Most Common Transmission Problems

A vehicle transmission directs the power from your engine to the driveshaft to turn the wheels on your vehicle. Because of this, your transmission is one of the most important parts of your vehicle, and even a minor problem could leave you stranded on the side of the road in Manhattan, Queens, or Bronx.

Keeping up with your vehicle’s routine maintenance schedule will help your transmission perform better and last longer. If you do happen to have a problem with your transmission, however, understanding some of the most common transmission problems will help you know what to expect at the service center and prepare for your service.

Fluid Levels

Two fluid issues can impact your transmission: low levels and a leak. These problems are the most common in transmission, and low fluid levels are typically caused by leaks in the system. The seals in the transmission can experience wear and tear that leaves them prone to leaks, which is why it’s so important to have your transmission checked and repair often as part of your routine maintenance.

Transmission fluid leaks or low fluid levels can cause your gears to slip or your shifting to be slow or inconsistent. Fixing a leak usually involves just replacing the gaskets, but on occasion, the fluid may need to be flushed out and replaced.

Torque Converter

The torque converter can become worn or damaged over time, which can damage your transmission or cause it to fail. If your needle bearing experiences excessive wear and tear, it may cause unusual sounds while you’re shifting gears. When the vehicle is in neutral, it’s unlikely that you’ll hear any noise, but you may also hear grinding sounds while you’re driving.

Solenoid

The solenoid controls the fluid that flows through the transmission. If you routinely drive with low transmission fluid levels, it can damage the solenoid over time, but the solenoid can also experience electronic problems that impact its performance.

An issue with your solenoid has similar symptoms to low or leaking transmission fluid. If you notice slipping in your transmission, but there are no leaks, it’s most likely the solenoid causing the issue.

Clutch

Your vehicle’s clutch is found within the torque converted and can jam on occasion. When this happens, the solenoid locks and can’t control the amount of transmission fluid within the torque converter. Because it causes fluid issues, the symptoms of a problem with the clutch mimic those of low fluid levels or leaking fluid.

Clutch problems can also cause shaking beneath the vehicle or excessive heat buildup in the transmission. You may also notice a drop in the power and performance of your engine.

Schedule Your Transmission Service Appointment at BMW of Manhattan

As you can see, there are many things that can cause your transmission to fail or perform poorly, but fortunately, diagnosing the problem when it’s minor will help you avoid costly repairs in the future.

Of course, the best way to stay ahead of these transmission problems is with routine maintenance. If you’re in Manhattan, Bronx, or Queens, contact BMW of Manhattan to schedule a service appointment and help your transmission stay healthy and safe!