Does someone know what's wrong with my auto trans?

Question

While driving for a short distance my auto trans suddenly clunks into 2nd or 3rd gear and stays there while the AT light flashes; any idea what might be the problem?

Answer 1

You don't say, but it sounds like a Ford product. You PROBABLY have a check engine light on as well.

If you continue to operate this car like it (the transmission) is it will tear itself up.

The A/T light (it is actually the overdrive switch light) is warning you that the engine control computer CANNOT sense certain inputs in order to make transmission line pressure decisions so it has placed the transmission line pressure into the HIGHEST pressure level to protect itself from slip damage. Unfotunately, the high line pressure is also destructive to the transmission and will cause the hydraulic clutches to "slam" together making the
clunk" you are talking about.

The most LIKELY culprit will be a Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) but is can be a broken wire too. GET IT INTO A SHOP ASAP.

Answer 2

As there other two people said, I would check your fluid levels first.

If your AT light flashed it should have set a code in your computer and any professional auto reapair shop should be able to retrieve that code with a good scan tool and then be able to tell you what exactly is wrong.

Lets hope it is just a couple of dollar bottle of Transmission fluid.

If there are no codes present, try having a transmission service where they will replace the transmission filter and fluid as a dirty transmission filter can also cause this symptom.

Answer 3

Many transmission problems are merely caused by low fluid. Check the level and condition of the fluid, if it's any colour other than red or smells like it's burning, go for a complete fluid and filter change. This will probably have to be done by a mechanic, the oil pan and filter are difficult to get to on auto boxes.

Answer 4

Get the fluid flushed and refilled. Also replace the trans filter. If it keeps doing it add a bottle of lucas oil "trans fix" i've heard good things about this product. It will not cure your trans it will help it work better and not clunk. Take it to a tranny shop.

Answer 5

have you checked your fluid level ?-

engine must be running - and preferably after your have driven a little ways to warm it up -

*do NOT overfill that puppy
*make sure you use the correct Auto Trans Fluid for your make of veh

if fluid is good - may have a vacuum hose leaking

or go see AA (beep beep) MCO

all the best