How to Diagnose an Automatic Transmission
The vehicle's transmission is an important car component. When it starts to have problems, there will be difficulty changing gears, such as the gears getting stuck, or changing outside the driver's wheel. Transmission problems can be quite expensive, but not always.
Directions:
- Pull out the dipstick for the transmission fluid. It has markings that tell you how much fluid should be in your car. Make sure the fluid is full. Check the fluid when the car is cold, then warm up your vehicle to look at the idle level. If the transmission fluid is lower than it should be, add more transmission fluid.
- If the transmission fluid looks too brown, or has a smell or burning, flush out the fluid and replace.
- Inspect under your vehicle for any signs of puddles. If the puddle is located under the transmission, there can be a leak. Leaking transmission fluid will be red or pink.
- Shift the transmission gears to determine the level of resistance. Try shifting the car into reverse or drive. If the gears are difficult to shift, this could be indicative of a transmission problem.
- While driving, check to see if the RPM levels go up without cause. The RPM levels should remain consistent with your speed. If the RPMs jump rapidly, this may be the result of a clutch slipping.
- When the "Check Engine" light comes on, plug in a code reader. This fits into the data link port, usually located near the steering wheel. This will diagnose a specific problem. It can be an electrical problem, a sensor problem, or something worse.