Automatic Transmission Problems &How To Fix/Solutions

Last updated on July 5th, 2023 at 08:46 am

A transmission problem can be experienced by any car. Just know that no matter the problem there is a solution to it. The automatic transmission is an essential part of your car and like any other part, it is subject to wear and tear. For it to serve you for a long while, frequent maintenance is required.

Not paying attention to the symptoms of the problems of your automatic transmission can cause more damage to the system and even transmission failure. It is easier to fix one problem than to have that one cause other problems. Neglecting little problems will only have you making major repairs and spending more. Read this too:Fix & why is Transmission Fluid Leaking From BellHousing, Flywheel & In Front?

In other not to lose sight of these problems, I will be giving you an overview on automatic transmission problems and solutions and looking at different shift related problems like what causes a transmission to not shift, why the automatic transmission is not shifting into high gear, and why automatic transmission only shifts manually. I will also tell you how to fix Nissan Xterra transmission problems, what causes delayed shifting when moving and when accelerating, and the reason why the automatic transmission is making a rattling noise.

Overview on Automatic Transmission Problems and Solutions

The automatic transmission is that system in your car that allows you to change gear at different speeds. Under normal driving conditions, it does not require any form of control from you in changing or shifting gears. However, when much attention is not paid to the automatic transmission, it makes the driving condition abnormal by developing several problems that can be frustrating.

This is why it is important to you that you know these problems and their solutions to better diagnose the automatic transmission if you experience any.

When seeking solutions to the different automatic transmission problems, you should contact a mechanic to carry out the repairs if you don’t have experience in fixing these problems.

The following are automatic transmission problems and their solutions:

1. Faulty Electronic Control Unit

An automatic transmission is controlled by the Electronic Control Unit (ECU). The ECU, which is the brain of the car, determines when to shift the transmission. If the ECU is damaged in any way or needs to be reset, your transmission will have a problem shifting.

Solution: Reconfigure the ECU or have a mechanic look at it.

2. Damaged Shift Lock Solenoid

The shift lock is a button by the side or on top of the gear selector lever. It allows the driver to lock the gear to the desired option, and it can’t be released until he or she steps on the brakes. This is the shift lock release mechanism, and it is the solenoid that makes it happen. The shift lock is a preventive measure used by drivers who have children to avoid having the car roll away because a child touched the shifter. If the shift lock solenoid gets damaged, the car won’t get the signal to shift.

Solution: Replace the solenoid.

3. Disconnected or Damaged Shift Cable

If the automatic transmission doesn’t shift, it’s likely that a shift cable between the shifter and the transmission has been disconnected or damaged. This disconnection can happen if the car is involved in an accident or when the car is driven aggressively on bumpy roads.

Solution: Replace the shift cable.

4. Low Transmission Fluid

The transmission fluid is essential for lubricating the parts of the transmission to ensure that it keeps running. When the fluid is low it can cause the transmission to slip or even overheat and build friction during use. To know when to top the transmission fluid, it is important that you check the level routinely. It is easy to check for low transmission fluid. All you have to do is use the red dipstick located by the engine bay near the firewall to check.

Solution: Refill transmission fluid.

5. Contaminated Transmission Fluid

The transmission works because of the presence of the transmission fluid. This fluid can get contaminated with dust and debris. When this happens, it would require that you change the fluid. Contaminated transmission fluid can prevent the transmission from shifting. It can be prevented by regular transmission maintenance and checking of the fluid.

Solution: Change the transmission fluid.

6. Burnt Transmission Fluid

Burnt transmission fluid is caused by low fluid. When the transmission fluid is low, the transmission overheats and builds up too much friction that burns the fluid. This burning can be perceived, and you can also know through the color of the fluid when you check it. Burnt fluid is black as opposed to the normal pink/red color. This is why routinely checking your transmission fluid is very important.

Solution: Flush transmission fluid and replace it with new fluid.

7. Worn oil seals

The seals are used to sustain the pressure of the hydraulic. Over time, when they are exposed to constant pressure, they wear and tear. Worn oil seals are another cause of fluid leakage.

Solution: Replace the oil seal.

8. Defective Valve Body

The valve body is known as the control center of an automatic transmission. It contains valves that carry the transmission fluid to the clutches and bands. The valve body when exposed to constant heat and pressure wears. You can know a defective valve body if there is fluid leakage. Another way to know is when shifting delays.

Solution: Replace the valve body.

9. Transmission Bands

Transmission bands can be damaged. They can break down, wear and then tear. The bands are what controls gear connections and so damaged bands are another reason why transmission slips.

Solution: Replace the transmission bands.

10. Bad torque converter

Just like the transmission bands, the torque converter can also break down, wear and damage. When this happens, the transmission fluid will not be able to flow through the torque converter.

Solution: Repair or replace the torque converter.

Automatic Transmission High RPM Before Shifting

The normal rpm when shifting the transmission should be between 2000rpm and 2800rpm. If the transmission shifts at a high rpm than usual then you will have to see an auto mechanic. When the transmission shifts at a high rpm, it gradually wears the oil seals and bearings. Unless you have an anti-wear additive and a good oil cooler for the transmission fluid, running the transmission constantly at high rpm would make the fluid shear between the gear teeth of the oil pump. This overheats the fluid and causes the transmission fluid to burn.

What Causes a Transmission to not Shift

If your transmission would not shift then it is either caused by a faulty electronic control unit, shift lock malfunction, disconnected transmission linkage, or a contaminated transmission fluid. That it won’t shift at all is a sign that you need to have your transmission serviced. This can be avoided by regular transmission maintenance.

Automatic Transmission Not Shifting into High Gear

If your automatic transmission shifts from one gear to another smoothly but won’t shift into the high (third) gear, it is a clear indication that there is a transmission problem. To know what this problem is exactly, you should have a mechanic run a scan. Below are reasons why your automatic transmission is not shifting into high gear.

Damaged shift lock solenoid
Disconnected or damaged shift cable
Contaminated transmission fluid
Worn oil seal and fluid leakage
Bad torque converter
Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Defective the throttle cables

Automatic Transmission Only Shifts Manually

Most automatic transmissions have an option that allows the driver to use the gear selector manually. When your automatic transmission only shifts manually then your shift is faulty. You will have to have it checked by a mechanic. Shifting an automatic transmission manually is not bad but doing so constantly will wear the transmission bands between the internal gears and damage the transmission.

How to Fix Nissan Xterra Transmission Problems

There are several transmission problems that a Nissan Xterra can have. To diagnose and fix the problem, having a mechanic check the car is the best option. Below are the common problems and how to fix them.

Defective shift solenoid: Replace solenoid.
Defective valve body: Replace the valve body.
Burnt or contaminated fluid: Flush transmission fluid and replace it with new fluid.
Worn oil seal: Replace oil seal.
Worn gears: Repair or replace gears.
Bad torque converter: Repair or replace the torque converter.
Whining, clicking, clunking or humming noise: Refill transmission fluid.
Low transmission fluid: Refill transmission fluid.
Delayed or no shifting: Replace transmission fluid, replace the solenoid, replace shift cable, replace oil seal, or replace torque converter, depending on the cause of the problem.
Fluid leakage: Repair source of leakage and replace lost transmission fluid.
Cannot Reverse: Refill transmission fluid.
Slipping Gears: Refill transmission fluid.

What Causes Delayed Shifting Automatic Transmission Problem

Delayed shifting is when a shift does not happen when it is supposed to. Having to wait for the transmission to go into gear can be frustrating. This is often caused by low transmission fluid, contamination of transmission fluid by dust and debris, a problem in the valve body, a faulty shift cable, a defective pressure pump, a faulty Electronic Control Unit, or a defective solenoid.

Why the Delayed Shifting When Accelerating

Whether you are speeding up or just moving, when the automatic transmission doesn’t shift when it is meant to then there is a problem. If you experience delayed shifting when accelerating then there is a problem with either the valve body, the ECU, or the solenoid. The valves are either sticking to the valve body, the ECU is damaged or needs to be reset, or the solenoid is defective and needs to be replaced or serviced. A mechanic can best determine whichever it is and have it fixed to avoid other defaults from occurring.

Reason Why the Automatic Transmission is Making a Rattling Noise

Noise; that’s one sound no one wants to hear, especially when it’s coming from their car. They are however an indication that something is faulty and needs fixing. So is the rattling sound being made by the automatic transmission? It is not just there to annoy you but to alert you.