Automatic transmissions have been in production for over 50 years. During that time, hundreds of millions of automatics have been produced in hundreds of design varieties. Despite their increasing complexity, these automatic transmissions fail in reasonably predictable ways. In addition, they usually exhibit common symptoms before they fail.

Heat, overloading, accumulated mileage, and lack of preventive maintenance are the common enemies of automatic transmissions. Especially here in Texas, if you regularly tow a trailer or drive an recreational vehicle (perhaps even towing a car behind it!), you should take extra care to have your transmission fluid and filter changed regularly.

Transmission problems are generally divided into two classes – minor and major. Click on these subjects to follow to find out about the following problems:

 

Minor Automatic Transmission Problems and Tasks:

Checking the Transmission’s Fluid Level

Checking for Transmission Fluid Leaks

Servicing Your Vehicle’s Automatic Transmission – Changing Its Fluid and Filter

 

Major Automatic Transmission Problems:

Introduction and Our Use of Computerized Diagnostic Testing

Transmission Won’t Shift Properly – Stuck in a Gear, Won’t Downshift or Upshift, Harsh Shifting, Slow Shifting

Transmission Is Slipping

Vehicle Won’t Move -- When Transmission Is In Gear, in Forward or in Reverse, or Both

Transmission Makes Loud Noises