With the falling economy more and more people are trying to fix their vehicles themselves. As the years go by automotive technology becomes more advanced which makes many people afraid of popping their hood and trying to fix the issues themselves. Have no fear; I will explain how easy it is to fix common issues with your transmission not working correctly.
If the transmission is not shifting correctly it could be from a few possibilities, some are cheap some are not. If the fluid is low this would cause the transmission to have a delayed and harsh shift when it does engage, you need to check the level when the vehicle is running and in park. Also make sure it is on level ground to get an accurate reading.
If the fluid is black this indicates the fluid is very worn out and having the system flushed may help with this, although if the fluid is extremely bad having it flushed will make it worse as the transmission will most likely go completely out. If the fluid has a burnt clutch smell to it this indicates the clutch packs are burnt and a rebuild will be needed. If the fluid is fairly dirty and you have at least 70,000 miles on the transmission you could be due for a transmission service and filter replacement. If the filter is plugged this would cause a shifting issue, as the transmission is not able to shift at the correct points due to a lack of pressure (or in some cases too much, which would cause a harsh shift also.)
If the overdrive light is on or flashing this could be an electrical issue and you will need to have the codes scanned to determine the issue, which if you are not mechanically inclined you will need a shop to diagnose it at this point. A light could also mean you have internal failures but will not know until the code is read. If the check engine light is on you could have an issue with a MAF sensor or related sensor that could be affecting the shifting of your car.
If the transmission is slipping through the gears having the system flushed sometimes helps but in most cases indicates an internal failure with the clutches. If you drop the pan and find metal shavings this would also show you have internal failures and will need to have the transmission rebuilt.
If you are not sure on how exactly to check your transmission fluid level you can look in your owners manual for directions. Most lube shops or automotive shops will be more than happy to check your fluid level and condition at no charge to you. You can also buy a repair manual for around $20 which will aid you in repairing your vehicle yourself and will also tell you the required fluids needed to perform the proper services correctly. Or you can surf the web to find an automotive forum made for your make and model of vehicle or also use a site such as ‘Just Answer’ and ask an expert tailored for your vehicle on help in fixing your issue.
