Kern Transmission Self-Diagnostic

Here is a quick list of things to do before you decide your transmission is bad. Check here later for a more in-depth questionnaire and on-line help with your automobile's transmission:

  1. Check the transmission fluid level. The engine must be running to do this. always check the fluid in park, except on chrysler products, check them in neutral.

  2. If the fluid level is low fill the transmission to the proper level and test drive the vehicle, if the transmission seems okay, your problem is most likely a leak. NOTE: most transmissions hold a minimum of 8 quarts of fluid, just because you don't see any fluid on the stick does not mean the transmission is totally empty. When an automatic transmission gets about 2 quarts low it will start to malfunction, at 3 quarts low, most automatics will no longer engage into gear.

  3. If you determine that your problems are fluid level related, the next step is to fix the leaks.
    • Most transmissions have at least 10 seals or gaskets that could be leaking, a common misconception is that if it is leaking it must be the pan gasket (many models on the road today do not have a pan).

  4. If you find that your fluid is full, some other problem exists. First check any cables or vacuum hoses that connect to the transmission, if problems are found they are usually simple to fix. (i.e. replace hoses or reconnect cables.)

  5. If nothing is obviously out of place you need to seek the services of a professional. Before you do this, know the answers to these questions.

    • Did the problem show up immediately upon picking up your car from a repair facility?

    • Did they service your transmission?

    • Did they work on the carburetor or fuel injection?

    • Did they do electrical work on the car?

  6. If you did not just pick up your car from a repair facility, know the answers to these questions.

    • Do the problems occur more or less when the vehicle is hot or cold?

    • Do the problems occur when accelerating, or stopping?

    • Do the problems occur when the transmission is trying to make a gear change? (as you are driving)

    • Do the problems occur when you first put the transmission in gear? (sitting still)

    • Is there a noise associated with the problem?

    • Will the vehicle make it to a repair facility, or will it need to be towed?

Contact TRANSMAN
if you have other questions about your car or truck transmission.


Kern Transmission • 2907 Brundage Lane • Bakersfield, CA 93304
Phone 661-636-0157 • FAX 661-66-0153

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