Your Corolla’s transmission is a complex mechanical system that directs power from the engine to the vehicle’s driveshaft. When the transmission is not working properly, the vehicle can be unsafe to drive, and often unusable. Read on and learn all about the transmission problems in a Toyota Corolla.
Since Corolla transmission parts to the solenoid have often suffered more wear than many other parts on your vehicle, proper maintenance and knowing how to recognize an indication of a problem can be extremely important.
Transmission Problems in a Toyota Corolla: Symptoms
Understanding transmission problems and knowing when to act on them can save you a lot of money with an automotive professional and a lot of pain in the long run.
1- Transmission fluid leak:
Cars don’t use transmission fluid like they do motor oil, so if you check your transmission fluid level and it’s low, it means there’s a leak somewhere. Low transmission fluid can lead to inadequate lubrication, insufficient cooling of parts, and possibly even irreversible damage to transmission parts.
Leaks can sometimes be discovered by looking at the area where you normally park. Look for a clear red fluid, and report any evidence of a leak to your mechanic immediately.
2- Grinding or buzzing noises:
Torque converters can be the cause of various transmission problems. Worn or damaged needle bearings are probably the most common type of problem associated with the torque converter, and when a problem arises, you’ll probably know it.
An odd grinding or brushing noise that occurs when the Corolla is running is a good indication of a torque converter problem that can do significant damage to a transmission when left unattended.
3- Lack of response:
If your Toyota Corolla doesn’t respond when you start it or shift into gear (change gears), there is likely a problem with the transmission. The lack of response can be caused by something as simple as low or inadequate transmission which may indicate something more serious.
4- Solenoid problems:
The flow of the transmission fluid is controlled by the solenoid, and when the solenoid is damaged or malfunctioning, your Toyota Corolla’s transmission will have a tendency to slip.
You may be having transmission problems in your Toyota Corolla if you notice that your car’s transmission is slipping while you’re driving, and you haven’t seen any evidence of a fluid leak, the problem is likely to have something to do with the solenoid and you should review it.
5- Burnt fluid:
There are several ways to tell if the transmission fluid is overheating.. You’ll likely notice a strong burning smell coming from under the hood, and when you check it, the fluid will appear cloudy and darker in color than its usual clear bright red.
Since transmission fluid helps lubricate the various parts of the transmission, burned fluid is a sign that there is a lot of friction between the parts. Although this can be a simple problem like a leak, or the use of the wrong type of fluid, in the long run it causes significant damage to the transmission if not repaired properly.
