Automatic Transmission Trouble Shooting Basics

1) First thing to do, no matter the issue, is to check the transmission fluid

The transmission is slipping: odds are the fluid level is low and topping the fluid level off will take care of the immediate issue(you'll still want to find out what happened to the missing fluid.

The transmission fluid is Dark and smells burnt: At this point if the transmission is shifting ok, a fluid and filter change is in order. If the transmission is causing you an issue and the level is full but still burnt looking you are looking at needing a rebuild. The dark color comes from the worn clutches inside the transmission. The clutch material is similar to that of brake pads and when they wear the leave dust similar to brake dust collecting on your wheels.


Transmission won't shift, No reverse, Stuck in Gear, No Overdrive:

these transmission problems can be caused by severe internal damage, a failed shift solenoid, failed sensor or a transmission computer module failure. Sometimes a simple Read more on Transmission Troubleshooting

Transmission has no operation, PCS ?

how do i know if my pcs went out? i was driving down the road all of the sudden it was like i was in neutral no forward or reverse.changed fluid and filter,still nothing. there was no noise or any thing when it happened just kind of like it went into neutral no slip or anything

Response:
Your vehicle would have the check engine light on and have a P0700 code referring to a transmission issue. Using a capable scan tool, there will be at least one transmission code that would indicate a failure, possibly the pcs.

More Comments: PCS Testing Procedure Video

auto dealer said that they would fix anything wrong with it.

I just bought a 2002 Saturn L300 in July and the auto dealer said that they would fix anything wrong with it. My Problem is that when I am getting onto the highway it don't want to shift into 2nd gear. I cant check the trans fluid so I am not sure if it's low or that it may be in the trans it's self. I am supposed to take my car back Thursday and I would like someone else opinion and not just the repair shops opinion saying I drive my car like a race car. The place I bought it from in Lansing (RPM) said that they would fix what ever is wrong but when I took my car back to them they are giving me the runaround and I took the mechanic for a ride to show him what it was doing I took my car onto the highway when It gets to 2nd gear it just starts winding out till I let off the gas. The Mechanic says I drove it like a race car. I have had a few cars and worked on most of them and I have never had a car do this so I knew it was something wrong. It has a sealed trans and no dipstick and I don't have a hoist to lift it up. You have to lift it up on a hoist to check it.

Response 1) If this is an automatic transmission, it could be as simple as a VSS (vehicle speed sensor) or a failed shift solenoid. Neither are too expensive part wise so I wouldn't think the dealer would give you much guff over it. Besides, a deal is a deal and they said thy would fix it....... no worries.

Response 2) 1. Why can't you check the trans fluid?


2. Perhaps your Prndl is off

I drive an old Dodge Dakota and the prndl is off by one step. Drive is in neutral, 2 is drive etc. The little floss sized string has stretched over the years.

1996 Ford Crown Victoria - vehicle starts jumping like its hung in high gear

When I start to slow down,the vehicle starts jumping like its hung in high gear and I have to press the o/d off button on my gear shift to stop it. Also, while driving down the road, when I let up on the accelerator the transmission starts jumping.

Answer:
One of the solenoids or valves in the transmission's valve body is hanging up . Look at the fluid color ( wipe stick off on white paper) if it is brown instead of bright pink, you can try a filter and fluid service ( make sure to use Mercon V this is full synthetic fluid required in this vehicle) . If the fluid is pretty pink you can try putting an additive called " Shudder Fix " ( can be found at auto parts store ) this may be a good thing to try before tearing apart the transmission. You may want to check the VSS ( vehicle speed sensor to make sure it is sending the proper signals ) also before tearing it apart.Feel free to check out some of the other resources on the website as there may be some helpful information available.

started loosing overdrive, then drive and when we came to a stop

I just put a motor and automatic trans that has 46,000 miles on it in my sons 2003 kia rio. It runs good and was shifting fine but after a few miles we started loosing overdrive, then drive and when we came to a stop and took off again it wouldn't come out of 2nd. We had trouble with the plug on the newer trans that slips over the rod on top of the trans that connects to your shifter inside. It looks like some sort of sensor switch. It wouldn't stay connected when plugged into the wiring harness and kept the car from cranking and seemed to affect the shifting. We switched it with a used one and worked fine at first but then went back to the shifting problem. Does it sound like a tranny problem or is this piece we switched a sensor that affects when the gears change and needs to be replaced with a new one. The guy we got the motor and trans from is pretty trust worthy and will switch the trans out if its a problem.

I have a 1998 Mitsubishi Magna, Auto, which has just started to judder under acceleration. The engine rev's fine, but I set off, the car judders, and lacks power. The problem stops after 15minutes, once everything is warm. Any idea's what it is?

Answer:

There are three things I would like for you to inspect first off. Ensure that the timing is correct and has not jumped, this will cause the judder you mention if it has jumped. Inspect the fuel pressure at the fuel rail. If you have clogged fuel lines and/or fuel filter it will cause a lack of power, especially at start up. Also inspect the vacuum lines and ensure they are free of any cracks, damage or loose connections.

first the check engine light comes on occasionally and then goes off

1999 Jeep Cherokee

I got a new(ish) Jeep over the weekend, previous owner beat the snot out of it and now I'm fixing a lot of small problems, got the list down to a few now, first the check engine light comes on occasionally and then goes off for awhile, I tried the flipping of the key and that didn't show any codes or anything then found the trip odometer trick for the newer jeeps and it didn't give any either so then I took it to the parts store and used their scanner and found p0505 and p0743. I found the p0505 is idle air control? and p0743 has something to do with the torque converter? any help with the next step would be appreciated!!! its a 1999 Jeep Cherokee classic(not grand) 4.0 auto 4wd with 225k on it... it was towed behind a motor home so who knows how many miles are really on it Response: How does the Jeep seem to run other than the codes? For example, does the idle seem normal? Does it do anything unusual, especially when the light is coming on?

When you start the car it will go dead unless you rev up the engine.

Question:

I have a 2001 Mazda 626 with a v-6 manual transmission. When you start the car it will go dead unless you rev up the engine. If you two foot with the clutch and gas you can drive all day but when you go to stop at a light or turn and the idle goes down it dies immediately. It starts right back up as long as you push the gas.

Answer:

From your description it sounds like you have a sticking idle air control valve. When they stick you will need to hold your foot on the gas to keep the engine running. You can try to tap on the valve to see if that will free it up.

I have a Jeep Wrangler with a bad engine, can i swap it out?

I have a 2000 4.0 5 speed wrangler with a bad engine and am trying to put a 4.0 from a 2006 four door wrangler in it. the 2006 was an automatic. The problem i have is the pilot bearing . the book shows the same from 1993 to 2006 but it looks like i need a different one of some sort. What do i need to do ?

Answer:

the pilot bearing will have to be removed.... the automatic flywheel will need to be replace with the manual here is the main problem... the electrical system is different between the 2 motors. different crank sensors and communication between the 2 jeeps... i am not 100 % sure it will run when you get it installed. what i recommend is calling jeep and asking a parts specialist if there is a different part # for the 2006 motor and the 2000 motor.... i am willing to bet there will be more to switch than just the engine and flywheel....... before you go through this i would highly advise to please check on the engine part numbers.....

Honda civic that when it is cold it shifts slow into high gear

2002 Honda Civic

Question: I have a 2002 Honda civic that when it is cold it shifts slow into high gear. the rest of the gears are OK, and it shifts fine when it gets warmed up. Already Tried: Changed the fluid Answer: Now you are referring to your car having an automatic transmission? If that is the case, I would recommend letting you car warm up a little before driving it. What most likely is happening, is when driving the car cold, not all the fluid has a chance to move around enough & warm to proper operating temperature. If it is only the top gear, you may not have enough fluid pressure &/or the torque converter is not engaging yet like if the car was at normal operating temperature. If you feel you have a much larger problem you can contact your local Honda dealer &/or Honda to verify that your transmission is not under a recall. That would help also.

Where are the transmission fill ports and fluid level checks for a 2003 Ford Explorer

QUESTION:

Where are the transmission fill ports and fluid level checks for a 2003 ford explorer. i dropped the pan and come to find out that i do not have a normal fill port. Need to put the transmission fluid back in the vehicle to get it on the road. Tools and any other key facts would be greatly appreciated. Already Tried: Looking for fill ports for the transmission fluid and really could not distinguish where to put the transmission fluid. have had other " good car guys" look at it an they were just as befuddled. need to know how to so i can get my car back on the road.

ANSWER:

There is a special tool that screws into the "drain plug in the bottom of the pan. But if you can rig up something to squirt the fluid into the pan from the bottom then you do not need the tool. The easiest way is to put as much fluid that you can in the pan itself before bolting the pan back up. This makes the job a hell of a lot easier. Then start the truck let it get pretty warm and open the plug on the bottom of the pan(just the TX-30 torx bit screw) and when fluid just barely flows out of the hole then you are going to be at approx the correct level.

car sometimes jerks when put into reverse

QUESTION: I have a 1998 Saturn SL2 Sedan with automatic transmission- 48,000 miles. The car sometimes jerks when put into reverse- In the last three weeks or so, it sometimes slips a little going from neutral into first gear, and sometimes when i hit about 50 mph. I've checked the transmission fluid, it's not discolored and the level is fine. What do you suggest I do? Transmission fluid and filter change? Can a transmission be serviced without costing a fortune? I don't know a good mechanic in my area and don't want to get ripped off. could you please advise what steps you think I should take? I already checked transmission fluid level. ANSWER: I'm not sure what you mean by slipping when you go from neutral into first gear. Does it take excessive time to go into gear? If you are telling me that it slips at 50 and the fluid is full and clean then I must tell you that it is probably not going to be fixed by doing a service. I would seek out a good transmission specialist and have him diagnose it. I hate to tell you that even tho the fluid looks full and clean it sounds like an internal transmission problem. Sometimes they can be repaired by just removing the valve body, but prepare for the worst. An overhaul is probably needed.

how do i know when my clutch is going out - Toyota Tercel

Question:

I have a 1993 Toyota Tercel, how do I know when my clutch is going out. and about how much will it cost to replace it?

Answer:

If you try to accelerate in 3rd or 4th gear the engine will rev and there will be a burning smell. If the clutch pedal is grabbing high it is usually not good. The clutch kit is about $150 to $175 in the after market. You are looking at about 5 to 6 hours labor, times your local rate usually about $80 to $110 an hour.

The dealership accidentally flushed my 2006 Escape Hybrid transmission

Question:

The dealership accidentally flushed my 2006 Escape Hybrid transmission. I''m not sure they used the correct Mercon. What do you suggest I do to determine if they did for sure.

Already Tried: Dealer lied about service at first, don't trust them. I'm concerned the service they performed will cause long term damage to the CVTas it is not supposed to be serviced. Not sure they used right Mercon

Answer:

The correct Mercon, Mercon V is red, so you can check the fluid color. Mercon CVT is blue. Also check the repair order, it should list type of fluid used-Mercon V or Mercon CVT.

1999 Ford Ranger Automatic, when in overdrive the light is blinking

Question: 1999 Ford Ranger Automatic, when overdrive light is blinking, the transmission shifts hard. When not blinking, transmission is smooth. Any ideas on the problem? Answer: I would have the transmission codes scanned to be certain, but It sound like the Torque Lock Converter is going bad. This will give you a TCC code and anytime the transmission has an issue, the O/D will not work and will flash the light. The Fix Would Be to have the Torque Converter replaced. Scan Tools List

How much transmission fluid goes in a 2005 Sonata

Question:

I have a 2005 Hyundai Sonata. I just need to know what to do to change the transmission oil and how much does it need?

Answer:

The total capacity is 8.5 qts. Simply draining the pan does not get all fluid out of system, so drain and fill capacity is usually about 3-4 qts. Remove the drain plug, drain the fluid, note amount drained out, and take care to check level frequently when filling so not to overfill. Hyundai recommends using only Hyundai SP111 trans fluid.

Code P0720, P0731, P1790,P0700

Customer Problem:

I have a 1999 Chrysler 300M with a 3.5L engine. My Check Engine light came on and at the same time I lost my dash gauges and it will not shift out of first gear.

Solution:

Computer Diagnostics done to extract the codes for the check engine light. The coeds were:

P0720 = Output shaft speed sensor error

P0731 = First gear incorrect ratio

P1790 = Fault immediately after shift

P0700 = Transmission fault code

Since this situation all happened at once it would make sense that they are related. After removing and testing the Output shaft sensor that is supposed to be at 800 ohms, and was showing completely open, the Output shaft sensor was proven to have failed. Replaced the Output Shaft Sensor ( $20.00 ) and cleared the codes. Test drove the vehicle and all is working normal. Customer happy.

When it runs hot, it will not go in reverse

Question: I have a 1983 Ford Econoline box truck with a 351. I have changed the water pump, spark plugs, oil change, thermostat and exhaust system. The muffler pipe was turning orange before I changed it. But the engine is still running hot. When it runs hot, it will not go in reverse. Could you tell me what else I could do about it running hot? Already Tried: water pump, spark plugs, oil change, radiator flush, changed exhaust system Answer: 1) Have your ignition timing set/adjusted (should make a huge difference) Excessive ignition timing will cause an engine to run hot and can make the exhaust glow red/orange 2) Check/Replace the clutch on the clutch fan(common) or install an electric fan

car did not shift into a higher gear

Question:

I have a 2000 Chevy Blazer v-6 with an auto transmission. I had been servicing it regularly and did not abuse it. Yesterday while driving to have my oil changed the car did not shift into a higher gear. now my car will not shift into reverse also unless I let up on the gas it won''t shift into a higher gear. The guys at the oil changing place thinks it electrical. They dropped the oil pan and changed the filter. Is it a major problem or just a adjustment problem.

Answer:

There are no adjustments so i would have to go with the major problem. If it was just a solenoid then it would only have one problem ( loss of one gear, not more ) so I would say you are looking at having it rebuilt or replaced.

grand am has to warm up before it can move

Question:

My 1994 Pontiac grand am 3.1 has to warm up before it can move in any forward or reverse gear and I already tried changing fluid and filter.

Answer:

First make sure your transmission fluid is full with the engine running and the car in park on flat level surface. If the fluid is not full, fill it , drive it and check it again.

If the fluid is full and burnt looking (should be bright reddish/pink) then you are looking at need a rebuild or replacement.

If the fluid is full and was not burnt looking before you changed it, you will need to have the shift solenoids replaced.