6 Signs Your Car Is Having Transmission Problems and Needs a Transmission Repair

A transmission repair is one of the most expensive car repairs there is, so if you recognize these signs that your car is having transmission problems, you’ll want to get your vehicle in for service as quickly as possible. This will allow you to avoid a major repair by catching a minor one early.

Your Car Vibrates When Shifting Gears

Normally, when you shift gears, you won’t feel anything except a change in the RPMs as your vehicle moves to the next gear. However, if your transmission is starting to fail, you’ll notice a vibration when your car shifts. This can happen on both automatic and manual vehicles and it could indicate your transmission fluid is low, your clutch is worn, or your gear synchros are damaged, among other issues. A transmission inspection is necessary at this point.

You Hear Whining or Grinding Noises While in Neutral

If you think your car is having transmission issues, put your car in neutral and listen for whining or grinding noises. These sounds are an indication that the gears or bearings in your transmission are wearing down. As your transmission components become worn, they don’t align as well as they do when they’re new, which can cause unusual noises. You’ll need to have your transmission checked out at a qualified service center to get an actual diagnosis.

You Smell Burnt Fluid

It’s never a good thing to smell burnt fluid when you’re driving your car, and if you smell an odor that resembles burnt rubber, you probably have a transmission problem on your hands. Typically, the smell of burnt rubber indicates that you have a leak in your transmission or the corresponding hoses that is allowing transmission fluid to drip on hot engine parts. It could also mean your transmission fluid is old and dirty and needs to be replaced.

You See a Pool of Red Fluid Under Your Car

Transmission fluid is usually red or pink, but it could also appear to be brown if it’s dirty. No matter what color it is, if you see a pool of fluid under your car, it’s likely you have a leak somewhere, and it could be in your transmission. Just refilling your fluid is not an appropriate resolution for this problem. Bring your car into a service center to have the leak fixed professionally and permanently.

Your Car Slips Gears

Delayed acceleration, increased RPMs before shifting, and sudden deceleration are all signs of slipping gears. Your transmission should stay in the gear that you put it in, but if it’s not, you could need to get your transmission fixed. It may be a simple repair, like replacing a worn-out band, but it could also be a symptom of a bigger problem.

Your Check Engine Light Comes On

Your car’s computer system is designed to detect small changes in the car’s mechanics and notify you by turning on a dashboard warning light. If your check engine light illuminates, get your car to a service center immediately. It might not be the transmission that’s the problem, but whatever is causing the light to come on needs to be repaired no matter what it is.

These signs can help you detect a transmission issue before it fails entirely, leaving you without a running vehicle. Bring your car by Opequon Motors today to get your transmission inspected and repaired if necessary.

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