My old pickup has been acting up lately, especially when shifting between gears. I’m pretty sure it’s something to do with the transmission, but I don’t know much about how it works. I tried looking up some info but got lost in all the technical jargon. I’m hoping to find a user-friendly Transmission Bible that explains how to diagnose common issues, like slipping gears or delayed shifts. Any recommendations for where to start?

A good Transmission Bible can be a game-changer, especially if you’re dealing with shifting issues. I remember having trouble with my Ford Focus when it started slipping between second and third gear, and I didn’t want to fork out for a mechanic right away. I found a really useful guide that walked me through the basics of how a transmission functions, from the torque converter to the planetary gears. What stood out to me was the section on checking transmission fluid levels—often, a low fluid level can be the culprit behind shifting problems. They also included a troubleshooting chart that matched symptoms like slipping or hard shifting to potential causes. Thanks to that, I learned that a simple fluid change could sometimes resolve minor issues, which ended up being my case. They also explain how to spot warning signs that indicate a full transmission rebuild might be necessary. It’s not a replacement for a professional, but it’s a great first step before heading to a shop.