What a Diagnostic Check Can Tell You about Your Transmission

When your check engine light comes on, your first thought may be to check a few things on your own. For example, your car may be overdue for a servicing appointment or you may feel like the light is an issue with a fuse. The truth is, there can be several other issues going on with your transmission causing the light and some other problems with the car. Your mechanic may offer for you to have a system diagnostics performed first. Before you turn this down, you should understand what a diagnostics check can tell you about the transmission and possible issues you are having:

Transmission Fluid Check

One of the first things that the system diagnostics will check deals with your transmission fluid levels and the condition of that fluid. This check can actually clear up several issues regarding your transmission health. If the fluid levels are low, your transmission may be running sluggishly or have noticeable noise. If the fluid is not in good operating condition, you may have the same issues and you may be heading for a clog in the transmission that can cause costly repairs. If either of these shows up, the recommendation may be having the fluid levels topped off, having the fluid drained and replaced or having a full transmission system flush.

Simulated Road Test

A diagnostic check does more in regards to your transmission than just check the fluid levels. The check also does a simulated road test. This will tell you a lot about how your transmission is operating in normal driving conditions, both in town and on the highway. It will check the different gear settings, switching to different gears, and if there is any fluid loss during these motions. This can tell the mechanic if anything is happening or an issue in the actual mechanics and working system of the transmission. It will also point out exactly when and where the issues are occurring.

Parts Breakdown

In addition to the operation of your transmission in normal driving conditions and the fluid levels, one of the other issues you need to check are the working parts of the transmission. A diagnostic system check can narrow down if there are parts of the transmission that are not working properly or are breaking down and if those parts are also connected to the overall transmission issues you may be having. The diagnostic report can give a printout of the transmission services that should be done related to the parts.

By considering these major points that can come from a system diagnostics check in regards to your transmission health, you can be better prepared for what repairs may arise. You can also take that systems check to other mechanics should you feel that you want to get the best rate on transmission services.