty switching gears and a slipping transmission. If this happens, ask your mechanic to check out your solenoid.
- Not enough fluid: One of the most common problems we see with transmissions is that they don’t have enough fluid to do their job smoothly. Low fluid levels are usually the result of a leak, and can cause your car to switch gears much more slowly and your gears to be much more slippery. Sometimes, your radiator’s coolant can taint the fluid in your transmission, causing it to become toxic to your transmission. If this happens, your transmission will need to be completed flushed and refilled with fluid. If it’s low but the existing fluid is still clean, it may simply need to be filled up. If you suspect a low fluid level is the culprit for your faulty transmission, it is possible to fix it yourself. But if you’re inexperienced in the area or not completely sure that’s the problem, bringing your car to the mechanic in Madison, TN is still your best bet.
Transmission problems are among the most common things we see at our shop. If you’re experiencing problems with your transmission or anything else in your car, don’t hesitate to bring it by and have one of our expert mechanics take a look.