Marysville Auto Repair

When the check engine light comes on, it’s easy to assume the problem lies under the hood. While that’s sometimes true, transmission issues, especially faulty sensors, are also a common cause. In modern vehicles, your transmission relies on several sensors to monitor speed, fluid pressure, and gear position. If any of these sensors fail or send inaccurate signals, the engine control module (ECM) may detect a problem and trigger the check engine light. Understanding how these sensors work and what happens when they fail can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress. How Transmission Sensors Communicate With Your Vehicle Modern automatic transmissions are highly complex, and sensors are at the heart of how they function. These sensors send constant data to the ECM, which uses the information to control gear shifts, manage torque, and optimize performance. When a sensor fails or provides inconsistent readings, the ECM can no longer make accurate adjustm ... read more

Modern vehicles are constantly evolving, and one of the most noticeable changes in recent years is the number of gears in automatic transmissions. Decades ago, 3- or 4-speed transmissions were common. Now, it’s not unusual to see vehicles with 8, 9, or even 10 speeds. Some car owners are left wondering: does more always mean better? Let’s explore why transmission gear counts have increased, how they impact performance, and whether having more gears always benefits your drive. How Do More Gears Actually Help A transmission’s job is to manage power delivery from the engine to the wheels. It utilizes different gears to maintain the engine's optimal speed—whether you're accelerating, cruising on the highway, or climbing a hill. More gears allow the engine to stay closer to its optimal RPM range more of the time. That can lead to smoother shifts, better fuel economy, and improved acceleration. For example, a 10-speed transmission can make ... read more

A smooth, steady idle is something most drivers take for granted — until it starts acting up. If you notice your engine's idle speed rising and falling or the car shaking slightly when you’re stopped, it can be both annoying and worrisome. Fluctuating idle speed is a sign that something isn’t quite right under the hood. Understanding the potential causes can help you catch small problems before they become major repairs. What Is Normal Idle Behavior When your engine is idling, it’s running just fast enough to keep itself alive without stalling — usually around 600 to 1,000 revolutions per minute (RPM), depending on the car. A healthy idle should feel stable and consistent. Slight changes in RPM are normal when turning on the air conditioning or using certain electrical systems, but large or frequent fluctuations suggest an underlying problem that needs attention. Common Causes of Fluctuating Idle Speed There are s ... read more

Your transmission is one of the most critical systems in your vehicle, and its health depends heavily on the condition of the transmission fluid. While many drivers understand the importance of oil changes, fewer people think about transmission fluid until a problem arises. Yet, just like engine oil, transmission fluid needs to be changed at regular intervals to keep your car performing reliably. Changing your transmission fluid at the right time can help prevent shifting problems, overheating, and costly repairs. But how often should this service be done? The answer depends on several factors, including your vehicle’s make and model, how you drive, and the type of transmission you have. What Transmission Fluid Does for Your Vehicle Transmission fluid has a big job. It lubricates moving parts, keeps internal components cool, provides hydraulic pressure (in automatics), and helps ensure smooth gear shifts. As it circulates, the fluid collects heat, metal partic ... read more

The torque converter in an automatic transmission is one of those parts that you don’t often think about—until something goes wrong. It quietly handles the connection between your engine and transmission, allowing your car to shift gears and keep moving smoothly. But when the torque converter starts to fail, it doesn’t stay quiet for long. Knowing the signs of a worn or failing torque converter can help you act before it leads to serious transmission damage. If your car feels different during shifting or acceleration, here’s how to tell whether your torque converter might need replacing. Unusual Slipping While Driving One of the most common signs of torque converter trouble is gear slipping. You might notice your engine revving higher than usual without a corresponding increase in speed, especially when accelerating from a stop. This happens when the torque converter fails to transfer power efficiently between the engine and transmission. Sl ... read more