What Would Cause a Transmission to Go Out? (with Pictures)

A transmission is an important part of a vehicle's mechanical make-up. Responsible for allowing vehicle movement, a transmission, which is made up of a variety of interrelated parts and mechanisms, can develop numerous problems that can cause it to fail and/or cease to function properly.

Low Transmission Fluid Levels

Optimum transmission fluid levels are necessary to maximize transmission function. Extremely low transmission fluid levels can reduce the fluid force necessary to drive transmission operation, which can cause a transmission to fail or go out.

Taking apart transmission.
Broken Transmission Bands

Broken transmission bands prevent the engagement and operation of the transmission gear sets and prevent normal transmission gear function, which in severe cases, can result in a nonoperational transmission.

Close up of transmission.
Broken Transmission Gears

Transmission gears in rare cases can break, which prevents normal transmission shifting and disrupts the normal rotation of the transmission drive axle, which can prevent transmission function and operation.

Close up of gear box.
Faulty Torque Converter

A faulty torque converter can prevent transmission fluid from being pressurized and propelled throughout a vehicle's transmission, a condition that can prevent transmission operation and function.

Car engine torque.
Ruptured Transmission Seals

Transmission seals keep transmission fluid contained within a transmission. Ruptured or faulty seals can allow transmission fluid to leak out of a transmission, which can cause serious transmission damage, which that can cause a transmission to fail.

Make sure leaks don't occur.