Sun West Transmissions (623) 473-9800
What Does a Transmission Problem Feel Like?
A transmission problem often feels like your vehicle is not responding normally when you accelerate or when the transmission changes gears. You may feel a hesitation, slipping sensation, shudder, vibration, hard shift, sudden jolt, or delay before the vehicle begins moving.
Some of the most common sensations include:
- Slipping: The engine RPM rises, but the vehicle doesn't accelerate as strongly as it should. It can feel as though the transmission temporarily loses its connection to the wheels.
- Shuddering: You feel a rapid vibration or shaking through the vehicle, sometimes similar to driving over a rough or grooved road. It may happen during acceleration or when the torque converter is applying.
- Hard shifting: Instead of a smooth gear change, you feel a noticeable bump, bang, kick or jolt when the transmission shifts.
- Delayed engagement: You shift into Drive or Reverse, but the vehicle hesitates for a moment before moving. It may then engage suddenly.
- Shift flare: During a gear change, the engine RPM briefly jumps higher before the next gear engages.
- Hesitation: You press the accelerator, but the vehicle seems to pause before responding or changing gears.
- Erratic shifting: The transmission may shift too early, too late, repeatedly change gears or feel as though it can't decide which gear to use.
- Torque-converter shudder: You may feel a repeated vibration or rumbling sensation, often during light acceleration or steady-speed driving.
- Limp mode: The vehicle may suddenly have very limited acceleration or remain stuck in one gear.
- No movement: The engine runs normally, but the vehicle barely moves—or doesn't move at all—when Drive or Reverse is selected.
Free Transmission Diagnostics
Why is my Transmission Slipping?
A slipping automatic transmission may feel as though the vehicle momentarily loses power while accelerating. You may notice the engine RPM increasing without a corresponding increase in vehicle speed, delayed shifts, unexpected gear changes or difficulty maintaining the proper gear.
Transmission slipping can be associated with several conditions, including low fluid level, hydraulic pressure loss, worn clutch components, valve-body problems, solenoid problems or internal transmission wear.
Because several different problems can produce similar symptoms, diagnosing the cause is important before deciding whether the transmission needs a minor repair, additional testing or a complete rebuild.
Transmission Problems We Diagnose
Sun West Transmissions & Auto Repair diagnoses transmission complaints including:
- Transmission slipping or flare between shifts
- Shuddering or vibration
- Hard or harsh shifting
- Delayed engagement
- No movement in Drive or Reverse
- Engine revving without normal acceleration
- Transmission overheating
- Transmission fluid leaks
- Torque-converter problems
- Transmission stuck in one gear
- Limp-mode operation
- Erratic or unpredictable shifting
- Transmission warning lights or diagnostic trouble codes
- Unusual noises during shifting or acceleration
Modern 6-, 8- and 10-Speed Transmission Problems
Today's automatic transmissions are considerably more sophisticated than older three- and four-speed designs.
Modern 6-speed, 8-speed and 10-speed automatic transmissions combine mechanical, hydraulic, electronic and computer-controlled systems. A shifting complaint can therefore require more than simply checking the transmission fluid.
Depending on the vehicle and transmission, diagnosis may involve checking diagnostic trouble codes, live scan data, transmission temperature, commanded versus actual gear operation, electrical circuits, solenoid operation, fluid condition and hydraulic or mechanical performance.
Sun West works with many transmission families found in today's cars and trucks. Individual transmission pages on our website explain common applications, symptoms, known problem areas and rebuilding options for the units we service.
Diesel & Heavy-Duty Truck Transmission Problems
Transmission problems can be especially noticeable in diesel pickups, commercial trucks, towing vehicles and work trucks because these vehicles routinely operate under greater loads.
If your RAM 2500/3500/4500/5500, Ford Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado HD or GMC Sierra HD is slipping, shifting hard, shuddering, overheating or having difficulty pulling under load, the problem should be properly diagnosed before replacing major components.
Sun West provides transmission diagnosis, repair and rebuilding for many gasoline and diesel truck applications, including transmissions used in RAM/Cummins, Ford Super Duty and Chevrolet/GMC heavy-duty platforms.
Serving Glendale, Phoenix & the West Valley Since 1979
Sun West Transmissions & Auto Repair provides transmission diagnosis, transmission repair and transmission rebuilding in Glendale, Arizona, serving customers throughout Phoenix and the West Valley.
If your car, pickup, diesel truck or work truck is slipping, shuddering, shifting hard or simply doesn't feel like it is shifting correctly, have the problem diagnosed before it becomes more serious.
Sun West Transmissions & Auto Repair — Serving Arizona Since 1979.
