Taking care of your car or truck doesn’t have to be a full-time job. There are little things you can do to keep it running well. Doing minor bits of preventative maintenance will keep your truck or car running like it just came off the assembly line. When you hear noises and weird clunks, don’t ignore them; take the time to investigate and find out what’s wrong. Being a car expert is not a requirement for maintaining your car or truck; you need only the desire. A car that is slowly dying is a money pit and will take thousands of dollars from you if you let it. The transmission, for example, is a complex component of your car, and very expensive to repair. So if you have trouble shifting gears in your Allison transmission, or a delay in power when you step on the gas, there might be something wrong. Read on to learn the top causes of transmission failures.
Problems With the Clutch
The clutch is situated near the torque converter and can get jammed. When it does, the solenoid can lock up and then the proper amount of transmission fluid flowing to the torque converter is less. Problems with the clutch will manifest in violent shaking under the vehicle and high heat levels in the transmission. The lack of protecting transmission fluid leads to parts rubbing together and generating that heat and then a sharp drop in the power output of the engine.
Problems With Transmission Fluid
The transmission fluid protects the internal parts of the transmission. The fluid level must be maintained to protect the transmission and keep it cool. Leaks in the transmission and cloudy, contaminated fluid are the most common problems. Faulty gaskets and seals will let the fluid leak out, forcing you to add it frequently. If you are adding fluid more and more often, there is a leak somewhere.
Torque Converter Problems
The torque converter transfers the torque from the engine into power to the crank shaft. A common problem with the torque converter is a worn or broken needle bearing. When the needle bearing wears down, you will hear strange noises coming from the transmission while driving. While in neutral, you won’t hear anything; only in drive will you hear grinding or brushing sounds.
Problems With the Solenoid
The solenoid controls the flow of fluid throughout the transmission. When that breaks, there is no transmission fluid flowing, and that’s a problem. There could be a lesser amount of fluid flowing in the transmission too. Either instance is not good because the transmission needs the protective fluid to stay cool and coat the parts to keep heat and friction down. If the transmission is slipping and there are no leaks, check the solenoid.
