Maintaining Your Kia Transmission: Service Guidelines

Leaking Transmission

One of the most common signs of a transmission problem is leaking transmission fluid. This fluid is essential for the transmission, as it provides the hydraulic power that allows the gears to shift. It also protects transmission components from unnecessary damage by covering them with a friction-resistant coating that allows them to work efficiently at high speed.

Transmission fluid is easily recognizable as it is bright or dark red, depending on its age. If you spot a transmission leak, contact us ASAP and don’t drive your Kia, as driving with low transmission fluid can damage the gears and even cause the transmission to seize. We’ll trace and fix the leak, then refill the transmission fluid.

Gears Won’t Shift

The transmission control module controls the transmission and shifts the gears as needed to keep your Kia moving at the desired speed. Sensors connected to all important transmission components ensure these instructions are carried out and reported back to the transmission control module. If your gears suddenly refuse to shift, your Kia’s engine continues to work, but your vehicle can’t move.

Gear shifting issues can be caused by low transmission fluid, since it provides the hydraulic power that shifts the gears, as we saw above. It could also be caused by other issues like damaged sensors, broken transmission bands, or a fault inside the transmission control module. Our technicians will examine your transmission and fix the problem.

Slipping Gears

Slipping gears is a scary situation where the gears change suddenly without warning or instructions from the transmission control module. Engine power will drop, and you usually hear harsh grinding sounds as the gears are forced into a new position. The gears usually move to their previous setting, and this could cause your Kia to stop suddenly.

Gear slipping could be caused by worn or damaged transmission linkages, damaged gear teeth, or a sensor fault. It can also happen if there’s a transmission leak, as loss of transmission fluid reduces the hydraulic pressure; the remaining fluid may not have enough power to push the gears into their new position when the transmission shifts. We’ll find the cause of the problem and repair it.

Most transmission problems are easy and inexpensive to repair when they start, but they will cause more problems and potential damage until they’re fixed. If you have a transmission problem, contact our service department today at Coughlin Kia of Lancaster in Lancaster, OH.

Tags: Auto Repair Lancaster OH, Coughlin Kia of Lancaster, Kia Transmission
Posted in Coughlin Kia of Lancaster, Coughlin Kia of Lancaster News, Coughlin Kia of Lancaster Service Department, Kia Maintenance, Kia Maintenance Schedule, Kia Transmission, Service Tips and Tricks | No Comments »