5 Common Causes of Transmission Failure

Repairing, replacing or rebuilding a damaged transmission can be expensive. As a vehicle owner, you want to take every step you can to prevent transmission failure. This means keeping up with maintenance and being aware of common transmission issues that can occur. If you think you might have a transmission problem, your best course of action is to take your vehicle to a transmission specialist for a proper inspection. Ideally, you can address the issue as early as possible to avoid major repair costs.

Here are some of the most common causes of transmission failure, according to the Central Valley transmission experts at Ralph’s Transmission:

1. Low or Old Transmission Fluid

In most cases, transmission fluid issues lead to other internal transmission damage. This can include low fluid level, old/dirty/contaminated fluid, and a fluid leak because of a worn seal or other damage. Your transmission requires a certain amount of clean automatic transmission fluid running through the system and keeping parts properly lubricated and cooled during operation. When the fluid level gets too low or the fluid itself goes bad, problems will eventually occur.

2. Wrong Transmission Fluid

Another common problem we see is when someone puts the wrong transmission fluid in the pan. This often happens when a driver notices they have a low fluid level and decide to refill it themselves. It is very important to use the correct type of automatic transmission fluid for your vehicle’s transmission. If not, problems can happen.

3. Lack of Proper Maintenance

Just like all of your vehicle’s mechanical and electrical systems, your transmission needs regular maintenance and care. The most common transmission maintenance procedure is a standard transmission service. This involves draining and cleaning the transmission pan and replacing the transmission filter and pan gasket. Then, new transmission fluid is added. How often you need this service may depend on the age, mileage, make, model and usage of your vehicle. Generally, it is recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles.

4. Failing Torque Converter

There are many parts within an automatic transmission that can fail, but the torque converter is the most common. It plays a vital role in shifting. It is usually the first component to be affected by low/old transmission fluid, but it can sometimes fail on its own. It is generally one of the first things we look at when performing a full internal transmission inspection.

5. Rough Driving Conditions

Lastly, you have to look at your own driving habits and the various conditions that can affect your vehicle’s transmission. Accelerating too quickly, rough shifting, not letting the vehicle warm up and other bad habits could be adding unnecessary wear and tear to your transmission. External factors like stop-and-go traffic, driving up steep grades, towing heavy loads and extreme hot/cold temperatures can also increase the stress on your transmission. Not all of these factors will be within your control, but may impact how often you get your transmission serviced to keep it as healthy as possible.

For all your transmission repair and maintenance needs in the Central Valley area, call Ralph’s Transmission at 209.526.1909 or schedule your service appointment online.