Contents: Liquid leak ⇓ Transmission fluid is brown or…⇓ Common gear selection problems ⇓ The transmission does not downshift…⇓ The engine does not start in any…⇓ The transmission slips, shifts…⇓
Note: Due to the complexity of the automatic transmission, it is very difficult to properly diagnose and troubleshoot this unit yourself. For problems not described below, contact your dealer's service department or an automatic transmission specialist.
Liquid leak
- Transmission fluid is usually dark red in color. Do not mistake engine oil for a fluid leak, as drops of oil may fall onto the transmission.
- To determine the source of the leak, first remove all dirt from the gearbox housing and the surrounding area using a special compound or steam. Take a short drive at low speed so that the air flow does not blow the leak away from its source. Jack up the car and locate the leak. Common leak locations:
Transmission fluid is brown or smells burnt
- The transmission fluid level is low or needs to be replaced (Section 1)
Common gear selection problems
- The most likely cause of gear shifting problems is a faulty or poorly adjusted gear selector mechanism. Below are common problems that can be caused by a faulty mechanism:
- a) The engine starts in positions other than Park and Neutral.
- b) The indicator panel or lever does not correctly show the selected gear.
- c) The vehicle can be moved in Park or Neutral positions.
- d) Erratic gear shifting.
- For any problems, please contact your dealer.
The transmission does not downshift (kickdown) when the accelerator pedal is fully depressed
- Low transmission fluid level (Section 1)
- Incorrect adjustment of the gear shift mechanism (Section 7)
The engine does not start in any gear or does not start in Park or Neutral
- The starter inhibitor switch is faulty (Section 7)
- Incorrect adjustment of the gear shift mechanism (Section 7)
The transmission slips, shifts jerkily, makes noise, or does not transmit rotation when engaging forward or reverse gears
- There are many possible causes for the problems listed above, but you can only fix low fluid levels yourself. Check the fluid level and condition as described in Section 1. Add fluid or replace fluid and filter if necessary. If after this the transmission still does not work properly, contact a specialist.