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Automatic Transmission Not Changing Gears Inspection
What Happens When The Automatic Transmission Fails?
Most modern vehicles these days are fitted with an automatic transmission.
They are designed to optimise the engines efficiency as well as make driving as easy as possible.
But what happens when your automatic transmission won’t do its main job of changing gears by itself?
There are many complex parts located inside the automatic transmission, and failure of any of those components can lead to drivability issues and possibly complete loss of drive.
If this is the case with your vehicle, an inspection to determine the problem is the best course of action.
How Does An Automatic Transmission Work?
Automatic transmissions are a much more complicated beast than the manual transmissions they have come to replace.
Utilising fluid couplings, transmission control units and planetary gear sets, the parts listing for an automatic transmission may leave you scratching your head.
The (very) basic rundown on the automatic transmission starts with the flex plate, which is attached to the back of the engine.
This provides the power from the combustion cycle and sends it to the transmission through the torque converter.
This fluid coupling then sends the drive from the engine to a set of planetary gears which rely on fluid to select the correct gear.
This then provides the drive to the wheels through the differential and driveshafts.
Common Automatic Transmission Issues
Low Fluid Level: As mentioned above, the automatic transmission relies on a specific type of fluid to operate correctly, and if the incorrect fluid is used, or the fluid level is not set correctly, drivability issues can result.
If this is not rectified as soon as possible, expensive transmission damage can result.
Damaged Wiring or failed Control Unit: If there has been any damage caused to the wiring harness or a failure of the transmission control module, this will cause the transmission to operate erratically, or not at all.
Park/Neutral Switch failed: the park/neutral switch on the transmission is a safety device that does not allow the engine to start unless it detects the transmission is in either park or neutral.
This is a safety device to ensure the vehicle does not take off on its own.
If this switch is reading incorrectly, it may not let the transmission shift out of park or neutral.
How Is The Automatic Transmission Inspection Carried Out?
Our mechanics will first inspect the fluid level and condition, carry out a visual inspection of the transmission, as well as a diagnostic scan to see if the transmission control module has detected any faults.
A quote will then be provided for any repairs, if required.
Why Is It Important To Have The Automatic Transmission Inspected?
Having your automatic transmission inspected at the first sign of trouble is incredibly important for the safety of you and other motorists, as a failing transmission or one that does not go into gear can put you in a dangerous position - especially if it happens while you are driving.
Ignoring any issues, hoping they will fix themselves on their own, will lead to expensive repair bills or even a full transmission replacement.
