Full Service Transmission Repair in Cleveland, TN

Your vehicle’s transmission is undeniably one of its most vital components. Its primary function is to ensure that the right amount of engine power is delivered to the wheels, allowing your vehicle to move at varying speeds. Without a functioning transmission, your engine might roar, but the power produced in the engine would be useless.

Types of Transmissions

1. Manual Transmission: In vehicles with a manual transmission, the driver is in control, using a clutch pedal or lever to shift gears manually.
2. Automatic Transmission: Automatic transmissions, on the other hand, do the shifting for you, making driving more user-friendly.
3. CVT Transmission: CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) is a newer type that continuously varies the ratio for seamless acceleration.

How can you tell if your transmission is going out?

Transmission issues can be a major headache, but they’re often easy to recognize if you know what to look for. Here are five of the most common signs of transmission problems:

1. Unusual noises. If you hear humming, whining, or clunking noises coming from your car, it could be a sign that your transmission is in trouble. Automatic transmissions typically make humming, buzzing, or whining noises, while manual transmissions make harsher mechanical noises, such as clunking. Here’s a simple tip: shift your car into park or neutral. If the noise persists, it’s likely coming from the transmission. If the noise stops, it’s likely coming from another part of the vehicle.
2. Slipping gears. If your gears are slipping or not shifting smoothly, that’s another sign of a transmission problem. When your transmission slips, it can feel like your vehicle is slow to respond, or even unresponsive when you press the gas pedal. You may also notice a noise or change in pitch as the transmission shifts gears. If your car changes gears suddenly without any reason, it’s time to take it to a mechanic, as this can be dangerous.
3. Hard shifting. If your gears are shifting hard or jerkily, that could also be a sign of a transmission problem. It is often described as a clunk or a thud feeling when the vehicle shifts from one gear to the next. Normally, you should not feel any grinding, slipping, or shaking sensations as your car switches gears.
4. Leaking fluid. If you see red fluid leaking from under your car, that’s a sign of a transmission leak. This is a serious problem that needs to be fixed immediately as this can lead to overheating. If you spot bright red fluid, it’s most likely a coolant leak. If it’s dark red fluid, it’s likely transmission fluid leaking. If you are leaking fluid, you may notice a burnt smell while driving, especially at high speeds.
5. Check engine light. If your check engine light is on, it could be a sign of a transmission problem or another problem with your car. It’s important to have your car diagnosed by a mechanic to find out what’s causing the problem so that you can get back on the road confidently and safely.

Transmission Services at Smith Automotive

At Smith Auto Solutions, our team of trained and ASE-certified mechanics are experts at diagnosing and repairing all types of manual and automatic transmission problems. We pride ourselves on swift and accurate problem diagnosis, ensuring your car or truck is back on the road in no time.

Transmission diagnostics

When you bring your car to us with a transmission problem, we’ll start by hooking it up to a diagnostic machine to check for any stored trouble codes. This can give us a good idea of where to start our troubleshooting. We’ll also visually inspect the transmission fluid to see if there are any leaks. If we find a leak, we’ll need to replace the gasket or seal that’s causing it.

Once we’ve checked for codes and leaks, we’ll take your car for a test drive. This will help us to experience the problem firsthand and to see how the transmission is performing under different conditions. We’ll also pay attention to any unusual noises or smells.

Once we’ve completed our diagnosis, we’ll explain the problem to you and recommend a course of action. We’ll also provide you with an estimate of the cost of the repairs.

Transmission flush

When it comes to caring for your transmission, you may have heard the term “transmission flush.” But what is it, and why is it important?

A transmission flush is a maintenance process that removes all of the old, dirty fluid in your transmission and replaces it with new, clean fluid. It’s a great way to get rid of gunk and grime that can get trapped in your transmission over time.

To perform a transmission flush, a special machine is used to connect to the transmission cooling lines. The old fluid is then drained and replaced with new fluid. Sometimes, a cleaning solution is also introduced to help remove any stubborn deposits.

Replacing old transmission fluid with fresh fluid can help to:

• Prolong the life of your transmission
• Prevent transmission problems
• Improve transmission performance
• Reduce shifting delays and hesitation
• Improve fuel economy

How often you need a transmission flush will vary depending on your vehicle and the way you drive it. However, we generally recommend having a transmission flush every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.

Transmission Service

A transmission service should be a regular part of your routine car maintenance, just like an oil change. It’s important to have your transmission serviced regularly to keep it running smoothly and prevent costly repairs down the road.

During a complete service, we will examine the sump pump or pan, replace or clean the filter, clean the pan, and install the pan with a new pan gasket. These are all important steps in a complete transmission service to ensure your transmission is clean, free of contaminants, and properly sealed.

Transmission replacement

If the damage to your transmission is severe, a replacement may be the best option. If the transmission is beyond repair, we can help you find a good replacement for your vehicle. You can order a new transmission from the manufacturer or find a used one in good condition.

If you have more extreme damage, you may need a transmission replacement. A transmission replacement may be the right option if:

• Multiple repairs are needed
• The transmission is damaged beyond repair
• It will give you peace of mind and allow you to “start fresh”

How can you keep your transmission in good condition?

• Have your transmission fluid flushed and replaced regularly. This will help to remove dirt and debris from the fluid, which can damage the transmission.
• Avoid towing heavy loads. Towing can put a lot of strain on your transmission, so it’s best to avoid it if possible.
• Don’t shift gears while the car is moving. This can damage the transmission.
• Be gentle when accelerating and braking. Harsh acceleration and braking can also damage the transmission.

  If you have questions about your transmission, call us today at (423) 790-7270