A transmission fluid change is a routine maintenance task that can help keep your car running smoothly․ However‚ sometimes after a transmission fluid change‚ your car may start to shake․ This can be a frustrating and worrying experience‚ but it’s usually not a major issue․ Here’s a breakdown of the potential causes and how to troubleshoot them⁚
Possible Causes of Car Shakes After Transmission Fluid Change
- Improper Fluid Level⁚ The most common reason for a car shaking after a transmission fluid change is an incorrect fluid level․ If the fluid level is too high‚ it can cause excessive pressure within the transmission‚ leading to shaking․ If it’s too low‚ the transmission may not have enough lubrication‚ causing friction and shaking․
- Air in the Transmission⁚ When you change the transmission fluid‚ it’s possible for air to get trapped in the system․ This air can cause the transmission to operate inefficiently‚ leading to shaking․
- Contaminated Fluid⁚ If the new transmission fluid was contaminated with dirt‚ debris‚ or other foreign particles‚ it can clog the transmission’s internal components and cause shaking․
- Transmission Problems⁚ In rare cases‚ a car shaking after a transmission fluid change could be a sign of an underlying transmission problem․ This could include worn-out transmission components‚ a faulty valve body‚ or other issues․
Troubleshooting Steps
Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot a shaking car after a transmission fluid change⁚
- Check the Fluid Level⁚ Start by checking the transmission fluid level․ It should be at the “hot” mark on the dipstick․ If the level is too high‚ drain some fluid until it reaches the correct level․ If it’s too low‚ add more fluid․ Make sure to use the correct type of transmission fluid for your vehicle․
- Drive and Observe⁚ After adjusting the fluid level‚ take your car for a short drive․ Pay attention to whether the shaking persists․ If it does‚ proceed to the next steps․
- Check for Air in the System⁚ Air in the transmission system can be difficult to remove without specialized equipment․ If you suspect air is the problem‚ consult a qualified mechanic․
- Inspect the Fluid⁚ If the shaking continues‚ inspect the transmission fluid for contamination․ If you see any dirt‚ debris‚ or discoloration‚ it’s likely that the fluid is contaminated․ You’ll need to have the transmission flushed and refilled with fresh fluid․
- Professional Diagnosis⁚ If you’ve tried all of these steps and the shaking persists‚ it’s time to take your car to a qualified mechanic․ They can perform a thorough diagnosis to identify the root cause of the problem․
Preventing Shaking After Fluid Change
Here are some tips to help prevent shaking after a transmission fluid change⁚
- Use the correct type of transmission fluid for your vehicle․
- Ensure the transmission fluid level is correct․
- Avoid contaminating the fluid during the change․
- Have the transmission fluid changed by a qualified mechanic․
If you experience shaking after a transmission fluid change‚ don’t panic․ It’s usually a simple issue that can be easily resolved․ However‚ if the problem persists or you suspect a more serious issue‚ consult a qualified mechanic․