What common automatic transmission symptoms feel like, what usually causes them, and whether it is safe to keep driving.
Engine revs rise but the car does not pick up speed as it should.
Slipping creates heat and speeds up wear. Drive gently and have it checked soon.
Book a diagnosis for thisA thump or jolt as the gearbox changes up or down.
Usually safe to drive short distances, but the cause should be found before it worsens.
Book a diagnosis for thisA pause of a second or more after selecting D or R before the car moves.
Avoid revving while waiting for engagement. Book an inspection.
Book a diagnosis for thisFirm, harsh changes that feel mechanical rather than smooth.
Have the fault codes and adaptations read before any parts are replaced.
Book a diagnosis for thisA gearbox or engine warning on the dashboard, sometimes with a message.
Get the codes read. Clearing them without finding the cause usually brings the light back.
Book a diagnosis for thisThe car will not move in R, or reverse engages slowly or with a clunk.
Do not force the selector. Have the gearbox inspected before driving further.
Book a diagnosis for thisA temperature warning, burning smell, or shifting that gets worse as the car warms up.
Stop and let the gearbox cool. Continued driving while hot can damage it quickly.
Book a diagnosis for thisRed or brown oil spots under the car, or an oily gearbox casing.
Check the oil level before driving far. A gearbox run low on oil can slip and overheat.
Book a diagnosis for thisWhining, humming, grinding or clunking that changes with speed or gear.
Note when the noise happens (speed, gear, cold or hot). It helps the diagnosis.
Book a diagnosis for thisThe gearbox holds one gear, power is reduced and the car will not shift normally.
Limp mode protects the gearbox. Drive only as far as needed and get the fault read.
Book a diagnosis for thisNo drive in D or R, or the car moves only in some gears.
Do not keep trying to drive. Arrange for the car to be brought to the workshop.
Book a diagnosis for thisThe engine flares or revs freely and drive to the wheels drops away.
Pull over safely. Continued driving can turn a repair into a rebuild.
Book a diagnosis for thisAbout automatic gearbox faults and repairs.
The usual signs are slipping (revs rise without acceleration), jerky or harsh shifts, a delay when selecting D or R, a transmission warning light, fluid leaks, new noises, or the car getting stuck in one gear. Any of these is worth a diagnostic check.
Common causes include adaptation values that need resetting, old or incorrect fluid, wear in the valve body or mechatronic unit, and worn engine or gearbox mounts. A scan, fluid check and road test usually narrow it down.
Slipping usually means a clutch pack is not holding. That can be caused by low or degraded fluid, low hydraulic pressure, solenoid faults or worn friction material. Slipping creates heat, so it is best checked early.
Often, yes. Many faults are in replaceable components such as solenoids, seals, the valve body or individual clutch packs. Whether a repair, an overhaul or a replacement makes sense depends on what the inspection finds, and we explain the options before any work starts.
It depends on the gearbox and how the car is used. Some manufacturers describe the fluid as long-life, but heat, traffic and age still degrade it. We can check the fluid condition and recommend an interval for your car.
Reverse uses its own clutch or band, so a worn reverse clutch, low fluid, a valve body fault or a selector/range sensor fault can all stop it engaging. Avoid forcing the selector and have the gearbox inspected.
The control unit has recorded a fault. It could be electrical, such as a sensor or wiring problem, or mechanical, such as slip or overheating. Reading the fault codes is the first step. Clearing them without finding the cause usually brings the light back.
Yes. Automatic gearboxes in premium cars such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo, Porsche, Volkswagen and Skoda are our main focus. Tell us your model and gearbox symptoms when you book.
Yes. We read transmission control unit fault codes, adaptation values and live data, and check the sensors, wiring and power supply the gearbox depends on.
It is best not to. Slipping generates heat and accelerates wear, and a problem that could be repaired can become a full rebuild. If you must drive, keep it gentle and short and book an inspection as soon as you can.
Don’t ignore transmission symptoms. Early diagnosis can help identify the problem before it becomes a larger repair.
Tell us about the car and what the gearbox is doing. We’ll get back to you to arrange a time.