A vehicle's gearbox is crucial in controlling power transmission from the engine system to the driveshaft. It can suffer wear and tear over time due to the friction and heat from moving parts. You would, therefore, fair well to understand the different types of gearbox problems your car may encounter and how to identify them for repairs promptly.

The following are four common transmission problems and how to diagnose them:

Slow Responses

When you shift from parking to driving gear, your car must switch into the proper gear immediately. In automatic transmissions, it's possible to notice a delay when changing gears. Most often, this problem is transmission-based and requires immediate diagnosis. 

For manual transmissions, the same issue may present itself. In this case, after switching into gear, your engine's RPM surges, yet the vehicle fails to move usually as your engine sounds. If this happens, ensure you replace your clutch to solve the issue. 

Whining or Clunking Sounds

It's hard to tell exactly how your car may sound when you have a gearbox problem. However, you'll at least notice or hear an unfamiliar sound. Sounds produced vary widely as per the make and model of your car and include humming, whining or clunking noises. 

For manual gearboxes, you may hear more mechanical, loud or abrupt sounds when shifting gears. Hence, when you hear such sounds, diagnose the problem and repair them immediately to avoid further damage. Don't postpone repairs or wait until you get money to pay for them upfront. 

Leaking or Low Fluid Levels 

Leaking is the most obvious sign of transmission problems, and you must fix it as soon as possible. Allowing transmission fluid to leak is one of the common causes of gearbox breakdowns.  The lifeblood of any transmission system is the automatic transition fluid (ATF), which acts as a hydraulic fluid and helps in cleaning, lubricating and conditioning seals. Without it, your vehicle's engine may shut down. 

To diagnose leaking or low fluid levels, warm up your engine and take dipstick readings. If the fluids level is below average, there is a possible leak that requires patching. However, always top up the fluid to allow proper functioning of the gearbox until you fix it. 

Shaking or Grinding

Finally, if you notice some grinding and shaking on your car, it may indicate transmission problems. You may experience shaking and grinding when shifting gears in manual transmissions, but automatic ones tend to take time engaging into gear instead of having a smooth transition. 

If you notice any of these transmission symptoms, take your car for inspection and gearbox repairs. 

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