Guide on Transmission Repair

Proper transmission maintenance procedures can prolong the life of your transmission in your vehicle. When a vehicle’s transmission is not properly maintained, it may have problems that can cause expensive damage. Some damage can be to the extreme that the vehicle may need a full transmission replacement.

Maintenance Procedures

In an automatic transmission, the transmission fluid is what lubricates the main gears and planetary gears inside the transmission. Maintaining the proper transmission fluid levels is a must in keeping your transmission shifting smoothly. Without the sufficient amount of fluid, the transmission can overheat and do damage to the gears in the transmission. Changing the transmission filter and fluids should be done per the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Diagnosing a Transmission Problem

Some transmission problems may be solved without replacing or rebuilding the transmission. Here are some common transmission problems and solutions.

• Is the transmission fluid level low? Most mechanics recommend that the owner should at least check the fluid level twice a year. Not only will the proper fluid level keep your car shifting properly, it will also let you know if the transmission is leaking.


• Does the transmission show signs of leakage? Most vehicles have red transmission fluid, so it can be clearly identified from other fluids in the car’s engine. Look under the vehicle around the transmission for signs of fluid between the transmission and the motor. Also, look around the transmission filler tube located under the hood. These leaks can be signs of leaking gaskets or seals that will need to be replaced.


• Does the transmission seem to hesitate before changing gears? Sometimes when the vehicle seems to be shifting slowly or hesitates before shifting, it could be a sign of a clogged filter. The fluids in the transmission should remain clean, so the fluid can freely flow through the transmission. A properly working  filter should catch the debris from the transmission. When the filter becomes clogged the fluid will not properly lubricate the transmission allowing for proper shifting of the gears. The filter can be replaced by the owner of the vehicle or be done by a mechanic.