Gearboxes allow motors to perform at different speeds as needed to function at their highest efficiency, and they have been around and relied on for a really long time. The more modern gearbox transmissions are powered by electricity, which means these units can be found in everything from automobiles to machinery and certain electronics. While pretty efficient in their design, electric gearbox transmissions are not without flaws, so occasionally they will have problems and need repairs. Take a look at some of the most common problems with an electric gearbox transmission and the causes and solutions you should know about. 

Problem: The electric gearbox transmission no longer switches gears with your inputs. 

If the gearbox suddenly stops responding to your inputs to change gears, it is pretty much going to render the transmission completely useless. Thankfully, this kind of problem with an electric gearbox tends to have a logical and simple solution: solenoid failure. The solenoid relays your inputs to the transmission so it will accommodate your demands and make gear changes, but solenoids can and do fail pretty frequently. In order to rectify the situation, you will have to have the electronic solenoid replaced by a professional. 

Problem: Unreliable gearbix transmission functions. 

If you have issues with the gearbox acting as it should on an intermittent basis, the problem could be with the electrical current supplied to the gearbox. As the electrical current changes, it changes the temperature inside of the gearbox, which changes the viscosity of the fluid inside of the main housing. Have an electrician from a company like Hackworth Electric Motors, Inc. use a voltage meter to measure the level of current being delivered. If there are drastic variances in current delivery, you may have to have a current stabilizer of some type installed on the gearbox to prevent the fluctuations that are causing the problems. 

Problem: The transmission constantly shifts into overdrive. 

Electronic transmissions that are equipped with overdrive are oftentimes designed to automatically kick into this gear when demand for power is greater, but this necessary action can get confused by improper electrical signals sent through the wired connections. If there is a discrepancy between what the motor actually needs and what power is being pulled by the gearbox transmission, the transmission may kick into overdrive to accommodate for the variance. Unfortunately, this kind of problem can mean that the complete electrical system needs to be assessed by a technician so any out-of-place prongs or misguided wiring is repaired.