10 Transmission Problems You Shouldn't Ignore
There is nothing better than transmission problems that cause stress for the average car owner. They are uncomfortable at best and very expensive at worst. Proper vehicle maintenance is the best way to prevent transmission problems, but…
There is nothing better than transmission problems that cause stress for the average car owner. They are uncomfortable at best and very expensive at worst. Proper car maintenance is the best way to prevent transmission problems, but in fact, if you have owned the car long enough or bought an old vehicle, sooner or later your car will have some kind of transmission problems.
Transmission problems will inevitably get worse if left uncorrected, and there are some early signs that you should see a mechanic have your vehicle checked. The following may be a sign of a bad transmission:
The Check Engine light comes on: The Check Engine indicator is the first sign that something has gone wrong or is about to happen. This could mean anything, including transmission problems. Your vehicle has sensors that tell the onboard computer if anything out of the ordinary is happening, and some of these sensors are located on your transmission. They can pick up the slightest vibration or twitch that you won't even feel. Never assume that the Check Engine light has come on for no reason.
Knocking, humming or whining: Transmission noises can be difficult to identify, but usually sound like whining, buzzing, buzzing, or clanging. If you hear something you've never heard before, it's always best to check it out.
Shaking or grindingA: Your car should not shake or twitch and you should not hear a grinding sound. These are all signs of a transmission failure. With a manual transmission, the most common red flag is a grinding noise when shifting gears. If this happens after engaging the clutch and shifting gears, it could also be a sign of a bad clutch. In any case, you need to check. With an automatic transmission, you will most likely find it difficult to shift into gear the first time you pull away. As it worsens, you will notice trembling. Again, check.
Noise in neutralA: If you hear a thud when your vehicle is in neutral, the problem may be low or contaminated transmission fluid. If topping up the fluid does not help, the fluid may be dirty or there may be worn parts in the transmission - usually bearings, reverse idle gear or gear teeth.
indecision: If the car jerks when shifting gears, it's usually a clutch problem. But if you find that the car is not shifting smoothly, this could also be a sign of a transmission problem.
Low level or fluid leak: A transmission fluid leak is one of the most reliable signs of a transmission failure and should never be overlooked. If you let it continue to leak, you can cause permanent damage to your transmission. You can easily spot a transmission fluid leak. It's bright red, clear, and smells a bit sweet if everything works right. If the fluid looks dark or has a burning smell, your mechanic can drain it and replace it with new transmission fluid.
Vehicle does not shift into gearA: It could also be a fluid problem, so check it out and make sure it's at the correct level. It could also be an issue with the clutch linkage, shift cables, or computer system.
Burning smellA: Obviously, if you smell burning, you must act immediately. Eliminate the possibility of fire, and then consider other causes. One of the most common causes of a burning smell is overheating of the vehicle's transmission fluid. This happens when the fluid breaks down due to debris and sludge. Dirty fluid won't cool and lubricate transmission parts so they don't get damaged, and if you let your car run with dirty fluid, you'll end up with a faulty transmission.
ClutchA: If you have a manual transmission and the clutch seems to be slipping, it is because the clutch disc and flywheel do not disengage when the clutch pedal is depressed. The clutch is still spinning and shifting will be difficult, if not impossible. You will likely find that this problem is accompanied by a grinding sound when you try to change gear.
slipping gears: The transmission must remain in one gear until you shift (in a manual transmission) or the computer does it for you (in an automatic transmission). If the transmission engages or disengages a gear without any effort on your part in the case of a manual transmission, or goes into neutral in the case of an automatic transmission, you need to contact a mechanic immediately! This is a huge safety issue, because if you have to step on the gas to avoid a dangerous situation and you don't have the power on the wheels, the results can be disastrous. The problem is most likely a worn or broken gear, so if this happens, don't waste time - fix it. Of all the transmission problems we've talked about, most of them won't kill you, except for this one.
