12 May 2023
 Categories: , Blog

Automatic transmissions have made driving easier and more convenient for car owners. The transmission is a critical component that plays a crucial role in controlling the vehicle's power output and maintaining proper operation. However, just like any other piece of your car, some of its component parts can fail. What do you need to know about these critical parts and their vulnerability?

Torque Converter

The torque converter is a very important part that transmits power from the engine to the transmission. It consists of an impeller, turbine, and stator. The impeller is attached to the engine flywheel, and the turbine is connected to the input shaft of the transmission. The stator sits between the impeller and the turbine and redirects the fluid's flow. A faulty torque converter can lead to slipping gears, stalling, or difficulty in acceleration, and its condition can slowly deteriorate as time goes by.

Clutch

The clutch is responsible for engaging and disengaging the transmission from the engine. It does this by connecting and disconnecting the transmission's input shaft to the engine. A malfunctioning clutch can either cause the car to jerk or slip when shifting gears and is also susceptible to wear and tear.

Transmission Fluid

The transmission fluid keeps the transmission clean and lubricated, ensuring proper operation. However, if the transmission fluid is not changed regularly, it can lead to overheating, component failure and even the failure of the transmission itself.

Solenoids

Solenoids are responsible for controlling the flow of transmission fluid inside the transmission. If solenoids fail, they can cause harsh shifting and slipping and even prevent the car from shifting at all.

Valve Body

The valve body is an integral part of the transmission and controls the gear changes and main hydraulic circuits. If there's a problem with the valve body, the transmission might make strange noises, shift harshly, or not shift at all.

What to Remember

The automatic transmission is a complex system in a car that consists of various components. Routine maintenance and regular inspection of transmission can help alleviate potential component failures. However, even though these transmission systems are built to last and are generally quite reliable, failures can nevertheless occur. The most common problems occur with the torque converter, the clutch, the transmission fluid, solenoids and the valve body. It's essential to seek out professional help should you encounter any of these problems. By doing so, you can ensure the safe and reliable operation of your vehicle.

For more information about auto transmission repair, contact a local auto shop.