Accurate Transmission Diagnosis Can Put Money Back in Your Pocket

Although automatic transmission problems will take several forms, consumers, as well as general mechanics, often misdiagnose them. Many think that whenever a transmission exhibits any symptoms at all, such as: slipping, banging, hard or soft shifts, or fluid leaks, it must be replaced with a new or rebuilt (remanufactured) one. This is not necessarily the case. Many can be repaired for far less than the cost of a replacement, a certified transmission specialist needs to be consulted.

Since we know that no one wants to purchase a transmission if it were to turn out they didn’t need one, an expert transmission technician with the proper diagnostic equipment must be consulted. A systematic check by a professional is the only way to establish the real cause of operating problems and their solutions.

Each symptom may have a number of possible causes; many requiring no more than a minor adjustment or repair. A problem with the vehicle’s on-board computer or sensors can produce symptoms that lead the uninformed to believe the vehicle is in need of a transmission when, in actuality, it needs a far less expensive electrical component.

If your vehicle exhibits any of the following symptoms, a professional diagnosis is the next logical step before a commitment is made to spending a lot of money on what could prove to be unnecessary repairs.

1. A "Check Engine" or "Service Engine Soon" light is shining on the dashboard.
2. Fresh Fluid Stains Under the Vehicle.
3. Strange noises of any kind.
4. Vehicle has Lack of Power. You get no surge of power when you press the pedal to the floor.
5. Delayed Engagement in drive or reverse when the vehicle is cold. Vehicle won't move or shifts late during the first few minutes of operation.
6. No Engagement in Drive or Reverse. You place the shift lever in drive or reverse and nothing happens. Even racing the engine won't move the vehicle.
7. Slippage. Engine races but vehicle moves slowly or won't accelerate as it should.
8. Rough Shifting, Clunking into Gear. Noise or harsh feeling when transmission is placed in gear or when it shifts from one gear to another.
9. The Shift handle is hard to move or doesn't point to the proper range.
10. The Shift indicator must be slightly off P or N to start car.
11. An odor coming from under the hood or underneath the vehicle.

Many of the above are minor difficulties that can be easily cured. Only a transmission professional will know for sure, and only after a diagnostic procedure has been performed. Should you experience any of these, contact a certified transmission technician and allow him or her to go through a complete diagnostic check before committing to any sizeable investment.