Transmission Basics 101: How It Works and Common Issues

Think about how much you rely on your vehicle every day. Whether you drive a best-selling workhorse like the F-150, a sports car like the Mustang, a family-friendly SUV like the Expedition, or another model, your car, truck, or SUV is your lifeline. It’s how you get to and from work, run errands, get the kids to and from school, and navigate family vacations and weekend getaways with friends. So, when you bring your vehicle in for service and hear the words “transmission repair,” you’re thrown for a loop.

What significant role does your transmission play in how your vehicle performs? Sure, it shifts gears, but how? What common issues affect transmissions, and what can you expect from transmission repair at a trusted auto repair shop like ours?

Transmissions: How They Work

Your vehicle’s powertrain consists of the engine and drivetrain. While the engine is the heartbeat and generates power, the transmission ensures the engine spins at the perfect rate (RPM or revolutions per minute) and then distributes the ideal amount of power to the wheels. The transmission achieves the perfect power balance, acting as a gatekeeper for the engine’s power to keep your car running its best at highway speeds or mitigating the engine’s power to bring the wheels to a stop at a traffic light.

Let’s Break It Down

The torque converter, positioned between the engine and transmission, is the first step in the process. As its name implies, the converter transfers power from the engine to the transmission, increasing the torque output from the engine and creating a vortex power rotation inside the converter. This vortex spins the turbine, connecting the central shaft to the transmission, which sends power to the transmission’s planetary gear set. By now, the engine’s torque output is increased, and the transmission optimizes the engine’s revolutions per minute (or rotation) based on the gear ratio created by engaging various parts of the planetary gear system.

Types of Transmissions

Manual transmissions ruled the road decades ago because that’s all the industry knew. While manual transmissions are still favored in sports cars, advancements in the industry have given rise to the prominence and appeal of automatic transmissions. But what’s the difference?

Manual transmissions rely on more input from the driver via a clutch and gear shifter. Commonly known as a “stick shift” or “standard,” manual transmissions offer a physical connection to the vehicle because the driver is entirely in control of its responsiveness and performance. This control can be as thrilling as navigating a winding backroad or as nerve-wracking as stalling on a steep hill because you can’t find the right gear.

Automatic transmissions are more intuitive, eliminating the need for a clutch and manual gear shifter. Instead, the system does the work for you, with the driver choosing between Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, and Low on most models. Continuously variable transmissions build on the same premise but rely on belts and pulleys instead of gears. Because of this, they’re more efficient and responsive but are more complex and usually more expensive to repair.

Transmission: Signs of Trouble and Common Issues

Whether there’s a manual transmission in your beloved Mustang or an automatic transmission in your Explorer that doesn’t require a second thought when you shift out of Park into Drive, the transmission is essential to your vehicle’s operation. But what happens when it doesn’t have everything it needs to run its best? What signs of trouble can you proactively look for to mitigate more extensive and costly issues?

#1. Leaking Fluid

Leaking transmission fluid is one of the most apparent indications of an issue. Admittedly, your vehicle relies on many fluids, but the transmission fluid is usually easier to spot because it’s often dyed red or pink and smells sweet. Be mindful, however, that the fluid’s color varies by manufacturer and can become darker over time with degradation. In any instance, any signs of a leak should be inspected by a trained technician.

#2. Slipping Gears or Slow to Shift

Sometimes, transmission trouble is more subtle, like delayed gear shifts, slipping gears, or missing gears altogether. For example, the shift from Park to Drive takes longer than usual. This delay and slipping gears indicate low transmission fluid or contamination from water, which can lead to extensive damage if ignored. In other instances, there might be a combination of issues, like contaminated transmission fluid and internal wear and tear on the transmission components.

#3. High-Revving Engine

Your engine should purr, meaning anything other than this sound is a cause for concern. A high-revving engine is usually a sign of transmission trouble. This distinct noise indicates worn clutches and components that need immediate attention.

#4. Strange Smells and Other Odd Sounds

While it may seem obvious, your vehicle shouldn’t make odd sounds or emit strange odors. If you smell something burning, it’s critical to bring your car in immediately for an inspection. This burning smell is usually a sign of low transmission fluid, which indicates a possible leak and can wreak havoc on the clutch and other transmission components. Alternatively, if your car makes odd sounds, like a clunking or buzzing sound, this suggests internal component damage, like a problem with the sealant or a fluid leak.

#5. Unresponsive to Gears

You’re in the driver’s seat with the engine running, but nothing happens when you go to shift gears. An unresponsive transmission or one that won’t stay in gear is problematic because it impacts your car’s performance and your safety behind the wheel. These issues point to various problems, like issues with the computer system that tells the transmission the appropriate gear, low transmission fluid caused by a leak, or a damaged valve body.

#6. Check Engine Light

Like a pool of transmission fluid under your vehicle, the Check Engine light is another obvious sign your car needs professional attention. Many assume the Check Engine light only indicates issues with the engine, but it’s more comprehensive. It can also detect problems with the transmission, with our technicians running diagnostics, determining the problem, and outlining the best resolution to get your vehicle back in excellent running order.

We’re Here to Help You With Any Transmission Issues You May Encounter

Do you notice any issues with the transmission in your vehicle? Are the gears slipping, or is the transmission unresponsive? Do you smell something burning, detect the engine is revving high, or see a pool of fluid under your car? Whatever the case, it’s critical to act fast and never ignore the signs of transmission-related trouble.

Whether you drive a car, truck, or SUV with a manual or automatic transmission, protecting your investment every mile ahead is essential. Part of protecting your investment means knowing and recognizing the signs of transmission trouble and acting quickly to prevent more extensive damage. Without the transmission, your engine can’t operate at its best, making it impossible for you to safely get from point A to point B as you navigate your busy life.

The critical nature of your transmission also means it’s important to trust only the best to handle the repairs. Our team is proud to be the best, with our technicians constantly honing and expanding their skills to serve all our customers’ needs. Because of this, it’s easy to put your vehicle in trusted hands, knowing we’ll treat it like our own and successfully get you back on the road as quickly as possible.