Characteristics of Problematic Manual and Automatic Car Transmissions

JAKARTA, NOVEMBER 2024, Daihatsu friends understand that the transmission is an important component in a car. Whether it's a manual or automatic (matic) transmission car, its main task is to help transfer power from the engine's rotation to the wheels.

As for the difference between the two, a manual transmission is controlled by a clutch that is operated manually by the driver. Meanwhile, in an automatic car, the wheel rotation is managed by the clutch, gear ratio, and lubricants inside a special gearbox. That's why the driver only needs to press the gas pedal to determine the speed.

It is advisable to regularly maintain this part. If not, and problems start to arise, it will reduce driving comfort. Here are the signs.

1. Wheel Rotation Less Responsive When Gas Pedal is Pressed

This is most often felt by drivers when the transmission has issues; when the gas pedal is pressed, the wheels usually do not move immediately as desired. Instead, what is indicated is the sound of the engine revving very loudly.

In such conditions, Daihatsu friends should start to worry about the transmission part and check it carefully. Most likely, the problem is caused by the drive plate or the clutch plate in manual cars being very thin. If it's an automatic transmission, the body valve's performance may have weakened.

2. Car Feels More Vibrant

Transmission problems can also make the car feel more vibrant, even when driven on a smooth track. For both manual and automatic vehicles, this can occur due to engine and transmission issues.

So, it is necessary to check your beloved car at the clutch pad. Because it could start from a clutch pad that has begun to wear out, causing the surface of the clutch pad to be uneven.

3. Burning Smell Around the Engine

Another sign is suddenly smelling burnt oil. This is definitely due to the transmission experiencing overheating, so it needs lubrication. The function of lubrication is not only to facilitate the movement of components but also to maintain the temperature stability of the components.

The appearance of a burning smell generally indicates excessive transmission heat. The cause is a decrease in the volume of transmission lubricant, either due to leaks or the lubricant has become dirty.

4. Check Engine Light Suddenly Turns On

The check engine light turning on is the earliest reminder if there is a malfunction in the transmission system. Although the check engine light can also indicate damage to other components. So, do not immediately accuse the transmission as the culprit.

In the case of transmission, the sensor can detect vibrations and identify problems before the driver feels them. However, if you notice changes or oddities, do not ignore them to prevent further damage.

5. Gears Feel Slippery

Normally, the function of the transmission, the car's gears will remain in the position set by the manual driver. Or the computer system will automatically shift the gears at a certain RPM range in an automatic car. However, in the case of slipping gears, they suddenly change positions on their own. For example, from third gear suddenly shifting to neutral.

This can be very dangerous if you are at high speed and suddenly lose power to the wheels. This can cause the driver to lose control, threatening personal safety and that of other drivers.

6. Manual Car Hard to Shift Gears

A manual transmission car having difficulty shifting gears can be confirmed as a transmission problem. Usually, this occurs due to issues with the connection between the lever and the withdraw lever or what can be called the clutch fork for shifting gears.

It could also be due to components that are worn out or aged and need to be replaced immediately. A quick response can help reduce transmission problems from worsening.

7. Manual Clutch Feels Stiff

One of the problems that haunt manual car users is a stiff clutch. A stiff clutch is caused by the failure of the clutch disk to disengage from the flywheel when pressing the clutch pedal.

This condition prevents the driver from shifting gears because the clutch is still engaged in the engine's rotation. If forced, it will definitely make the engine produce a stiff sound and could worsen the damage.

8. Buzzing Sound Outside the Automatic Car Engine

Especially for owners of automatic clutch cars. If you hear a buzzing sound similar to the engine, and it gets louder until it sounds like a dull object hitting. The sound may come from several devices whose movement mechanisms are hindered due to insufficient transmission oil pressure.

So, for owners of this type of car, you need to be more careful when checking. Because the transmission oil in automatic cars is an important component for automatic transmission. In addition to being a lubricant and cooler, transmission oil also provides pressure during gear changes.

9. Transmission Fluid Leak in Automatic Cars

Transmission fluid leaks are the easiest problem to identify. Moreover, the transmission fluid in automatic cars is vital for gear exchange capability. So even a small leak in the transmission of an automatic car can cause quite serious problems.

Good automatic transmission fluid will be bright red, clean, and slightly oily. However, if the transmission oil is dark and has a burnt smell, it should be suspected and replaced.