What are Transmission Solenoids?
What are Solenoids in a tranmission?
Solenoids play an important role in automatic transmissions. Manual transmissions control the gears manually, so most manual transmissions do not have solenoids. Solenoids enable gear changes through electro-hydraulic valves. Depending on the build of the car, the solenoids will control one or more gears. When a solenoid opens or closes, it can control the flow of transmission fluid and the pressure within the transmission, which allows gear changes.
Signs of Solenoid Failure
Failing solenoids can be a simple fix. Although you can still drive your vehicle, it is important to get your vehicle checked by a professional if you have any of the following symptoms.
Check Engine Light is On
Any time there is a check engine light, the vehicle needs to be checked for a diagnostic. So, if you have a check engine light on, you should get your vehicle check by a professional mechanic soon.
Delayed Shifting
When your vehicle is taking longer to shift gears, it could be a failing solenoid. A problem that is causes a failing solenoid could be due to dirty transmission fluid. Dirty transmission fluid can cause solenoids to get stuck and remain opened or closed. This problem could result in it being difficult to change gears.
Car Stuck in Neutral
A vehicle stuck in neutral could also signify that your solenoid is having trouble opening or closing, commonly from dirty transmission fluid like mention above. Cars stuck in neutral have solenoids that can receive signals of a command, but it unable to carry out the command.
Revving When Braking
A car rev when braking can mean that the solenoids are unable to receive signal of a gear change. This can be due to contaminated transmission fluid building up.
A great preventative for transmission problems, such as failing solenoid, is to regularly change transmission fluid to prevent dirty fluid from building up in your transmission. If you have any solenoid problems or any transmission problems, be sure to bring your vehicle to a professional transmission mechanic like Eagle Transmission Repairin Mesquite Texas serving all the DallasMetroplex area.
