Contents: Transmission fluid leak ↡ Transmission fluid is brown or has a…↡ Downshift not possible when…↡ The most common faults in the gear…↡
Note: Due to the complexity of the automatic transmission, it is not possible to perform a functional check or repair in a garage environment. For problems not described below, the vehicle must be taken to a service station or an automatic transmission specialist.
Transmission fluid leak
- Transmission fluid is usually dark in color. Leaks should not be confused with engine oil, which can easily be carried into the transmission by air flow.
- To locate the leak, remove all dirt from the transmission housing and surrounding area with steam or a degreaser. Drive the vehicle at low speed so that the air flow does not carry the leaking fluid away from the source of the leak. Raise and support the vehicle and locate the leak.
The most common places for leaks are:
- a) Transmission oil pan (Chapters 1 and 7B).
- b) Dipstick hole (Chapters 1 and 7B).
- c) Connecting pipes of water cooling of gearbox (Chapter 1 and 7B).
Transmission fluid is brown or has a burnt odor
- Low transmission fluid or fluid needs to be replaced (Chapter 1).
Downshift not possible when accelerator pedal is fully depressed
- Low transmission fluid level (Chapter 1).
- Incorrect adjustment of the gear selector (Chapter 7B).
The most common faults in the gear shift system
IN chapter 7B the procedure for checking and adjusting the gear selector on automatic transmissions is described.
The most common faults caused by a poorly adjusted selector are:
- a) Starting the engine in gears other than "Park" or "Neutral".
- b) The indicator on the selector lever indicating the gear engaged differs from the one actually engaged.
- c) The vehicle is moving while the "Park" or "Neutral" mode is engaged.
- d) Incorrect or erratic gear shifting.
Contact chapter 7B and adjust the gear selector cable.
Engine does not start in third gear, or starts in gears other than Park or Neutral
- The starter interlock switch is not adjusted correctly (Chapter 7B).
- Incorrect adjustment of the gear selector cable (Chapter 7B).
The transmission is slipping, making noise, or the vehicle will not move in forward or reverse gear
- There are many possible causes for the above problems, but in a garage environment, only one can be checked - the fluid level. Before sending the car to a service station, check the fluid level and condition of the fluid as described in chapter 1. Top up or replace fluid as needed. If the problem persists, contact a specialist.