Diagnose Automatic Transmission Problems

   As you can see from looking at this list there are a number of things that can cause the same problem. Most of them can only be repaired by a shop with the proper tools. This list is to give you an idea what may be wrong with your car so you will be more informed when you have to take your transmission in for repair.

Before condemning the transmission because of a problem, I always recommend that the fluid and filter be changed. Not a transmission flush, just the filter and whatever fluid comes out when you drop the pan. This could fix a number of symptoms that may seem like a big problem, but are caused by a clogged transmission filter.

   One very important thing is the Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). Different ATF can change the way a transmission shifts or cause it not to shift at all. Anyone who put anything but Chrysler fluid in a Chrysler transmission will tell you that. Your owners manual will specify what type of transmission fluid you should put in your transmission. If you have any doubts, go to your local Dealers parts department and they will have the proper fluid for your transmission.

   The modern automatic transmission is a very sophisticated piece of machinery. For it to do what it does in such a small package and to do it for mile after mile is nothing short of wondrous. But because of its complexity, they require special skills and tools to properly repair or rebuild one.

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