An automatic transmission (also called an auto-trans or auto-transmission) is a system that lets your car shift from first to second, second to third, or third to fourth.
Auto transmissions were standardized in the 1980s and 1990s, when they were introduced. Since then, there have been many updates to the transmission technology for the car manufacturing industry.
Today, an automatic transmission is considered good if it can change speed smoothly and consistently without any hesitation or problem.
The first thing to notice when an automatic shifts is whether it feels hard or soft. If it feels hard, it may be fine! If you feel something moving through the gears every time they shift, it may be too soft and you mustshift harder for it to work right.
This article will talk about some common causes of an auto-trans that feel hard or shift hard.
Contents:
Auto transmission repair
When an automatic transmission needs to be replaced, the first thing to do is check the shift pattern.
An automatic transmission has several parts that work together to change gears. The transfer case, or rear-wheel-drive system, uses a rotating rack to move the gears.
The final part that moves the gears is an auto-transmission mount. If the mount is bad, it may not hold the gearbox in place and prevent it from shifting when needed. This can cause an auto-transmission shift hard or no matter what gear you select.
The easiest way to check the shift pattern is by slowly moving up or down within a gear. Then look at how far each side of the gear box moves together while shifting. Does one side appear to need more pressure than the other? If so, there may be a problem with the mount.
Transmission filter change
When it comes to an automatic transmission, there are two main things that can cause it to shift hard. The first is when you remove the transmission oil and filter, and the second is when you install a new one.
The first thing that can happen is when your oil and/or transmission fluid has passed its expiration date. This happens more often than you think, especially with newer cars.
An automatic transmission was not designed to work with an oil and/or transmission fluid that has passed its expiration date. An automated Transmission does not have a shutoff valve like a conventional one does so if it gets too much, it will burn through it!
The second thing that can happen is when new transmissions are installed.
Gearshift adjustment
when you drive your car, the transmission moves through three different gears. These gears are called transfer, forward, and back. When you drive your car, the Transmission shifts from one gear to another.
When you drive in the upper gears, such as second or third, your car is in a lower speed range. This is called overspeed. This can be bad if it happens often.
When you drive in higher speeds, such as first or fourth, your car is in a higher speed range. This is called overspeed. This can be bad if it happens often.
An automatic transmission has a ring around the gear that binds when it is in a certain zone of speed and shift effort.
Flush the transmission with new fluid
When your transmission is working well, it’s time to clean it. The inside of a transmission is made of metal, so anything that gets into it and doesn’t fall out can cause problems.
The easiest way to clean an automatic transmission is to use a bit of petroleum-based oil and then roll the transmission in dry cloth. This removes some grease and dirt from the Transmission Fluid, but not all of it.
You can also thoroughly wash the transmission with soap and water, or even use a canned cleaner if you are very careful about keeping water and liquid away from the exposed parts.
The last method is to put some drying powder on the Transmission Fluid and manually apply it onto the transmission. This ensures that nothing melts away during transit which would prevent the Transmission Shift happening.
Check the torque converter for damage
If the torque converter is in good condition, it can prevent an automatic transmission from shifting hard when you drive. This is called a properly functioning torque converter.
The most common damage a torque converter can suffer is when it is wrong sized or not installed correctly. An incorrectly sized or installed torque converter may result in less engine power and control when driving.
This can lead to higher speeds or distances driven before the driver has to apply more power and control to change gears. It may also result in less safe driving habits such as speed or sudden braking which could lead to an injury if someone else drives your car.
Checking the torque converter for damage can prevent this issue from happening.
Replace the clutch if it is slipping
If your automatic transmission is changing gears hard, it may be necessary to replace the clutch. A slipping clutch can cause an automatic transmission to shift hard with a drop in speed.
A heavy-duty clutch may require a professional installation. Installation can cost upwards of $500-$600, making it cost prohibitive for most people.
Auto transsmission repair can help prevent future problems
if it is not too long past the vehicle’s warranty, you can try repairing your own auto trans. While not the most modern method, it can be a quick fix.
Using a compatible transmission fluid and applying a shift mask before attempted repair can help save you some money in the long run!
The trick to fixing an automatic trans is to know what area of the transmission it moves through. An automatic trans requires a little more work than a standard trans because of this.
To find out what makes an automatic trans move more easily, try pulling out your broken one and poking around underneath. If you don’t have any tools, buy some good quality auto tsbases so you can repair them yourself.