Automatic Transmission Repair in Richmond, VA
Automatic transmissions are designed to shift gears automatically based on the speed of the car. This means that you don't have to shift gears manually.

- Photo Credit: Michael Barera, CC BY‑SA 4.0
A Canadian named Alfred Munro invented the automatic transmission system in 1921, but his design never took off because it used compressed air, which wasn’t strong enough.
Instead, you can thank General Motors for the easy-driving cars we have today. In 1940, the company introduced the Hydra-Matic transmission system in its Oldsmobile, which marked the first widespread use of automatic transmission systems.
Automatic transmissions power engines with a range of torque and speed outputs, and most use the hydraulic system, where fluid executes the gear changes by locking and unlocking a series of gears. Manual systems, on the other hand, use a frictional clutch.
Repairing Automatic Transmissions
Repairing automatic transmission systems is more complex than manual systems because they require specialized technology.
Before our mechanics can get to work on the problem, we first need to actually diagnose the problem, which requires connecting to the vehicle’s computer interface. The computer then produces a code, which tells us where the problem is.
Our technicians might also have to take the vehicle for a test drive to monitor its behavior before starting the repair. When all is said and done, the diagnostic process usually ends up taking longer than the repair itself, And In most cases, the transmission system only needs minor repairs.
The most common problems with automatic transmissions are:
- Fluid Leaking
- Overheating
- Whining or Clicking Noises
- Delayed/Erratic Shifting
- Slipping Gears or Loss of Motion
Visit us at Speedy's Transmission Shop if your transmission is showing signs of failure.