Transmission Repair

Your car’s transmission is like the heartbeat of your vehicle. If it skips a beat, you feel it. Hard shifting, slipping gears, and delayed engagement—none of these are just annoying, they’re warnings. At Cowden Automotive in San Francisco, we’ve seen it all. We don’t just repair transmissions—we breathe life back into them. What’s wrong with yours?

1. Transmission Slipping – A Silent Threat
You’re driving along, minding your business, and suddenly your engine revs up. But here’s the kicker—your car isn’t speeding up. That’s transmission slipping in action, and it’s more than a nuisance. Often caused by low transmission fluid or worn transmission bands, this issue can pop up in a wide range of vehicles, but we see it a lot in the 2010-2015 Ford F-150. Slipping happens when there isn’t enough friction to keep the transmission engaged with the engine, leading to a disconnect that leaves you coasting while your engine works overtime.

The Fix: At Cowden Automotive, we dive deep into the heart of your transmission to find out what’s really going on. First, we’ll check your transmission fluid—low levels often spell trouble. If the fluid checks out, we move on to inspecting the transmission bands and clutch plates. We’ll replace worn-out parts, ensure fluid levels are optimal, and test drive your vehicle to guarantee smooth operation. This isn’t a temporary patch; it’s a permanent fix to keep you moving.

2. Hard Shifting – The Unwelcome Jolt
Ever been jolted forward when your car shifts gears? That’s hard shifting, and it’s anything but smooth. Drivers of the 2012-2018 Chevy Silverado know this problem well, and it’s usually due to a faulty transmission control module (TCM). The TCM is like the brain of your transmission, controlling when and how your gears shift. If it malfunctions or loses calibration, your vehicle will feel like it’s fighting you every time you hit the gas. Hard shifting puts unnecessary strain on your transmission and can lead to bigger issues down the road.

The Fix: First things first—at Cowden Automotive, we’ll run a full diagnostic on your TCM. Sometimes, a recalibration is all you need, and that can be done in-house with a quick software update. But if the TCM is beyond repair, we’ll replace it with a new one that’s calibrated to work specifically with your vehicle. We also inspect the transmission fluid and clutch packs to ensure that no other component is contributing to the rough shifts. By the time we’re done, your car will shift like butter.

3. Delayed Engagement – The Annoying Pause
You shift into drive, hit the gas, and… nothing. Your car sits there, thinking about moving while you’re stuck wondering what went wrong. This delay is a common issue, especially in 2007-2014 Toyota Camrys, and it’s usually linked to low transmission fluid or a faulty torque converter. Delayed engagement happens because the transmission isn’t building up enough hydraulic pressure to engage the gears quickly, leaving you in limbo.

The Fix: Fixing delayed engagement starts with the basics: checking the transmission fluid. At Cowden Automotive, we’ll top off or replace your transmission fluid to ensure optimal pressure. But if that’s not the root cause, we dig deeper into the torque converter and the transmission pump, which could be failing to generate enough pressure. We’ll replace any faulty components and ensure your car engages the moment you hit the gas—no more waiting around for your transmission to make up its mind.

4. Fluid Leaks – The Hidden Culprit
You spot a puddle of red fluid under your car and know something’s off. That’s transmission fluid, and if it’s leaking, you’ve got a problem on your hands. Leaks are sneaky—they can come from worn seals, damaged gaskets, or even a cracked transmission cooler. Models like the 2011-2016 Honda Accord are particularly prone to fluid leaks, and if not addressed quickly, low fluid levels can cause overheating or, worse, complete transmission failure.

The Fix: At Cowden Automotive, we start by identifying the source of the leak. Whether it’s a worn-out gasket, seal, or a damaged transmission cooler, we’ll replace the faulty part. Once the leak is fixed, we refill your transmission fluid, and if necessary, flush the system to remove any debris. Regular maintenance is key here—catching a leak early can save you from a much bigger headache later on.

5. Torque Converter Problems – Power in Peril
Ever felt your car shudder when you accelerate? That’s a sure sign of torque converter problems, and it’s a common issue in 2009-2015 Dodge Ram trucks. The torque converter is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the transmission, and when it fails, your vehicle loses that smooth acceleration you depend on. It can also lead to slipping, overheating, and complete transmission failure if not addressed promptly.

The Fix: The team at Cowden Automotive will first check for fluid contamination, a common culprit in torque converter failure. If contamination is found, we flush the system and replace the fluid. If the torque converter itself is damaged, we’ll replace it with a new unit. Our technicians also inspect surrounding components to ensure the problem isn’t deeper within the transmission. By the time we’re done, your car will accelerate smoothly and powerfully, just like it should.

6. Transmission Overheating – Running Hot
Summer in San Francisco can take a toll on your car, especially if your transmission is already under stress. Overheating is a serious issue, particularly in heavy-duty vehicles like the 2013-2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Low fluid levels, a clogged transmission cooler, or a failing thermostat can cause your transmission to overheat, leading to slipping, hard shifts, or even total breakdown.

The Fix: At Cowden Automotive, we don’t just treat the symptoms—we fix the cause. We’ll inspect your transmission cooler and clean out any blockages, top off or replace the fluid, and test the thermostat to make sure it’s working properly. Preventative maintenance, like regular fluid changes, can stop overheating before it starts. And if your transmission has already been affected, we’ll repair the damage and get you back on the road with confidence.

7. Gear Slippage or Stuck in Gear – Trapped
You try to shift gears, but nothing happens. Or worse, your car gets stuck in gear. This frustrating issue is common in vehicles with continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), like the 2015-2020 Nissan Rogue. CVTs are designed to provide smooth, seamless shifts, but when they fail, they can leave you stuck, literally. Gear slippage or getting stuck in gear is often caused by a malfunctioning shift solenoid or problems within the CVT’s mechanics.

The Fix: Fixing CVT problems requires precision, and that’s where Cowden Automotive comes in. We’ll inspect the shift solenoid and test the CVT’s internal components for wear and tear. If the solenoid is at fault, we replace it, ensuring your transmission shifts seamlessly. For deeper issues, we’ll repair or replace the necessary CVT parts to restore smooth operation. By the time we’re finished, you’ll have full control of your vehicle’s gears again.

At Cowden Automotive in San Francisco, we’re not just fixing transmissions—we’re keeping you on the road. Transmission problems are serious, but they don’t have to be your problem for long. Whether it’s slipping gears, hard shifting, or fluid leaks, we have the know-how to solve it. What’s your transmission telling you today?