You’re ready to hit the road, but your vehicle is not shifting properly. This can bring your plans to a sudden stop. It’s frustrating, unexpected, and often leaves drivers wondering what went wrong.
At Next Level Auto Services, we know that all Asian, domestic and European vehicles require precision care when it comes to transmission problems. Modern transmissions are complex and often require expert diagnostics and repairs. Let’s dive into the many different types of modern transmissions and what steps you should take next.
A Closer Look: The Role of Transmissions, What Type Do You Have?
Your transmission is one of the most intricate systems in your vehicle, responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels while ensuring smooth acceleration and deceleration.
There are four primary types of transmissions in today’s automobiles:
- Automatic Transmissions: These use hydraulic pressure, sensors, and electronic controls to shift gears seamlessly. When an automatic transmission begins to perform erratically, worn fluid, faulty solenoids, sensor failures or software issues are often to blame.
- Dual Clutch Transmissions: This is a type of transmission that combines the performance of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic transmission. These types of transmissions are mainly found in European or performance vehicles. Audi and BMW are most known for this type of transmission. Dual clutch transmissions (DCT) use 2 clutches to achieve lightning fast and smooth gear shifts. They perform much like a manual transmission, but can shift much quicker and more accurately.
- CVT Transmissions: These transmissions are becoming more and more common, mainly due to their ability to allow for a smooth and continuous range of gear ratios. They differ from a standard automatic transmission because they use a belt or chain to connect 2 pulleys – resulting in nearly infinite gear ratios. This provides smooth acceleration and better fuel economy.
- Manual Transmissions: Very few vehicles these days come equipped with a traditional manual transmission. These require driver input via the clutch pedal and gear shift lever. Manual transmissions are the least complex of all transmission types and generally are the most trouble free. They do have wearable components that require service and maintenance – the most common being the transmission fluid, clutch assembly and the hydraulic system that connects the clutch pedal to the transmission clutch fork.
Regardless of which type of transmission your vehicle is equipped with, Next Level Auto Services is here to help with any transmission issues you may come across, including helping to maintain the transmission before problems arise.
6 Common Reasons For Transmission Issues
1. Transmission Fluid Issues
One of the most frequent culprits behind shifting problems is low, dirty, or degraded transmission fluid. This fluid lubricates and cools the transmission while also creating the hydraulic pressure needed to change gears.
Signs of fluid trouble:
- Gears hesitate before engaging
- Harsh engagement in cold temperatures
- Juddering or shuddering felt while cruising
- Fluid appears dark or smells burnt
What You Can Do:
Regularly checking your transmission fluid can help prevent issues. Unfortunately, most modern vehicles no longer come with a transmission dipstick and require a special procedure (and often an expensive scan tool) to check the transmission fluid level. Next Level Auto Services firmly believes in preventive maintenance and has come up with a maintenance schedule for each type of transmission. This allows us to help you stay on top of fluid maintenance and help prevent worn or degraded transmission fluid from affecting transmission performance and possibly causing costly damage to internal components. If you are encountering any transmission issues, Next Level Auto Services can help come up with a plan that fits your budget and help keep your car on the road.
2. Transmission Software
Let’s face it, almost all transmissions are controlled by computers these days. Computers are not perfect, and can sometimes not perform properly. Most of the time there is a software issue causing the computer to malfunction and in turn this will cause erratic transmission performance. Every vehicle manufacturer is continuously working to improve their products, and occasionally software issues arise well after the vehicle has been released to the public (sometimes many years later). The manufacturer will then evaluate the issue and come out with a software update or fix to resolve the known problem. Next Level Auto Services can take care of diagnosing and confirming if your transmission issue is caused by a software problem.
Indicators of a Transmission Software Issue
- Transmission has intermittent issues
- Check engine light or check transmission light comes on
- Harsh shifting
- Stuck in limp mode
Recommended Fix: Bring your vehicle to Next Level Auto Services, and we can diagnose and repair any transmission software issues.
3. Transmission Fluid Leaks
All modern vehicles rely on transmission fluid to provide cooling, lubrication and hydraulic pressure to operate smoothly. A loss in fluid can cause numerous issues.
Warning signs:
● Delayed or erratic shifting
● Puddles or spots underneath the vehicle
● A burning smell
● A whining noise from the transmission area
● The vehicle will not move
What You Can Do: Transmission fluid loss can sometimes be immediate depending on the severity of the leak. The best option is to immediately shut the vehicle off and have it towed. Most transmissions require special fluids, and it is not a good idea to top off the transmission fluid unless you have the correct type for your vehicle. The safest thing to do is have it towed to Next Level Auto Services to have the leak inspected and resolved.
4. Electrical Malfunctions
There are a lot of electrical components (such as solenoids and valves) that control the critical operation of the transmission. When an electrical component malfunctions or there is a wiring issue preventing the electrical component from operating, the transmission will not operate properly.
What to look for:
- Warning lights on dash (check engine light)
- The gear shift won’t move out of park
- Transmission is stuck in limp mode
- Erratic shifting
What You Can Do: The best thing to do is have a transmission expert at Next Level Auto Services perform testing and an inspection for any electrical concerns. Transmissions are very complex and sometimes something as simple as a broken or loose wire could be the cause of the symptom.
5. Clutch System Failure (Manual Transmissions)
If you drive a manual transmission and your car won’t shift gears, the clutch system may be to blame. Over time, the clutch disc wears out, (similar to brake pads) causing slippage, difficulty in disengaging the transmission from the engine, and other shifting issues.
Signs of clutch trouble:
- The clutch pedal feels “soft” or doesn’t return fully
- Grinding noises when trying to shift gears
- The car won’t go into gear at all
- The vehicle does not accelerate properly when in gear (slipping)
- Burning smell while driving
Best Course of Action: A clutch inspection can determine whether you need a clutch adjustment, clutch hydraulic fluid system service, or clutch replacement.
6. Internal Transmission Damage
Sometimes internal transmission damage may be the root cause of transmission issues. Over time, gears, solenoids, clutches, torque converters and all other internal moving parts can wear out, leading to the need for a transmission rebuild or replacement.
Serious warning signs:
- Loud grinding, clunking, or whining noises
- Slipping gears or sudden loss of power
- Metal shavings in your transmission fluid
Next Steps: If you suspect internal damage, a comprehensive transmission inspection is the best way to assess the issue before further damage is done.
Transmission Issues? Here’s What to Check Before Calling a Mechanic
Before assuming the worst, try these quick troubleshooting steps:
- Check Your Brake Lights: Most automatic cars won’t shift out of park if the brake light switch is faulty. Press the brake pedal and check if your brake lights turn on. If they don’t, the switch may need replacement.
- Try the Shift Lock Release: Many vehicles have a manual shift lock release near the gear shifter. Remove the plastic cover and press the release button while gently shifting gears. If this works, there may be an issue with the shift interlock system.
- Inspect Your Transmission Fluid: Low or dirty transmission fluid can prevent smooth shifting. Check the fluid level and color—if it’s dark or low, a fluid service may be needed.
- Call Next Level Auto Services: If your car is still experiencing issues, forcing it could cause costly damage. Our Milwaukee transmission experts can quickly diagnose and repair the issue, getting you back on the road safely.
Milwaukee’s Choice for Expert, Transparent Transmission Service
Not all auto repair shops are the same, especially when it comes to transmission repair in Milwaukee, WI. At Next Level Auto Services, we service and repair domestic, Asian and European transmissions, including Honda, BMW, Acura, Audi, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Toyota and Lexus, providing expert care tailored to advanced transmission systems.
- Expert Technicians & Advanced Diagnostics: Our ASE-certified team is highly trained in manual and automatic transmissions, using OEM diagnostic equipment to quickly and accurately identify issues.
- Transparent & Educational Approach: We believe in keeping you informed about your car’s condition, explaining recommended repairs, preventative maintenance benefits, and what can wait versus what needs immediate attention.
- Commitment to Quality & Integrity: We focus on precision repairs, top-tier parts, and clear communication, ensuring your vehicle gets the highest level of care with no unnecessary upsells.
- Reliable Turnaround Times: Our efficient service process and dedicated quality control ensure repairs are done correctly the first time, minimizing downtime while maintaining excellence.
- Unmatched Warranty & Customer Service: We back our work with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty, giving you peace of mind while providing a customer-first experience that sets us apart.
Get Back in Gear with Milwaukee’s Trusted Transmission Pros
Don’t risk making a minor transmission issue worse—trust the experts at Next Level Auto Services for fast, precise diagnostics and long-lasting repairs. Whether you’re stuck in park, slipping between gears, or hearing grinding noises, our ASE-certified team delivers the expert care your high-performance or luxury vehicle deserves.
Visit us: 9334 N 107th St, Suite 100, Milwaukee, WI 53224
Call us: 414-206-0100 or schedule your appointment online now.
3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty | Fast Turnaround | Expert Diagnostics
Experience Milwaukee’s Next Level in transmission repair today!
