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Manual transmissionsAutomatic transmissions

Edited by John Dewey, Abhishek, Shadow132700, Anna and 3 others


Besides the engine; gearbox, clutch, drive shaft, differential and tires form the crucial elements of a car's transmission system. Gearbox repair can be quite tedious at times and so it's better to detect the problems in transmission system right in the beginning. There are two ways to detect problem symptoms in these parts.


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EditMethod 1 of 2: Manual transmissions

  1. 1
    Park your car in a way that the front tires make contact with the curb. With first gear engaged, release the clutch pedal gradually but do not apply any throttle at this point. Ideally, on complete removal of the pedal, the engine must slowly fade out & bog down. Clutch is damaged in case fading is not slow or if the engine simply bogs down at any point. While shifting gear from standstill to first, if gearbox grinds, it indicates that clutch is damaged.
  2. 2
    Without applying throttle, attempt to pull off in third gear and see if the engine dies. An absolute clutch failure is indicated if engine doesn't die. Don't drive the vehicle in this condition.
  3. 3
    Test the vehicle on a plane road starting from first gear. While you accelerate the car from second, use late-shifting (increase engine revs by 500-1000 RPM). Without using double-clutching, now up-shift to second gear. While shifting to third gear, you must perform the same procedure. Drive vehicle at around 50 km/h and without down-clutching, try down-shifting to second gear. No grinding of gears must be experienced during up-shifting or down-shifting as it indicates possible gearbox fault.

EditMethod 2 of 2: Automatic transmissions

  1. 1
    Park your car in a way that the front tires make contact with the curb. Now, with the gearbox in drive, start applying the throttle in a smooth and gradual manner. At this point, the vehicle should climb over the curb but the engine should not fade.
  2. 2
    Hold the break pedal while shifting into drive. Completely press the gas pedal and see if the engine fades. If it does, it indicates incomplete disengagement of the transmission.
  3. 3
    Test drive the vehicle on an even road and see if it accelerates without any jolts. If jerks are experienced, it indicates a malfunctioning gearbox.
  4. 4
    Drive the vehicle at around 70 km/h and switch to neutral. Check for any vibrations at this point and if detected, it indicates suspension damage or warping of drive-shaft.
  5. 5
    Drive the vehicle at around 30 km/h and steer the vehicle. If any under-steer is detected, it indicates a differential failure.
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Categories: NFD (Duplicate) | Engine Parts

Recent edits by: Adam Higgins, Shina, Anna

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