Knowing common problems with your automobile can be helpful.

Some shift problems can be solved by properly adjusting the throttle valve cable, if it is equipped with one. Shift solenoids are easy to replace on most newer vehicles. They are accessed through the service pan. Follow your vehicle manufacturer directions. Routinely service your transmission. It saves a lot of problems by simply servicing it. Also, check your cooling system. Remember, the transmission is cooled by the radiator. Heat kills a transmission very quickly.

Some manufacturers are eliminating dip-sticks. Some have difficult refill procedures. All fluid levels should be checked with the transmission at operating temperature. All fluids are not the same, and using the wrong fluid can permanently damage a transmission.  Most vehicles require you to be in a specific gear when checking the level.  Be sure to have it in the correct gear, most applications are different.  Follow your manufacturer's directions and don't short-cut any procedures. 

Severe transmission damage can occur if you try to tow a car with an automatic transmission incorrectly. The transmission is affected even if the car is in neutral. The key is to tow the vehicle without having the internal workings of the transmission being involved.

• Low fluid is probably the most common transmission problem.
• A problem related to fluid levels is a faulty solenoid. The solenoid is responsible for controlling the flow of fluid through the transmission. If the solenoid is damaged, then transmission issues occur because of a lack of proper fluid regulation.

• There are several problems that can occur with the torque converters in transmission systems. The first is that the needle bearings of the converter--which separate the stator, impeller, turbine and converter housing--can be worn. If you hear noises from the transmission except while in neutral, the bearings most likely are the culprit.