How to Deal with a Transmission Valve Body Failure in a Porsche
by europewpadmin February 12, 2022Over the years, Porsche has mastered the art of combining dynamic design with excellent performance. Regular maintenance & servicing are essential to maintain this level of performance, durability, and comfort. Various components need to be repaired or replaced after a specific amount of time, caused by either normal wear and tear or by damage due to driving circumstances. The valve body section of the car’s transmission system is one crucial component that requires regular maintenance.
Fortunately, the transmission valve body does not fail suddenly in most cases. The failure occurs over time. On the other hand, the valve body should be repaired or replaced if it fails. Let’s have a look at how the valve body functions in the transmission system first.
The Functions of the Transmission Valve Body
A valve body is a transmission system section consisting of multiple interconnected routes and channels that regulate the flow of pressurised hydraulic fluid from one system component to another. This mechanism controls the clutch pack or band and puts the car into the appropriate gear based on the vehicle’s speed.
Valves are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with its own set of capabilities. The valve body must be kept intact and in good working order to keep the gears operating smoothly.
Transmission Valve Body Failure Caused by Few Factors
Fluid contamination
The transmission fluid must be clean and operate at the proper pressure. The pressure varies when particles pollute the fluid. As a result, the fluid’s viscosity is dropped. Because the transmission system is reliant on pressure transfer across it, improper pressure puts the entire system at risk.
Inadequate Lubrication
Proper and timely lubrication is essential for the smooth operation of the transmission system’s metal components. This lubrication is required for moving components such as valves, which open and close to allow hydraulic fluid to pass through. The gears stick together and fail due to a lack of lubrication.
The gradual deterioration of system components is another key cause of valve body failure. In this case, you’ll need to replace the worn-out or broken parts with more efficient ones.
Signs of Transmission Valve Body Failure
- Garage Shift Delay: The transitions between Park, Drive, and Reverse are referred to as garage shifts. A delay in shifting or abrupt shifting is one of the most common symptoms of a malfunctioning transmission valve body.
- Inaccurate Shifting: If the transmission changes into higher or lower ratios at an inconvenient or incorrect time, this serious problem should not be neglected. If you notice an issue with your Porsche’s shifting, you should take it in to be checked by professionals as soon as possible.
- Shift Flares: In a completely functional transmission system, the RPMs usually drop on an upshift to match the higher gear between each shift. A shift flare occurs when the RPMs increase dramatically in such a condition. A shift flare is a sign of transmission valve body failure because it causes the engine to rev rapidly between gears.
- Gear Slippage: When the transmission in your vehicle slips, it tries to change into a higher gear but instead falls into a lower one. Gear slippage could occur if the valve body fails.
- Grinding Noise: A damaged valve body makes grinding or odd noises when you slow down the car, apply the brakes, or reverse the car. These sounds may not seem troublesome at first, but ignoring them can only worsen the problem over time.
If you see any of these signs or have any of these issues, it is highly suggested that you have your Porsche inspected by professionals familiar with your Porsche model.
European Auto Tech will Expertly Repair a Transmission Valve Body Problem
Your Porsche requires the best services possible to get the highest quality performance and lifespan out of it. 
At European Auto Tech, our mechanics will always ensure your car gets exactly what it needs. We use all of the latest available tools and equipment for all services and back all parts and labour with our 90-day/4,000 mile guarantee. This way, you can drive with the assurance that your automobile will continue to provide the high levels of performance and comfort that you have come to expect.
Located in Plano, European Auto Tech also helps drivers throughout surrounding cities like Allen, Dallas, Flower Mound, Frisco, Highland Park, McKinney, Park Cities, Richardson, Southlake, and University Park. If you’re in the area, please call us on 972-422-9941 or visit our shop today at 3953 Central Expy, Plano, TX 75023, to schedule an appointment or to learn more about all of our services and repairs.