Troubleshooting Transmission in San Jose

Symptom: No Movement

Your engine seems to be operating correctly and when you step on the gas pedal or try to shift into gear your transmission does not react. Or, Your car will not move in either reverse or forward.

Possible Cause:

Automatic: Check transmission fluid levels. Excessive transmssion leaks or a detached fluid lines can quickly empty your transmission of critical fluids. Without fluid, your transmission will become seriously damaged.

If your fluid level is appropriate, you may have hard part damage or a fault with the shift linkage. Call to schedule an appointment (408) 492-8980 for more information.

Manual: As long as the clutch pedal does not have sloppy movement, you may just need a minor adjustment. However, your clutch may have been damaged requiring replacement. Call to schedule an appointment (408) 492-8980 to get extra trouble shooting help.

Symptom: Shift Problems

Automatic Transmission

Car will not shift into gear

Automatic: Transmission does not engage when you use the shift lever. Engine idle is normal but car will not shift into gear.

Possible Reasons:

Shift linkage broken

Internal hard oart damage

Harsh Down-shifts

Automatic: Car shifts into gear with a clunk when you release pressure off the throttle pedal. Firm downshift while passing. Down shifting is fine when you suddenly accelerate to pass, but the down shift should not feel overly abrupt. Call to schedule an appointment (408) 492-8980.

Possible Reasons:

Throttle linkage damaged.

Wrong type of transmission fluid

Low transmission fluid

Internal hard part problem

Engine malfunction

Electrical or computer damage

Vacuum controls need correction

Slow Gear Changes

Automatic: Car takes longer than normal to shift into drive. You can move the shift lever into gear but the car delays before engagement. Call to schedule an appointment (408) 492-8980.

Possible Reasons:

Wrong type of transmission fluid

Low transmission fluid

Internal hard part problem

Engine idle needs adjustment

Clogged fluid filter

Throttle linkage needs adjustment

Premature Shifts

Automatic: Automobile loses power between shift changes. The gears change too quickly. Call to schedule an appointment (408) 492-8980.

Possible Reasons:

Fluid level too high

Throttle linkage needs adjustment

Internal hard part problem

Electrical or computer control malfunction

Delayed Up-shifts

Automatic: Shifts happen too late. You feel the power increase and then diminish previous to the next shift change. You feel an extended engine revving before the gears shift to the next gear. Call to schedule an appointment (408) 492-8980.

Possible Reasons:

Throttle linkage needs adjustment

Internal hard part problem

Engine needs repair

Electrical or computer malfunction

Clogged fluid filter

Vacuum controls need adjustment

Delayed Reverse Shifts

Automatic: There is an long delay when you shift the lever to reverse. Other than delayed engagement, the car operates fine. Call to schedule an appointment (408) 492-8980.

Possible Reasons:

Wrong fluid type

Fluid level too low

Internal damage to transmission

Transmission fluid is baked or contaminated

Clogged filter

No Up-Shift, or Delayed Up-Shifts

Automatic: Car will not shift to the next gear as you press the gas pedal. Malfunction starts out gradually then begins to get degrade. Call to schedule an appointment (408) 492-8980.

Possible Reasons:

Shift linkage is bound up

Internal hard part problem

Throttle cable needs adjustment or replacement

Vacuum controls need adjustment or replacement

Electrical or computer control failure

No Gear Changes

Automatic: Car will not shift into gear. Moving the shift lever will intermitantly shift the transmission into gear. Call to schedule an appointment (408) 492-8980.

Possible Reasons:

Fluid too low

Transmission fluid wrong type

Shift linkage needs adjustment

Internal hard part problem

Torque converter damage

Damaged flex plate or bolts

Electrical or computer malfunction

Clogged transmission oil filter

Internal hard part components are seized

Manual/Standard Transmission

Can’t Depress Clutch Pedal or Shift Gears

Manual/ Standard : You can’t depress the clutch pedal.

The pedal feels too firm to press down. Call to schedule an appointment (408) 492-8980.

Possible Reasons:

Restricted clutch cable

Restricted linkage

Clutch Pedal Loses Tension; Drops to Floor with no Resistance

Manual/ Standard : Clutch pedal is loose. Pedal presses to the floor without resistance. Gears wont change even when

clutch pedal is pressed down. Call to schedule an appointment (408) 492-8980.

Possible Reasons:

Detached clutch cable

Fracture clutch cable

Hydraulic problems

Clutch Pedal works, but Gears don’t Shift

Manual/ Standard : The gear shifter will not move even when clutch is pressed down. Call to schedule an appointment (408) 492-8980.

Possible Reasons:

Shift linkage is bound

Internal hard part problem

Clutch will not release

Car drops out of gear

Manual/ Standard : Car shifts into neutral when you accelerate or decelerate. Call to schedule an appointment (408) 492-8980.

Possible Reasons:

Internal hard part problem

Shift linkage damaged

Grinding While Shifting Gears

Manual/ Standard : The transmission makes noise as you shift gears. The gear lever shudders and the transmission grinds. Call to schedule an appointment (408) 492-8980.

Possible Reasons:

Worn clutch surface

Internal hard part problem

Needs clutch adjustment

Shift linkage fractured or damaged

Symptom: Transmission is Slipping

Automatic: The engine revs up during shifts as the throttle is depressed, however the car does not accelerate. The furhter you press on the gas pedal, the more noticeable the problem is.

Manual: As you step on the clutch, the engine revs, but the car does not accelerate. The clutch feels like it is slipping. This malfunction gets worse with time and should be corrected immediately to avaoid additional damage to the clutch system.

Symptom: Transmission Rattles and Clunks

Automatic: Transmission vibrates during gear changes, thuds when put into gear, noise when placed in four wheel drive. Start by checking your transmission fluid. Make sure it is filled to the level specified in your vehicle manual. If the noise continues call our service manager.

Manual: Transmission makes a thudding noise when you change gears. Or, you hear a metallic grinding noise as you shift gears even though you fully press down the clutch pedal.

Symptom: Transmission Leaks Fluid

Leaks may lead to additional damage if left to continue. It is normal for a leak to develop under various conditions. Metal contractions due to temprature changes can create a leak. Brittle gaskets may properly seal once it is warmed by operation and coated with fluid. Remember to check the fluid level and quality before long trips. Normal transmission fluid is pink and does not have a sulferous, or burnt, smell. Call to schedule an appointment (408) 492-8980 for further information.

Possible Cause:

Ruptured torque converter or seal

detached oil fluid lines

Damaged pan gasket

Vented fluid from filler tube

Ruptured transmission case

Aged grommets and seals

Symptom: Inconsistent Transmission Operation

You may notice that your vehicle works, but is inconsistent. For example, it may only work when warm, or only for a few miles before stopping. Heat changes can cause metal and rubber parts to permit fluid to leak or block fluid flow at the wrong time.

Possible Cause:

Heat changes can cause metal and rubber seals to permit fluids to leak or block flow at the wrong time. In addition, a transmission filter can clog after a minimal driving and cause the transmission to stop working.

For extra trouble shooting please call to schedule an appointment (408) 492-8980 or contact a transmission specialist through our website form.