Different Types of Transmission Repair

Apr 4
07:49

2012

Andrew Stratton

Andrew Stratton

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Three different transmissions requiring various repairs - a transmission repair specialist certainly has his work cut out for him! He's got to know the computerized elements of an automatic transmission along with the mechanical elements of a manual transmission.

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Transmission repair specialists have three different types of transmissions to learn and work on throughout their career: automatic,Different Types of Transmission Repair Articles manual, and semi-automatic. These systems work in very similar ways, the difference lies in how much work the driver needs to perform in order for the car to shift gears.

Cars with automatic transmissions are the easiest for the average driver. The transmission senses when a new gear is needed and shifts all on its own. The driver simply puts the car in "drive" or "reverse" to let the transmission know if he needs the car to go forward or backwards. While this system is the easiest for the driver, it's the most complicated for the mechanic! Any repairs that need to be done are usually more serious since it involves not only the transmission, but also computer elements that let the transmission know when to shift.

Some common problems that arise with automatic transmissions are a slipping transmission, a hard shift, or overheating. When the transmission slips as the car shifts into high gear, that's a sign that the fluid is leaking. In addition to replenishing the fluid a transmission repair specialist should assess where the leak is (since transmission fluid doesn't naturally decrease over time), and if any permanent damage has been done. A hard and clunky shift is usually due to a dirty filter or leaking fluid. In some cars it's normal, but in most cars the gears should shift seamlessly. Finally, if the transmission fluid smell like it's burning, the transmission is probably overheating. This is definitely a condition for a qualified mechanic to appraise.

Manual transmissions lie on the opposite end of the scale. A car with a manual transmission is often complicated for a new driver to learn. He must rely on cues to know when to shift into a new gear, and then he must know where to direct the gear shift. Cues such as driving conditions and the tachometer will help him determine the best time to shift. At that point, the driver will press the clutch down to disengage the current gears, then shift the gear shift, and then reengage the clutch. Driving a manual transmission definitely requires coordination, but with practice it can become second nature. Once mastered, a manual transmission is usually more gas-efficient.

Common problems that arise with manual transmissions include grinding gears, noise when driving, difficult shifting, and popping out of gear. Grinding gears often indicate a problem with the transmission linkage - the parts that engage the gears. A roaring or humming noise while driving is often an indication that the transmission lubricant is low. Other linkage problems cause the driver to have difficulty shifting to a new gear. And if your transmission is constantly "popping" out of gear, you should probably see a transmission repair mechanic as soon as possible since many unsafe conditions can cause this problem!

Finally, a semi-automatic transmission removes the complexity of disengaging and reengaging the clutch before and after the gear shift is adjusted. Semi-automatics can sense if the gear needs to be changed and have the capacity to change automatically if the driver fails to do so. This type of transmission experiences many of the same issues as it's combined counterparts, so it usually needs to visit a transmission repair mechanic at least once in its lifetime!