Most Common Transmission Problems

Mechanic Looking Under Hood of Car

Your transmission is one of the most important systems in your car. It controls the gear shifting and helps distribute power. When your transmission isn’t working right, you’ll notice quickly. So, what are some of the most common transmission problems?

World Ford Pensacola explores some common problems to help drivers in Pensacola, Crestview, and Fort Walton Beach know when to schedule transmission service.

Most Common Transmission Problems

Pouring Transmision Fluid in FunnelWhether your vehicle runs on a manual or automatic transmission, it’s made up of lots of parts that need to work together to successfully change gears and transfer power from your engine. Like any part though, this important system may need service or maintenance. Here are five of the most common transmission problems:

  • Low Transmission Fluid: Transmission fluid lubricates and cools all the parts of your transmission. This allows them to keep running properly without overheating or breaking down. Both automatic and manual transmissions need to have enough fluid or any of the following problems can occur.
  • Transmission Leak: While transmission fluid will need to be refilled regularly, it’s important to check if your low fluid levels are the result of wear and tear or transmission damage. Check under your car for leaks. If your transmission is damaged and leaking, you’ll need to get it repaired as soon as possible.
  • Solenoid Problems: The solenoid is the part of your transmission that controls the flow of your transmission fluid. When you’re low on fluid, the solenoid will experience problems and cause the transmission to slip gears.
  • Damaged Torque Converter: Another problem that can result from insufficient fluid is that the needle bearings inside your torque converter can overheat and become damaged. This usually causes a grinding sound when you’re driving.
  • Jammed Clutch: When your clutch isn’t working you can experience several problems, especially if your vehicle has a manual transmission. Low transmission fluid, solenoid issues, and problems with your torque converter can all cause your clutch to lock up and leave you stuck in gear. You likely won’t be able to shift, or your gear shifts will be much more forceful and cause the car to shake.

Signs of Transmission Trouble

Any problem with your transmission will come through in the way your car drives. While we’ve mentioned leaking fluid and getting stuck in gear, there are a few other signs of transmission trouble that you should look for.

If your transmission frequently slips out of gear or seems to randomly change gears, that’s a red flag that there’s something wrong with it. You should also watch out for hard, violent shifting, especially in a manual transmission.

Another sign is if your transmission starts to make a loud grinding noise. You’ll usually hear this when you’re in gear but notice that it’s silent when you’re in neutral.

Finally, if you step on the accelerator but the vehicle can’t go faster, that often means your transmission isn’t letting your automatic transmission shift into the proper gear.

Transmission Service & Repair

When you need transmission repair near Pensacola, Crestview, or Fort Walton Beach, visit the service center at World Ford Pensacola. We have a team of highly trained technicians who can get your transmission shifting properly again.

To learn more about this important part of your car and the most common transmission problems, contact us or schedule your transmission repair today.