What Causes Transmission Problems?

By Mister Transmission

What Causes Transmission Problems

Transmissions are tricky. They are incredibly intricate and complex. And this truer now than ever before. With the advent of computers and the increased digitization of automobiles, transmissions can be more confusing than ever. So when a transmission begins to act up, it can be a really tricky proposition to figure out just what the problem is.

Transmission Problems

Transmission problems come in all different sorts and varieties. Sometimes you know you have a transmission problem. Other times, you know there is a problem with your vehicle, but you can’t be sure it’s the transmission. And sometimes, there can be something wrong with your transmission but you have no idea that your vehicle is running at nonoptimal levels.

If you hear harsh noises when you shift gears, it’s a pretty clear sign that you have a transmission problem. Ditto for slipping, erratic shifting, and late or early shift patterns. This is often (but not always) caused by wear and tear on your transmission. But there are other transmission problems as well.

Wear And Tear

Wear and tear is a major cause of a variety of transmission problems. One of the best ways to see if you have a transmission problem is to check your transmission fluid. If it’s clear red, you should be OK. If, however, your transmission fluid is discoloured or has an unpleasant smell, your transmission is likely suffering from wear and tear. If discoloured fluid is coupled with other symptoms and problems, this might require an internal inspection of your transmission.

Computers And Sensors

As mentioned before, transmissions have become increasingly computerized in recent years. Overall, this is a good thing, but it does mean that transmission problems can be an even more complex and challenging conundrum. A major cause of transmission problems is when the computer system is sending incorrect signals due to a faulty sensor. Another common problem with computerized transmissions is when the transmission does not react to the command because of a bad connection or defective solenoid pack.

Technical Diagnostics

As mentioned earlier, many transmission problems are the result of old, dirty, or insufficient levels of transmission fluid. But because of the role of the computer, or just because transmissions are inherently complex machines, the cause of a transmission’s problems may not be easily assessed right off the bat. A comprehensive diagnostic process may be required.

At Mister Transmission we have access to state of the art diagnostic equipment, which allows us to offer the fastest and most accurate findings about what’s going on inside your vehicle’s transmission. Our technology can interface with a vehicle’s computer system to determine the specific transmission problem. The first step in assessing your transmission involves your technician connecting the diagnostic equipment to your vehicle’s on-board computer. This will produce a code stating where the problem lies. Next, we take the vehicle for a test drive so that we can evaluate its performance in real-time. While more comprehensive and hands-on evaluations may yet be required, our technology is an important tool in determining the right starting point for further investigations to figure out the cause of your transmission problems.

Contact Us

If you have any more questions about our transmission service and diagnostics, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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Customer Reviews
Great reliable friendly service
Joe Macdonald
Great reliable friendly service
Date: July 7, 2025
Website: Google
Thses guys are pros after...
Nathan Chartrand
Thses guys are pros after dealing with another transmission shop not checking endplay in the crankshaft my engine is destroyed a standard practice any reputable shop should be doing
Date: July 6, 2025
Website: Google
Hi I had my 1966...
Craig
Hi I had my 1966 Chevelle Malibu SS in at Mister Transmission Sarnia to have the transmission worked on last year. Mike in the back shop worked on my car (pride and joy). He did the repairs that was needed done and a few extra things done without request. The car ran like a dream when I got it back. The cost was lower then they said it would be. I'm very fussy on who works on my car. The owner (manager) was awesome to deal with. Then this week 04 July 2025 I needed a shift cable repaired as I was headed out with my car . I went to the shop and they were over loaded with work. Mike made time to get my car fixed so I could use it on the weekend. They went the extra mile to get my car fixed and again I could not complain about the cost to repair the cable. I fully recommend them and the people that work there are outstanding. A special thanks to Mike who worked on my baby(my car) thanks so much guys. They are my go to shop with my Classic car and all my vehicles.
Date: July 5, 2025
Website: Google
Hi I had my 1966...
Craig
Hi I had my 1966 Chevelle Malibu SS in at Mister Transmission Sarnia to have the transmission worked on last year. Mike in the back shop worked on my car (pride and joy). He did the repairs that was needed done and a few extra things done without request. The car ran like a dream when I got it back. The cost was lower then they said it would be. I'm very fussy on who works on my car. The owner (manager) was awesome to deal with. Then this week 04 July 2025 I needed a shift cable repaired as I was headed out with my car . I went to the shop and they were over loaded with work. Mike made time to get my car fixed so I could use it on the weekend. They went the extra mile to get my car fixed and again I could not complain about the cost to repair the cable. I fully recommend them and the people that work there are outstanding. A special thanks to Mike who worked on my baby(my car) thanks so much guys. They are my go to shop with my Classic car and all my vehicles.
Date: July 5, 2025
Website: Google
I had a fantastic experience...
Xavier Montenegro
I had a fantastic experience with the whole Mr. Transmission team. Jordan and Jason are fantastic at their jobs, and they are truly willing to be honest and completely transparent with you. I took my 2018 Sierra to them for some transmission work (shocker), and they were quick, and the transmission now works fantastically. There were some small hiccups, the transmission initially acted a little weird, but they were quick to correct that. I had my spark plugs and a few coils swapped over here. One of the coils they got from GM blew up and took a couple of fuses with it. They comped the tow and had it fixed quickly, and were incredibly apologetic about the whole thing. Overall, if you are looking for quality service from a tried and true team, this is the place you want to go.
Date: July 5, 2025
Website: Google
Excellent service, and fantastic staff....
KoiLady
Excellent service, and fantastic staff. We’re from BC and travel full-time. Our GMC diesel truck needed a ATF and filter change, and these awesome guys got us in next day. The cost was what they quoted, and we waited while they did the work. We’d absolutely go there again, and recommend them to others.
Date: July 3, 2025
Website: Google
These guys do good work....
Hunter Frederick
These guys do good work. And a fair price. 👍👍
Date: July 3, 2025
Website: Google
Mandy was extremely helpful in...
Don Brindle
Mandy was extremely helpful in getting out 2009 VW beetle back on the road, we are from out of town and he was very compassionate to our situation and helped at every level, if you are in Cambridge and need help, Mandy is your man!
Date: July 3, 2025
Website: Google
Excellent service, and fantastic staff....
KoiLady
Excellent service, and fantastic staff. We’re from BC and travel full-time. Our GMC diesel truck needed a ATF and filter change, and these awesome guys got us in next day. The cost was what they quoted, and we waited while they did the work. We’d absolutely go there again, and recommend them to others.
Date: July 3, 2025
Website: Google
Amazing customer service from Dan...
Justine Butka
Amazing customer service from Dan and the crew. Took my 2018 Tuscon there with acceleration problems and Dan took the time to investigate and solve the issues even without my vehicle showing any codes. I had previously had 4 visits to other shops without any results to solve this issue and was told because there was no engine code they couldn’t do anything. But, Dan was able to diagnose and solve the problem and in 2 days had my car back on the road. It was a clogged catalytic converter. Thank you for your professionalism and experience.
Date: July 1, 2025
Website: Google
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