There are many different types of transmission issues spanning from minor to major. Sometimes it’s a relatively easy fix and sometimes it’s a very involved fix like a complete teardown and inspection of the transmission. A lack of maintenance leads to more failures in a transmission than the internal failure of the transmission itself. These maintenance issue can be easily overlooked and lead to a expensive repair. There is no convenient time for a transmission problem so preventative maintenance is key to saving time and money down the road.

Transmission fluid

Let’s start with the basics: the transmission fluid. We can’t count how many transmission problems we’ve seen that ultimately come down to low, improper, or dirty fluid. If you don’t have enough transmission fluid, you’re asking the transmission to work twice as hard without proper lubrication. You should check your transmission fluid on a regular schedule to make sure you’re up to the right level. Look for leaks under your car and know that unlike an engine that can burn coolant if you have low fluid you have a leak. Our next topic is the use of the wrong fluid being used during a flush, fluid change, or top off. Fluids have become more complex every year with constant changes to viscosity and properties leading to mis-application. Always consult your owners manual for the proper fluid spec and make sure the bottle matches. Many Multi-vehicle full synthetic fluids cover a wide range of transmissions including our FVP Full Synthetic ATF. Multi vehicle ATF combines many manufactures spec fluids into one application leaving less to chance that using a fluid that does not meet spec. Last on the fluid list is the most overlooked. While it’s easy to remember to change your engine oil changing the transmission fluid seems to be the most neglected but important preventive maintenance you can do. There are a few ways to accomplish this by a drain and refill, transmission flush, and by dropping the pan and changing the filter. Consult your repair facility for the best approach depending on mileage on your vehicle. We recommend not doing a flush if your fluid has been in your transmission for over 80k miles. Flushing can be great if kept up with on a normal schedule but can lead to problems if left unchecked.

Updated Software

With today’s modern vehicles the importance of having an updated Powertrain Control Module and/or Transmission Control Module can be overlooked. Many manufactures release updates to improve performance of a transmission by changing parameters of engine performance of shift points of the transmission. If your located in our service area we offer a mobile PCM/TCM flash service to ensure your vehicle is up to date. If outside of our service area consult a dealership about software updates. In many cases the current level can be checked by the VIN without having to take your vehicle anywhere to see if there is an update. Your repair professional can also look for Technical Service Bulletins related to specific shifting issues.

Avoid excess heat and strain

In terms of using your transmission, there are a few things you can do. Transmissions don’t like to get to hot so try to stay cool. Some transmissions can benefit from the installation of an auxiliary cooler like our GPT cooler kit . If you use your vehicle for towing keep in mind some transmissions operate better not staying in overdrive. This mainly pertains to vehicles built before 2006 and can be switched on and off with the overdrive switch.

Engine Performance

One of the hardest issues to diagnose in relation to the transmission this is also more common than you can imagine. Every stroke of the engine has a direct correlation to how the transmission performs. A poor running engines means a poor running transmission. Slipping, harsh shifting, underpowered, and intermittent issues can look on the surface like a transmission problem but in fact be caused by an engine issue. Keeping your engine well maintained with spark plugs, ignition components, cooling components, and fuel components leads to a healthier life of both the engine and transmission. Our engine installation kit can be used as a maintenance kit updating spark plugs and ignition components for a smooth running engine. Replacing fuel filters to ensure proper fuel/air trim to the engine. Water pumps and coolant hoses keep your engine cool which translates to a cooler running transmission. Our first step to diagnosing any transmission problem is to find out if there are any engine related codes, misfires, or underperforming symptoms of the engine. Even a clogged catalytic converter can cause a transmission slip issue due to the back pressure and load put on the engine. Keep an open mind before assuming a transmission is faulty.

Other culprits

Other external issues that are good to check when having a transmission problem are:

• Transmission harness Connector (damaged pins, loose connection, water in connector)
• Faulty PCM/TCM
• Faulty engine performance sensors (MAF sensor for example)
• Transfer case on a 4WD
• Driveline and differential issues including vibrations
• Transmission and engine mounts
• Damaged wiring
• Improper cooler flow
• Heat damage from improper engine cooling
• Lack of engine maintenance
• Low battery voltage/ bad battery

Still having issues

When a problem is determined in an automatic or CVT transmission the next step is to have it looked at by a automotive professional. Finding a repair facility with the newest diagnostic equipment can save you money on your repairs. Any vehicle newer that 1997 will have data points than can be analyzed by a scan tool and help in diagnosing the problem. Over 75 percent of transmission issues will set a check engine light with a trouble code that can help in diagnosing the problem. Feel free to reach out to one of our transmission experts with questions, we are happy assist.