What should be the first step in diagnosing an automatic transmission problem?

The first step in determining your transmission problems consists of the technician connecting the diagnostic equipment to your vehicle's on-board computer. This will produce a code stating where the problem lies.
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How do you diagnose an automatic transmission problem?

What Are the Transmission Failure Symptoms?
  1. Refusal to Switch Gears. If your vehicle refuses or struggles to change gears, you are more than likely facing a problem with your transmission system. ...
  2. Burning Smell. ...
  3. Noises When in Neutral. ...
  4. Slipping Gears. ...
  5. Dragging Clutch. ...
  6. Leaking Fluid. ...
  7. Check Engine Light. ...
  8. Grinding or Shaking.
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How do you test an automatic transmission on a car?

You can test the transmission by putting it through the gears while turning the input shaft and examining the output shaft for proper rotation. You cannot test the clutch while off the car.
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What is the common problem of automatic transmission?

Insufficient Levels of or Degraded Transmission Fluid

This is perhaps the most common problem, but if it is caught early enough, it can also be the easiest to fix. Transmission fluid is the lifeblood of the transmission. An automatic transmission cannot work properly without enough transmission fluid.
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What is a transmission diagnostic?

The diagnostic process is a complex process that involves checking a lot of systems and components in your vehicle. The transmission is a complex component by itself but when diagnosing an issue with the transmission the car has to be connected to a computer and then the car has to be scanned for problems.
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4 Automatic Transmission Shifting PROBLEMS-How To Diagnose Them



How do you diagnose manual transmission problems?

Symptoms of a Bad Transmission
  1. Odd sounds (whirring, squealing, bumping, or thumping)
  2. Grinding noise.
  3. Transmission jumps out of gear (into neutral)
  4. Difficulty shifting gears.
  5. Car stuck in one gear.
  6. Car that can't get into gear.
  7. Leaking transmission oil.
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Is there any way to test a transmission?

Open the hood and locate the area where the transmission fluid is stored; then pull out the dipstick that covers it. Make sure the transmission fluid is at the right level, and then check the color. Clean fluid should be reddish and almost translucent.
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How can you tell if a used transmission is good?

5 Factors to Consider When Buying a Used Transmission
  • Always Check Around for Leaks. This is a major concern with most transmissions, so make sure you don't end up buying a transmission that has a leak. ...
  • Look at the Body of the Car. ...
  • Bring a Mechanic with You. ...
  • Check the Warranty. ...
  • Ask About the History.
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What is the average life of a transmission?

Some transmissions can last just over 10,000 miles, while others will last over 200,000 miles. Generally though, regular vehicle maintenance is the number one factor effecting a transmission's lifespan, and good upkeep can help it last even longer.
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How long should an automatic transmission last?

Time and mileage vary between car drivers and how they use or abuse their transmissions. Still, typical automatic transmissions last around 150,00 to 200,000 miles or approximately 7 years. Cases exist in both extremes; extreme longevity and early failure.
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How many miles is a transmission good for?

Without service and maintenance, some transmissions can fail in as little as 100,000 miles. If you drive around 10-15,000 miles a year, your transmission could be down for the count in seven years! With care and service, transmissions can last 300,000 miles or more.
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How do you check a car transmission before buying?

Check out these three easy ways to test the transmission of a car you are planning to buy before you hand over your money.
  1. Shift into every gear during your test drive. ...
  2. Hit a steep incline and pay attention to how the transmission responds. ...
  3. Check out the transmission fluid and do so more than once.
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How long does it take to diagnose transmission?

Even though the diagnosis itself usually only takes one to two hours, the shop will tell you to leave it with them for anywhere from a half day to a full twenty four hours, so that they can finish the work scheduled before your car.
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Is it better to rebuild or replace a transmission?

Deciding on whether your transmission should be rebuilt or replaced is usually a question of cost and time to complete the repair. Having a transmission expert rebuild your transmission may take a little longer and cost a bit more upfront, but it can result in a longer-lasting and better-performing transmission.
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Is it worth replacing a transmission?

Rebuilding a transmission can save you a lot of money over the short-term, while keeping car payments out of your monthly budget. For many, rebuilding their transmission is worth the initial cost. Rebuilding a transmission may cost you twenty-five hundred dollars or more, which is a significant chunk of change.
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How much does an automatic transmission cost?

Here's a quick overview of the average transmission replacement cost: Remanufactured transmission – $1,300 to $3,400. Used/Salvage – $800 to $1,500. Rebuilt – $1,100 to $2,800.
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Does changing transmission fluid help shifting?

Transmission fluid makes sure you can shift smoothly by lubricating the parts of your transmission. It also cools them down, so you won't have to worry about your clutch or solenoid overheating.
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How do you extend the life of a failing transmission?

You can extend the life of your performance transmission by doing the following:
  1. Check the Transmission Fluid Regularly. ...
  2. Use Synthetic Fluid. ...
  3. Service Your Transmission Every 30,000 Miles. ...
  4. Use an External Filter. ...
  5. Maintain the Cooling System. ...
  6. Practice Good Driving.
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Can the transmission be damaged by changing the transmission fluid?

That's not really true, but here's what IS true. If the valve body gets all gunked up with transmission fluid that's damaged, the driver could lose the ability to shift between gears. And that's why so many people believe that changing old transmission fluid can cause it to slip.
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Do rebuilt transmissions last?

On average, a rebuilt transmission is expected to last between 30,000 – 50,000 miles. If the work is done extremely well and regular maintenance is performed, a transmission rebuild can last as long as the original transmission (120,000 – 200,000 miles on average).
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Do you need to replace torque converter when rebuilding transmission?

(3) Torque Converter The Torque Converter, like the transmission cooler that will be full of debris from the old transmission (which can be cleaned), the torque converter will also contain debris. The difference is that the torque converter can't be cleaned or flushed out and must be included in a transmission rebuild.
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What is the difference between a rebuilt transmission and a new one?

A rebuilt transmission has been reconditioned. Someone has cleaned it, inspected it, identified the components that are worn or broken and replaced only those parts. Warranties on rebuilt transmissions are limited, in part because a rebuilt transmission is a mix of worn components and brand new components.
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