Common Auto Transmission Problems
Whether we like it or not, there will likely come a day where we need to handle an issue with our vehicle. And, it doesn't help that the cost of some car parts are gradually increasing as time goes on.
While a damaged transmission is one of the more expensive repairs to make on your car, there are plenty of warning signs to watch out for before you have a breakdown.
Not sure where to start? Don't worry, we’ve got you covered.
Let's take a look at everything you need to know about how to recognize common transmission problems.
1. Your 'Check Engine' Light Is On
One of the easiest ways to figure out that something's wrong with your transmission is if your car's 'check engine' light comes on while you're driving. While this light is meant to be a general indicator of problems under the hood, the issue it's trying to tell you about could very easily be your car's transmission.
There's a chance that this warning could be the result if a bad sensor, it's never a good idea to roll the dice by assuming so.
Unfortunately, these kinds of problems don't fix themselves. If you leave a minor issue untreated, it will oftentimes progress into a more severe issue that could cost thousands of dollars to repair.
So, if you notice this light on your dashboard display, have it checked out immediately.
2. A Shaking or Grinding While Switching Gears
Ideally, your transmission will smoothly shift from gear to gear with no issues.
But, as your vehicle's parts begin to wear (or other problems arise), the process can become much less fluid.
Things will eventually get to the point where you can hear (or even feel) the trouble your car is having while trying to switch gears. This is often manifested as a shaking or grinding when moving from 'park' to 'neutral' or 'drive.'
When gears start to exhibit this behavior, they will quickly get worse over time. Seek out a trusted mechanic immediately once you begin to notice these symptoms.
3. Slipping in and out of Gear
If your car has to have a transmission issue, noisy gears are relatively mild. Slipping gears, however, are a much bigger concern.
What occurs during this scenario is that your transmission moves in and out of gears on its own, which can lead to performance issues while driving. As you can expect, it doesn't take much in terms of car malfunction to cause a serious accident.
Gear slipping is a safety issue that needs immediate attention from an auto professional.
In fact, it's likely not even safe to drive to the shop. If possible, you should arrange to have your car towed to the facility or have someone come out to where your vehicle is located.
4. A Burning Smell
Under no circumstances should your vehicle give off a burning smell.
When this odor is caused by your transmission, it's often the result of overheating fluid. Since transmission fluid's main job is to keep all of the component's parts properly lubricated, you run a serious risk of causing damage to it while driving.
Prolonged friction while your transmission runs will eventually lead to crippling damage and leave with a repair that often costs thousands of dollars. Fortunately, the cause of this smell could be attributed to low fluid levels.
Simply open the hood and use the appropriate dipstick to see where you're at. If this is the problem, you may have a leak that you should have a professional look at. If your fluid levels are fine, though, you likely face a bigger issue.
Regardless, neither of these scenarios will get better without proper care, so don't hesitate to seek help when you know you need it.
5. Leaking Fluid
Speaking of fluid issues, transmission leaks are one of the most common problems that people have with their systems.
What's interesting about transmission fluid is that (unlike motor oil) you shouldn't see the level decline over time. The fluid will eventually get dirty from grime and other contaminants, at which point it should be replaced in order to maintain peak performance.
The good news is that leaks are often easy to discern. Transmission fluid is red (bright red if it's new or dark red if it's dirty), so it's not too difficult to notice on your garage floor or driveway.
Fixing a leak also likely won't be very complicated. Sometimes, replacing a hose is all it will take.
Regardless, this simple issue shouldn't be overlooked because it isn't immediately threating. It can easily progress into something more serious.
6. Delayed Action After Shifting
If you shift into drive or reverse and it doesn't immediately respond to you hitting the gas pedal, this is the sign of a transmission issue.
As with other scenarios, it could be attributed to your fluid levels. In this case, your fluid may have thickened to the point where it is no longer providing the protection it's supposed to.
But, it may also be a computer issue. Like the other transmission problems you may experience, something that starts out minor can one day become an unavoidable repair.
Recognizing Transmission Problems Can Seem Difficult
But it doesn't have to be.
With the above information about these transmission problems in mind, you'll be well on your way to making the necessary repairs and getting back on the road as soon as possible.
Want to learn more about car maintenance? This article has plenty of useful info.
While many drivers may understand common vehicle repairs and just when it's time to service them, let's explore common transmission problems.
Whether we like it or not, there will likely come a day where we need to handle an issue with our vehicle. And, it doesn't help that the cost of some car parts are gradually increasing as time goes on.
While a damaged transmission is one of the more expensive repairs to make on your car, there are plenty of warning signs to watch out for before you have a breakdown.
Not sure where to start? Don't worry, we’ve got you covered.
Let's take a look at everything you need to know about how to recognize common transmission problems.
1. Your 'Check Engine' Light Is On
One of the easiest ways to figure out that something's wrong with your transmission is if your car's 'check engine' light comes on while you're driving. While this light is meant to be a general indicator of problems under the hood, the issue it's trying to tell you about could very easily be your car's transmission.
There's a chance that this warning could be the result if a bad sensor, it's never a good idea to roll the dice by assuming so.
Unfortunately, these kinds of problems don't fix themselves. If you leave a minor issue untreated, it will oftentimes progress into a more severe issue that could cost thousands of dollars to repair.
So, if you notice this light on your dashboard display, have it checked out immediately.
2. A Shaking or Grinding While Switching Gears
Ideally, your transmission will smoothly shift from gear to gear with no issues.
But, as your vehicle's parts begin to wear (or other problems arise), the process can become much less fluid.
Things will eventually get to the point where you can hear (or even feel) the trouble your car is having while trying to switch gears. This is often manifested as a shaking or grinding when moving from 'park' to 'neutral' or 'drive.'
When gears start to exhibit this behavior, they will quickly get worse over time. Seek out a trusted mechanic immediately once you begin to notice these symptoms.
3. Slipping in and out of Gear
If your car has to have a transmission issue, noisy gears are relatively mild. Slipping gears, however, are a much bigger concern.
What occurs during this scenario is that your transmission moves in and out of gears on its own, which can lead to performance issues while driving. As you can expect, it doesn't take much in terms of car malfunction to cause a serious accident.
Gear slipping is a safety issue that needs immediate attention from an auto professional.
In fact, it's likely not even safe to drive to the shop. If possible, you should arrange to have your car towed to the facility or have someone come out to where your vehicle is located.
4. A Burning Smell
Under no circumstances should your vehicle give off a burning smell.
When this odor is caused by your transmission, it's often the result of overheating fluid. Since transmission fluid's main job is to keep all of the component's parts properly lubricated, you run a serious risk of causing damage to it while driving.
Prolonged friction while your transmission runs will eventually lead to crippling damage and leave with a repair that often costs thousands of dollars. Fortunately, the cause of this smell could be attributed to low fluid levels.
Simply open the hood and use the appropriate dipstick to see where you're at. If this is the problem, you may have a leak that you should have a professional look at. If your fluid levels are fine, though, you likely face a bigger issue.
Regardless, neither of these scenarios will get better without proper care, so don't hesitate to seek help when you know you need it.
5. Leaking Fluid
Speaking of fluid issues, transmission leaks are one of the most common problems that people have with their systems.
What's interesting about transmission fluid is that (unlike motor oil) you shouldn't see the level decline over time. The fluid will eventually get dirty from grime and other contaminants, at which point it should be replaced in order to maintain peak performance.
The good news is that leaks are often easy to discern. Transmission fluid is red (bright red if it's new or dark red if it's dirty), so it's not too difficult to notice on your garage floor or driveway.
Fixing a leak also likely won't be very complicated. Sometimes, replacing a hose is all it will take.
Regardless, this simple issue shouldn't be overlooked because it isn't immediately threating. It can easily progress into something more serious.
6. Delayed Action After Shifting
If you shift into drive or reverse and it doesn't immediately respond to you hitting the gas pedal, this is the sign of a transmission issue.
As with other scenarios, it could be attributed to your fluid levels. In this case, your fluid may have thickened to the point where it is no longer providing the protection it's supposed to.
But, it may also be a computer issue. Like the other transmission problems you may experience, something that starts out minor can one day become an unavoidable repair.
Recognizing Transmission Problems Can Seem Difficult
But it doesn't have to be.
With the above information about these transmission problems in mind, you'll be well on your way to making the necessary repairs and getting back on the road as soon as possible.
Want to learn more about car maintenance? This article has plenty of useful info.
