Having transmission problems with your heavy-duty truck? There could be several issues causing your transmission to not operate properly. Here are 7 common problems to check when troubleshooting transmission issues on your International truck:
1. Low Transmission Fluid Level
Low fluid level is one of the most common causes of transmission problems. Check the dipstick to ensure the transmission fluid is at the proper level. If it’s low, add more fluid as specified in your owner’s manual. Running your transmission low on fluid can cause damage over time.
2. Contaminated Fluid
Dirty or contaminated fluid is another culprit for transmission problems. Transmission fluid can become contaminated with metal shavings and debris. This contaminated fluid does not properly lubricate the internal components. Have a shop drain and replace the fluid if it has turned black or contains visible metal particles.
3. Slipping Gears
If you notice the transmission slipping in and out of gear, it’s likely due to worn clutch packs inside the transmission. Worn clutches don’t properly engage the gears, causing them to slip. A transmission rebuild or replacement may be necessary in severe cases.
4. Faulty Solenoids
Electronic solenoids control the gear shifting in modern transmissions. If a solenoid fails, shifting will be erratic or not occur at all. Have the solenoids tested; replacing faulty ones can often resolve shift issues.
5. Leaks
Inspect the seals, gaskets, housings, and hoses on your transmission for any leaks. Low fluid levels or leaks indicate that fluid is escaping somewhere. Carefully examine the transmission pan, extension housing, front seal, rear seal, torque converter seal, solenoid pack, pressure control solenoid, and hoses.
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Look for any external fluid residue or spots. Identify where the fluid is coming from and repair the leaks before running the transmission and causing further damage. Small leaks left unattended can lead to significant failures down the road.
6. Overheating
Transmissions generate a lot of heat under heavy loads and towing. If the transmission overheats, internal parts can become damaged. Make sure the external transmission cooler is operating properly, is free of debris, and is adequately sized for your usage. Also, check that your radiator cooling fan is functioning to specification to maintain proper operating temperatures. Consider adding an auxiliary transmission cooler if you tow heavy loads or operate in hot environments. Overheating can quickly destroy seals, warp parts, and lead to premature transmission failure.
7. Electrical Issues
Since modern transmissions are electronically controlled, electrical problems can lead to operation issues. Check for damaged wiring harnesses, connectors, and ground straps. Diagnostic trouble codes also indicate transmission electrical faults.
When you need international truck parts, always choose genuine OEM components. Parts engineered and manufactured by the original equipment manufacturer are designed specifically for your truck’s transmission. OEM parts meet the exact specifications and tolerances required for proper fit and operation. Aftermarket or generic parts do not always adhere to OEM specs, leading to potential performance issues or durability problems down the road. With OEM parts, you can rely on proper fit, optimal performance, long service life, and peace of mind knowing you installed quality components that were built for your transmission. OEM parts may have a higher upfront cost compared to aftermarket components, but they pay off in the long run through superior reliability and less downtime. Don’t take chances by installing inferior aftermarket parts in your heavy-duty transmission. Go with OEM components from the manufacturer for maximum life and efficiency.
