The transmission valve body (TVB) contains all of the valves that control fluid flow inside the transmission of your car or truck. Each time you shift gears, the TVM activates and deactivates different sets of these valves to successfully move the transmission into each gear. When the TVB fails, it’s not always apparent immediately that anything is wrong, but several warning signs will indicate that your transmission needs repair sooner rather than later.
What Is an Automatic Transmission Valve Body?
An automatic transmission valve body is vital to a vehicle’s automatic transmission system. It controls the flow of hydraulic fluid within the transmission and houses the valves that regulate pressure and direct fluid to the appropriate clutch or gear. The TVB also consists of several channels in which transmission fluid flows to get to the various points within the transmission. In addition, a system of solenoids receives signals from the Transmission Control Module (TCM) to increase or decrease the flow of transmission fluid to specific gears.
Symptoms of a Malfunctioning Valve Body
An automatic transmission is a hydraulic system, which means fluid pressure activates the various components within the transmission. The valve body is responsible for controlling the flow of this hydraulic fluid throughout the transmission. Suppose the valve body is not functioning correctly. In that case, it can cause several problems with your vehicle’s transmission, including slipping gears, hesitation while shifting, inability to shift to certain gears, and loud noises coming from the transmission.
Causes of a Failing Valve Body
If your automatic transmission starts to act up, there’s a chance that the valve body is to blame. This vital component controls the flow of hydraulic fluid, which powers the gears in your transmission. Over time, the valve body can become clogged with debris or wear out, causing various problems.
How Is a Bad Transmission Valve Body Repaired?
Unfortunately, a bad transmission valve body will need to be replaced, which is a relatively expensive process. An experienced mechanic can usually complete this job in two to four hours, making it a labor-intensive and specialized repair. Ensure that the shop you bring your car to has experience with these repairs.
Your car’s transmission control valve body is a complex component critical to the function of your car’s automatic transmission. If you notice any signs of a failing valve body, contact a professional to have your car diagnosed and fixed.
