Symptoms of bad clutch in automatic transmission

Did you know that even automatic cars use clutch linings as the main component to move the car? Yes, there are still many automatic cars that use clutch linings on their transmission components.

However, the clutch lining used in automatic car transmissions is different from the clutch lining in manual cars. Automatic cars use wet type clutch lining and consist of many clutch linings inside.

Clutch linings on automatic cars can also run out like clutch linings on manual transmission cars. So, what are the symptoms that will appear if the clutch lining of this automatic car runs out?

This article will share information about the symptoms of bad clutch in automatic transmission and the characteristics that we can know. See the info below.

1. The automatic gear shifting feels rough

The first symptoms of bad clutch in automatic transmission is that the automatic gearshift condition feels rough and uncomfortable when driving.

The automatic transmission gear shift from low gear to high gear, and vice versa feels rough and shaking. Besides, the automatic gear shift is also often accompanied by a slow acceleration response of the car.

This symptom will generally appear because of the exhausted clutch lining, and the automatic transmission gear engagement becomes disturbed.

2. Vibration and rough noises appear from the transmission

The next symptoms of bad clutch in automatic transmission is vibrations and harsh noises from the automatic transmission while driving. The automatic transmission clutch lining that runs out causes friction between the clutch plate and the lining plate.

The friction between the lining plates in the clutch will cause vibrations that can spread to the car body even though the vibration is not too large. In addition, there will be harsh noises from the automatic transmission.

3. There is a jolt when gear shifting happens

Another symptoms of bad clutch in automatic transmission is the emergence of a jolt when shifting gear. The jolt that appears is very dependent on which component of the automatic clutch is exhausted. Jolts sometimes occur when shifting from D to L, R to P, or even in all positions.

This jolt arises due to a slip on the clutch lining. There is a large rotation difference between the input (from the engine) and the output (to the wheel axle) when this condition occurs.

Because the connection of the transmission gear process is delayed, the result will be a sudden jolt when the transmission gear is completely connected.

4. The car feel powerless

The fourth symptoms of bad clutch in automatic transmission is that the car feels powerless. When the clutch lining of the automatic transmission runs out, the engine's rotation cannot be channelled perfectly to the wheels.

There is some power and speed that decreases by itself due to the worn-out clutch lining. The term is often called loss. Suppose the damage in the clutch lining is very severe. In that case, the car may not move forward or backwards even though the transmission lever is in the driving position.

5. The gearshift lever feels like it's stuck.

Symptoms of a bad clutch in the automatic transmission can also be marked when the gear lever feels like it's "stuck" when sliding according to driving mode.

For example, when we shift the lever to position D and are ready to drive with the gas pedal pressed, the car will not move even though the engine rpm has increased. After the gear lever is moved, the transmission gear feels connected, and the car starts moving.

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6. The car is not strong enough to climb

The next symptoms of bad clutch in automatic transmission is that the car is not strong enough to climb. Yes, this condition often arises because the engine speed is no longer one hundred per cent diverted by the transmission into power to push the car.

Engine power is often wasted due to slip and heat so that the engine speed is no longer able to turn the transmission to push the car to get through the uphill road.

7. More extravagant fuel consumption

More extravagant fuel consumption can also sign and symptom of bad clutch in automatic transmission. This condition generally occurs due to the driver pressing the gas pedal deeper due to the car's movement not being as expected.

Pressing the gas pedal deeper will certainly increase fuel consumption so that the car becomes more wasteful.

8. Automatic Transmission Fluid changes colour to cloudy and blackish

The last symptoms of a bad clutch in the automatic transmission is when the oil quickly becomes cloudy and blackish. Normally, automatic oil with normal use will remain clear in colour but slightly darker (not black).

When the clutch lining runs out, the colour of the automatic oil will turn cloudy (like there is powder) and dark (close to blackish) due to the charred residue of the clutch lining.