How to know when your transmission is not working

Most cars use some sort of transmission to convert the power generated by the engine into usable power that can turn the wheels. Most cars today use two common types of transmissions: automatic and…

Most cars use some sort of transmission to convert the power generated by the engine into usable power that can turn the wheels. Most cars today use two common types of transmissions: automatic and manual. While they both serve the same purpose and work in the same way, from an engineering standpoint, they differ in how they work in relation to the driver.

An automatic transmission shifts gears independently and is electronically controlled, while a manual transmission must be manually shifted manually and controlled by the driver. Although these two types of transmissions differ in how they work, they both transmit engine power to the wheels, and failure can cause problems that can even lead to complete uncontrollability of the vehicle.

Since the transmission is a very important and very complex component critical to the operation of a vehicle, it is often costly to replace or repair if it malfunctions. Therefore, it is recommended to check if the gearbox is not working before deciding whether to repair or replace it.

Usually a problem with the transmission, especially with an automatic transmission, will activate a trouble code that can help with the repair, however in some cases, especially with mechanical or internal damage, the Check Engine light will not come on. In this step-by-step guide, we'll look at how to perform a few basic tests to determine if a transmission is operating optimally. We will consider automatic and manual transmissions separately, as their mode of operation is sufficiently different to require different testing.

Part 1 of 2: How to know if your automatic transmission is not working

Step 1: Check your car's automatic transmission fluid.. To properly check the fluid, start the car, park it, and then check the transmission dipstick, which is located under the hood.

• FunctionsA: If you cannot find the probe, please refer to the user manual for instructions.

With the engine running, remove the transmission dipstick and check that the transmission fluid is at the correct level, not too dirty or burnt.

Clean transmission fluid should be a clear red color.

• Functions: Check that the transmission fluid does not smell burnt or have a dark brownish tint. A burnt smell or tint indicates that overheating or burning has occurred somewhere inside the transmission, mainly on the clutch discs.

• Attention: An excessively dark or dirty transmission fluid can cause many problems if it is pumped through fine passages and filters during operation, since most automatic transmissions operate using hydraulic pressure. If the fluid seems dirty, it may be worth replacing if the car is indeed experiencing transmission problems, as dirty fluid can prevent the transmission from working properly.

• Attention: It is also important to note that not all vehicles are equipped with a transmission fluid dipstick. In fact, there are some newer cars that use a sealed transmission that doesn't require a fluid check or change. If you are unsure, please refer to your owner's manual for the exact specifications of your vehicle.

Step 2: Check the brake pedal. Press the brake pedal with your left foot and hold it. Use your right foot to rev the engine slightly for a few seconds.

• Attention: Make sure the area directly in front of the vehicle is clear and safe, and then apply the parking brake.

• A warning: Be careful not to rev the engine with the brakes on for more than a few seconds at a time, as this can overheat and damage the transmission.

If the transmission is working properly, the engine should rev up and the car should try to move, but won't move because the brakes are on. If the engine is unable to rev or revs but cannot maintain revs, then there may be a problem with the transmission - either with the fluid or with the internal auto clutch discs.

Step 3: Drive the car to check the transmission.: After you have completed the stationary test, carry out a road test during which the vehicle will operate in all gears.

• Attention: Before driving onto an open road, engage reverse gear and check that the reverse gear is working properly.

Bring the car to the set speed limit, paying attention to the behavior of the car. When starting off and during acceleration, carefully monitor how the car changes gears.

Alternate light and hard acceleration and carefully monitor the behavior of the car when changing gears. If the transmission is working properly, the car should shift on its own, smoothly, and at reasonable mid-to-low speeds with light pressure on the gas pedal. Conversely, it must maintain a higher RPM before shifting when the gas pedal is pressed hard.

If the vehicle behaves abnormally when accelerating, such as early or late gear shifts, jerky or loud noises when shifting gears, or possibly a complete inability to shift gears, then the problem is most likely in the transmission. It is also important to pay attention to any unusual noises or vibrations that occur when shifting or accelerating, as this could also indicate a potential problem with the transmission.

Step 4: Do a curb test. Drive perpendicular to a curb, such as a sidewalk, and then position the front wheels so that they rest on the curb.

• Attention: Make sure the area in front of the car is clean and safe.

From rest, step on the gas pedal and slowly move the front wheels of the vehicle back and forth towards the curb. The vehicle must be able to climb over the curb on its own, while the engine speed increases and remains stable until it climbs over the curb.

• Attention: If the engine speed fluctuates and the vehicle cannot climb the curb, this may indicate transmission slippage or possibly another problem.

Step 5: Make repairs if needed. After all tests have been carried out, proceed with the repairs or actions that are necessary. If you don't know what to do, it may be a good idea to seek a professional opinion as transmission related repairs can sometimes be significant.

If the transmission slips when accelerating, or if you hear howling noises when the vehicle is in gear, be sure to have the transmission checked by a certified mechanic such as AvtoTachki.com and have the problem fixed immediately.

Part 2 of 2: How to know if your manual transmission is not working

Step 1. Check the transmission with the vehicle stationary.. Start the car and drive it out into the open. Park the vehicle, apply the parking brake, then depress the clutch pedal and shift into first gear.

Listen and feel for any grinding or other noises as you engage the shift lever, as this may indicate a potential problem with that particular gear's synchromesh.

• Attention: If the transmission gets to the point where it grates or clicks every time you shift into gear, this could be an indication of excessively worn synchromesh gear, which may require a transmission overhaul.

Step 2: Slowly release the clutch pedal.. Once the transmission shifts into first gear, depress and hold the brake pedal with your right foot and slowly start releasing the clutch pedal. If the transmission and clutch are working properly, the engine RPM should start to drop and the car should start shaking until it eventually stalls. If the engine does not stall when you release the clutch pedal, this may be a sign of a worn clutch disc that needs to be replaced.

Step 3: Drive the car. After completing the stationary test, drive the vehicle onto an open road for a road test. Accelerate the car to the speed limit as usual and shift through all gears in sequence. Shift through all the upshifts and, if you can, every downshift as well a few times. Also, try alternating higher and lower RPM shifts, as shifting at different RPMs puts different stress on the transmission, further enhancing the validity of the test.

If the transmission is working properly, you will be able to upshift and downshift in all gears and at all engine speeds without any grinding noise. If there is a grinding or clicking sound when shifting into one or more gears, or if the gearbox does not stay in gear, this may indicate a problem with the gearbox, the gearbox synchronizer gears located inside the gearbox, or possibly with the master and slave cylinders gearboxes responsible for disengaging the clutch.

Step 4: Make repairs if needed. After all tests have been carried out, proceed with the repairs or actions that are necessary. Because transmission problems are sometimes difficult to diagnose correctly. You may need to enlist the help of a certified mobile mechanic, such as one from AvtoTachki, to perform further diagnostics if you feel the slave cylinders need to be replaced, hear a grinding noise, or if you cannot shift gears.

Checking a car's transmission is usually a very simple procedure that is mostly done while driving the car. If the vehicle fails any of the tests or shows any other potential cause for concern, it may be a good idea to seek a second opinion from a professional technician such as AvtoTachki to have your transmission fluid checked and replaced.