10 Causes of Transmission Failure


The vehicle transmission is also known as the gearbox, it is one of the complex parts of your vehicle. It helps to supply power from the engine of the vehicle down to the wheels of the vehicle

You must understand how your vehicle transmission work to avoid you spending much on it when it is damaged.

In this article, are the list of ten (10) effects that result in transmission failure

10 Causes of Transmission Failure

Before we proceed you need to know what the transmission is and what it does in your vehicle:

A vehicle’s transmission help in passing power from the engine to the vehicle wheels and in most cases other aspects like the anti-lock brake system. This process is performed by converting rotational movement into straight motion which helps your car to move.

We have different varieties of transmission. This includes the manual and automatic transmission which you need t know how it works in your vehicle. This may sound complicated but it’s not.

. Manual Transmission

This includes manual gearboxes with or without synchronized gears and automated-manual gearboxes. It is less complicated and more reliable than the automatic transmission.

. The Automatic Transmission

The automatic transmission deals with other numerous parts in the vehicle including the torque converter, hydraulic pump, and a lot more. Automatic transmission supplies power to many parts of the vehicle at once this function makes it overheat

What is the cause of transmission failure?

Outlined below are the 10 most common causes of transmission problems.

1. Contaminated Fluid

The transmission won’t work as it is supposed, if your fluid is dirty, your vehicle is open to rust and corrosion if your fluid is contaminated with water, it might not transfer power as supposed.

2. Low Level of Fluid

The gearbox will cease to transfer power appropriately if it loses a lot of fluid, you need to be conscious of It, even though your automatic transmission does not have a dipstick. Low fluid levels can also cause your vehicle to overheat.

It might cost you $100 to $300.

3. A faulty clutch

Clutch issues can also lead to transmission problems, it is caused by a lack of lubrication over time. Your gear is likely to strip or tear if the clutch gives out completely.

If your gearbox is worn-out it might fall, this means that the clamping force that holds gears together inside the transmission is no longer working. Therefore make sure your clutches are in good condition.

4. Coolant in Transmission Fluid

When dripping waters from the vehicle’s cooling systems enter the automatic transmission, the fluid will get contaminated with a mineral such as calcium and magnesium, that is if enough water gets in. It can also wear away or diminish most parts of your vehicle.

5. Solenoid or Sensors Malfunction

We all have known by now that transmission works with electrical circuits to regulate numerous functions.

When the sensor fails to measure how much power is flowing from the engine to the wheels that means that your transmission is getting spoilt.

6. The Torque Converter

A torque converter performs a great function in an automatic transmission, the torque converter is a hydraulic pump that sends out energy and multiplies engine power.

It is easy to notice that your torque converter is faulty because it produces howling or scraping noise noises as the vehicle transmission begins to transmit excess energy to the vehicle system.

7. Clutch or torque converter overheat

When the automatic transmission fluid is low, the clutch and the hydraulic pump that transfers power from the engine become ineffective. The clutch will be overheated and might damage.it will cause a lot of money to repair.

Be sure to always keep your transmission fluid at a good fluid level and at an absolute check.

8. Broken Fluids or leakage

The automatic transmission is built with rust and heat resistance but too much exposure to water can damage it.

If much coolant mixes with the fluid it begins to lose its potency. This can cause transmission failure.

9. Inappropriate wiring and vacuum hose connection

When the electrical systems of your car are not directly attached to what happens in your automatic transmission, it is likely not to work as considered.

Make sure you don’t have a broken vacuum hose because your engine-driven component may not function well.

The broken hose might cost up to $200- $400 for repair.

10. Worn Out Solenoids and Sensor

The solenoid and sensor help to determine when the engine needs more power or too much power, it determines how heated the fluid is, It also helps the automatic transmission computer to determine the gear at which you are moving at any point in time.

Make sure it is always in a safe condition, when it stops Carrying out its functionalities do well to fix it to avoid damage in the transmission.

Also Read: How to Solve Car Steering Wheel Vibration

Tips to Prevent Your Transmission from Failing

Transmission failure may be avoided by performing routine maintenance and developing safe driving practices. You may considerably lower the possibility of transmission problems and increase the life of your vehicle’s transmission by adhering to the following recommendations:

Regular Maintenance: Follow your vehicle’s manufacturer-recommended maintenance plan for routine maintenance, which includes changing your transmission fluid on a regular basis. For lubrication and cooling, clean, fresh transmission fluid is crucial to minimizing early wear and strain.

Check Transmission Fluid Levels: Examine the condition and level of the transmission fluid on a regular basis. Have the fluid examined and replaced as necessary if you observe low fluid levels or fluid that looks black, burned, or polluted.

Use the Appropriate Transmission Fluid: Use the transmission fluid that has been suggested by the vehicle’s manufacturer. Using the incorrect fluid might result in transmission damage.

Avoid Overheating: Avoid driving aggressively, especially in hot weather, and stop pulling weights that are too heavy for your vehicle to handle in order to prevent excessive heat accumulation in the gearbox.

Warm-Up Your Vehicle: Allow your car to warm up for a few minutes before driving, especially in cold weather. This promotes appropriate lubricating and fluid transmission.

Smooth Driving Habits: Avoid unsafe driving techniques such as quick gear changes, forceful braking, and acceleration. Less stress is placed on the transmission parts during smooth driving.

Proper Gear Selection: To prevent transmission stress, make sure you transfer gears properly and utilize the parking brake while parked.

Regular Inspections: Regularly have a trained technician check your gearbox and vehicle, especially if you observe any of the symptoms of transmission issues.

Also Read: How to Stop Car Engine Stalling

Conclusion

You can significantly lower the probability of transmission failure and guarantee a smoother, more dependable driving experience by being proactive in maintaining your vehicle’s gearbox and implementing responsible driving habits. A transmission breakdown may cost you time, money, and discomfort. Keep in mind that regular maintenance and inspections can help identify possible issues before they become serious ones.