1. No Forward or Reverse Gears

One of the most alarming issues is when your car refuses to move at all. You might find it impossible to engage either forward or reverse gears, leaving you stuck. This problem often appears unexpectedly and can be more frequent when the gearbox is warm after driving.

2. Gears Suddenly Disengaging

Have you ever been driving and felt your car suddenly lose power? This could be the transmission dropping out of gear for no apparent reason. It can happen now and then but often gets worse as the gearbox heats up during a longer drive.

3. Flashing Gear Indicator (PRNDS Light)

The gear indicator on your dashboard (showing P, R, N, D, or S) may start flashing, which is a clear sign of a transmission fault. This warning light is often accompanied by other issues, like the car refusing to shift gears or jerking while changing them.

4. Transmission ECU Communication Issues

If a mechanic tries to diagnose the problem but their diagnostic tools can’t connect to the gearbox’s control unit, it’s a sign that the mechatronic module might be faulty. Without this connection, the gearbox can’t work properly.

5. Temperature-Triggered Problems

Many of these issues tend to get worse as the gearbox warms up. For example, you might find that the car works fine when it’s cold but starts acting up after you’ve been driving for a while. Problems like losing gears or being unable to change gears often occur when the transmission is hot, making them frustrating and unpredictable.