How To Test Drive An Automatic Transmission Before Buying Automobile

Use more caution when test-driving someone else's vehicle. Always check the mirrors, the driver's seat, etc. may not be adjusted properly for you. First, get use to the brake pedal feeling, adjust the mirrors, driver's seat, and learn all the controls of the vehicle. Then proceed to drive when you are sure it's safe.

One of the indications of a automatic transmission problem is delayed engagement, when there is a long delay between the moment you shift the shifter into "D" (Drive) or "R" (Reverse) and the moment the transmission kicks in. It's easier to note delayed automatic transmission engagement after a car / truck has been sitting for a while: With the automatic transmission in "P" (Park) start the engine, and wait until the engine rpm has reduced to normal level (650 - 850 rpm). With your foot holding down the brake pedal, shift to the "D" (Drive) position. Almost immediately the automatic transmission should engage. It feels like the car wants to creep forward. This should happen very smoothly, without a strong jerk or clunk. Shift to "N" (Neutral), and the transmission should disengage. Now, still holding the brakes, shift to the "R" (Reverse) position. Again, the transmission kicks in almost immediately. You will feel the car wants to creep backward. This also should be very smooth, without a jerk or clunk.

Now, still holding the brake pedal down, try to shift from D to R and back to D. There should be no strong jerk or clunk. (clunk sound could be a transmission mount). If there is a notable long delay (more than 1 seconds) between the moment you shift and the moment the transmission kicks in, such a transmission might be either too worn or has some problem, avoid this car / truck. If you feel a strong jerk or clunk while shifting, the car / truck may have a transmission problem.

Now it's time to test drive the automobile. With the shifter in "D" (Drive) position drive gently, with smooth and gradual acceleration. Until the automobile reaches a speed of 30-37 mph (50-60 km/h) or you should feel the gears shifting at least twice (from first to second, and from second to third gear). All shifts should be done very smoothly, without jerks or slipping. You should be able to feel when the transmission shifts by the slight change in the engine tone or change in engine rpm. If the transmission is extremely worn it may shift with quite a strong jerk, shudder or a delay (especially from first to second gear). Driving at a speed of 25-30 mph (40-50 km/h) if you press down the accelerator pedal for a few seconds, you should feel downshifting to the lower gear, if the automatic transmission works properly. The next step is to check the automatic transmission overdrive. While driving at 60-70 km/h or 35-45 mph on a level road, without using the accelerator, switch overdrive ON. You should feel an upshifting to the next speed. Switch it to "OFF," and you should feel a downshifting. Another sign that may indicate the transmission problem is the slipping. When the transmission is excessively worn it may slip which means when you press the accelerator, the engine rpm increases but the speed remains the same. If during the drive test you feel any problem such as the transmission seems to slip or shifts with a jerk or shudder or if the transmission got stuck in some gear, or has trouble shifting into a particular gear (for ex. from second to third), avoid buying such a automobile.

Test-drive the car as long as possible. Often the automatic transmission may work well when it's cold but when it's warmed up the transmission starts having problems. It's best to spend more time checking the transmission than later fixing it endlessly. Normally there should be no transmission shudder, no transmission noises or any kind of transmission jerks at any speed and at any engine temperatures. If the salesperson tells you that the jerks or shudder or any other abnormal transmission behavior is "normal" for this automobile or it's just because the automobile is cold or anything like that don't trust them. If the "check engine light" is on and/or a flashing overdrive light comes on while driving, this is a sign of a potential transmission problem. Have the transmission problem checked by your transmission mechanic before buying automobile.