Symptoms of a faulty automatic transmission solenoid
* Shift slippage or delay: Solenoids control the flow of transmission fluid, allowing gears to be shifted in and out of gear. A faulty solenoid can prevent adequate fluid flow, resulting in slipping or delayed shifting.
*Hard Shifts: Solenoids also regulate transmission fluid pressure, resulting in smooth gear shifts. A faulty solenoid can cause harsh gear shifts that make driving uncomfortable.
* Going into limp mode: If the solenoid is seriously faulty, the transmission may go into limp mode, limiting the number of gears in operation. This is intended to protect the transmission from further damage.
* Trouble Codes: A faulty solenoid can often cause the Check Engine Light (CEL) to turn on and store associated trouble codes. These codes can be read using an OBD-II scanner.
* Increased fuel consumption: A faulty solenoid can affect transmission efficiency, resulting in increased fuel consumption.
* Strange Sounds from the Transmission: A faulty solenoid can cause a humming, buzzing, or vibration sound from the transmission, especially when shifting gears.
* Burnt Fluid Smell: In serious cases, a faulty solenoid can cause the transmission fluid to overheat, causing a characteristic burning smell.
Other signs of a faulty automatic transmission solenoid:
* Difficulty starting the car
* Slipping when shifting into gear
* Unpredictable transmission behavior
* Difficulty when changing gears manually (tiptronic mode)