Contents: 49. Liquid leak ⇓ 50. Transmission fluid is brown or…⇓ 51. Problems with switching modes ⇓ 52. The lower gear does not engage…⇓ 53. The engine starts in selector…⇓ 54. Slipping or jerking when…⇓
Note: Due to the complexity of the automatic transmission design, it is difficult for the home mechanic to diagnose or repair problems other than those listed below. For other faults, please contact your dealer or a specialized service station.
49. Liquid leak
1. The automatic transmission fluid is a thick red color. Do not confuse this fluid with engine oil, which can be blown from the engine onto the transmission by the oncoming air flow.
2. To locate the leaking fluid, clean the transmission housing from dirt and oil using suitable detergents or steam. Then take the vehicle for a short drive at low speed to prevent air currents from bringing new fluid from other leaking areas into the transmission. Raise the car and see where the fluid is leaking from. The most common places for leaks are:
- a) Pallet (see chapters 1 and 7)
- b) Tube (see chapters 1 and 7)
- c) Transmission fluid lines (see chapter 7)
- d) Speed sensor (see chapter 7)
50. Transmission fluid is brown or has a burnt smell
Transmission overheating (see chapter 1).
51. Problems with switching modes
1. In chapter 7B describes how to check and adjust the mode switching mechanism in an automatic transmission. A violation of the adjustment may cause the following problems:
- c) The engine can be started in modes other than "neutral" and "parking".
- b) The mode indicator shows a different mode than the one actually switched on.
- c) The car rolls in the "parking" position.
2. Adjust the mode switching mechanism as indicated in chapter 7B.
52. The lower gear does not engage when the accelerator pedal is pressed to the floor
The kickdown solenoid is faulty (see chapter 7B).
53. The engine starts in selector positions other than Neutral or Park
The engine start interlock switch is faulty (chapter 76).
54. Slipping or jerking when shifting gears
There are many reasons for such malfunctions, but the car owner is unlikely to be able to find and fix them. Check the transmission fluid level and condition and. if this is not the cause, take the car to a service station specialist to have the fault diagnosed.