Signs Your Transmission Could Need Work
GRINDING OR SHAKING SENSATION
Your automatic transmission normally operates smoothly when shifting from gear to gear. You shouldn’t feel any grinding, slipping or shaking sensations as your car switches gears. When a transmission is starting to have problems, these symptoms can seem insignificant. But, it is best to pay attention at this point because it will likely become worse with use. If you are already feeling pretty jarring sensations when the car shifts, it’s time to get it in have us look at it. Normally when automatic transmissions have damaged gears they progressively get worse.
CAR WON’T ENGAGE IN GEAR
When you put your car into drive or reverse does it respond immediately or is there a delay? Does the car’s transmission not engage at all when you put it in drive or reverse? These are both issues that may signal a problem. It could indicate a problem with your fluid, whose protective properties have degraded and has become thick. In this case a good fluid exchange could help you.
WHINING, HUMMING OR CLUNKING
If you suddenly start to hear a whining, humming or clunking noise under your car like you’ve never heard before, you may have transmission trouble. That trouble may likely be minor, but it could signal something worse.
Some noises that come from your transmission can be caused by your automatic transmission fluid breaking down. This fluid has a hefty job of keeping an amazing amount of mechanical gears and components lubricated. With time and use, that fluid loses its protective properties and doesn’t stop that friction. Friction is what damages that complex automatic transmission system.
SMELLS LIKE IT’S BURNING
Your car should NOT have a burning smell and this is something to be concerned about. One of the most common causes of a burning smell from the transmission is overheated fluid. Your transmission’s fluid has a super-important role in protecting this very expensive and complex system running properly. Mainly it is lubrication.
GEARS SLIPPING
Does your car slip out of gear or lose traction when you need it? This is a serious safety problem if so. If your transmission is slipping in and out of gears when you’re behind the wheel, and you need to give it the gas to avoid a problem, that is scary.
Your car’s computer tells the transmission when to shift between one gear and another. It tells your car when to send power to your wheels. If something is malfunctioning here the signal is not being properly sent.
LOW OR LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID
Have you seen a bright red or possibly dirty dark red fluid on your driveway or garage floor? You are likely seeing Automatic Transmission fluid. Because transmission fluid should never leak, this could lead to a very serious and complete breakdown of your transmission – which is very inconvenient and costly (often more than a new engine).
Unlike motor oil, transmission fluid does not normally lessen due to time and mileage. So, if you’re seeing that you are low on transmission fluid, then you have a leak somewhere. Low fluid can create great friction in your transmission which will breakdown parts inside and eventually lead to a complete transmission breakdown.
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON
Your “Check Engine” light is there to help you know there is a current or upcoming problem in your car. But the light can indicate a problem from many different systems in your car, not just your transmission.
Your transmission contains numerous sensors that can pick up anything unusual in your transmission – much more than you can. These sensors send signals to your computer that something is wrong. Then, the check engine light passes on that message to you that something is wrong.
Common Transmission Issues
LOW OR DIRTY TRANSMISSION FLUID
Manual transmission vehicles need transmission fluid to keep gears lubricated and to prevent grinding. Automatic transmission vehicles need transmission fluid to create the hydraulic pressure that actually powers movement within the transmission. Without the right amount of clean and debris-free transmission fluid, transmissions can overheat and essential gears can slip, surge, or become ground down, and – especially in the case of automatic transmissions – total vehicle failure can occur.
WORN GEAR SYNCHRONIZERS
In manual transmission systems, gear synchronizers – or synchros as they’re commonly called – are the transmission component that makes the gear you are about to shift into spin at the same speed as the gear you are shifting from. By having the two gears spinning at the same speed during the shift, gear synchronizers create a smooth, seamless shifting experience. Worn gear synchros are a common manual transmission problem, and if untreated, can cause transmission failure.
WORN CLUTCH
A worn clutch is another common manual transmission problem. The clutch in a manual transmission system can become worn due to mechanical error if there is a hydraulic fluid leak in the clutch master cylinder, or by human error if the driver is frequently accelerating and shifting through the gears without releasing his or her foot from the clutch. This can burn up a manual transmission clutch quickly and will result in a clutch replacement service.
FAILED NEEDLE ROLLER BEARINGS
Needle bearings are small, lightweight roller bearings that help prevent gears in the automatic transmission’s torque converter from grinding. If the transmission’s needle bearings become worn or sluggish you may hear grinding or brushing noises coming from your vehicle while the car is in motion. This sound can mean your transmission gears are moving inefficiently and being prematurely worn down.
DEFECTIVE GASKETS
The gaskets in your transmission can become damaged or cracked due to poor manufacturing, bad gasket alignment during the previous install, or constant exposure to hot temperatures. Gaskets are cheap to replace so you should do it right away. Otherwise, more serious problems will soon follow.
COMPUTERS AND SENSORS PROBLEMS
As mentioned before, transmissions have become increasingly computerized in recent years. Overall, this is a good thing, but it does mean that transmission problems can be an even more complex and challenging conundrum. A major cause of transmission problems is when the computer system is sending incorrect signals due to a faulty sensor. Another common problem with computerized transmissions is when the transmission does not react to the command because of a bad connection or defective solenoid pack.
LEAKY TRANSMISSION LINES
Transmission lines are a key part of your car’s transmission system, and they play a role in keeping the transmission at a safe temperature. The longer you go without replacing your broken transmission lines, the less fluid your transmission will have. The less fluid your transmission has, the more damage will be done to your transmission. The more damage your transmission has, the more stress it puts on the engine, and the more damage is done to the engine.
TRANSMISSION SOLENOID FAILURE
While manual transmission sand cars use a clutch to change the gears, the automatic transmission systems rely on a hydraulic system that is in charge of shifting. The transmission solenoid is very important for this process and plays a huge role in the smooth shifting and performance of your vehicle. A bad transmission solenoid can negatively affect many components of your automatic transmission.
Transmission Maintenance Tips
CHECK YOUR TRANSMISSION FLUID PERIODICALLY
On many cars, light trucks, and SUVs, checking the transmission fluid is as easy as checking the oil: with the engine idling, pull out the dipstick, wipe it off, insert it again, wait, then pull it out to get an accurate reading. If the fluid level is low, you may have a leak. The fluid itself should be a bright red colour, clear, and it should smell sweet. If it’s murky, dark coloured, or smells like rotting fish take it to a transmission repair specialist to look things over.
USE THE RIGHT TYPE OF TRANSMISSION FLUID
Always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine what type of transmission fluid you should use. If after doing so you’re still not sure, pop in to a Mister Transmission and ask a professional.
HAVE YOUR ENGINE"S COOLING SYSTEM SERVICED
Your vehicle’s cooling system helps prevent the engine from overheating. But did you know it also ensures the transmission fluid pumping through the gearbox is cooled too? It’s more likely you’ll need a transmission repair before your engine completely overheats. Make sure your cooling system is in optimal condition.
GET YOUR TRANSMISSION FLUSHED REGULARLY
Changing the transmission fluid in your car is best left to a professional. Consult your car’s owner’s manual, but in general, get your vehicle’s transmission flushed once a year. How long the transmission fluid in your car will last depends on the vehicle’s operating temperature and how much driving you do.
DON"T CHANGE GEARS WHILE YOUR CAR IS MOVING
Bring your vehicle to a complete stop before changing gears from ‘drive’ to ‘reverse’ or vice-versa. Failing to do so simply puts strain on your transmission and after awhile it can lead to a serious problem.
LET YOUR CAR WARM UP BEFORE YOU DRIVE
Who among us has hopped into the driver’s seat, started the engine, put the car in drive and motored away? (Full disclosure: I’m as guilty as you are) Always allow your engine a few minutes to warm up before you begin to drive, especially during the winter months.
DON’T DRIVE ON A SPARE TIRE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME
Mismatched tire sizes, or driving with a small spare tire over a long period of time is a no-no. Not only will it do damage to other parts of your vehicle such as ruin the wheel alignment, after a while it puts unnecessary strain on the transmission.
REGULARLY CHANGE THE TRANSMISSION FILTER
That’s right: your car’s automatic transmission may have a filter, and it needs to be changed from time to time. Whether or not you’re driving a car that has a transmission filter depends entirely on the make and model. Most newer vehicles don’t have a transmission filter but those that do should be changed each time you get your transmission flushed.
AVOID USING YOUR VEHICLE FOR TOWING
Using your car to tow heavy loads, particularly in hot temperatures, can cause the transmission fluid to oxidize or burn, and in turn, do a lot of damage to the transmission.
HAVE YOUR TRANSMISSION INSPECTED ANNUALLY
Having a certified transmission repair specialist conduct a diagnostic check of your transmission for leaks and other abnormalities at least once a year, as well as checking the transmission fluid’s level, color, and smell periodically is smart preventative maintenance.
El Camino Transmission Auto Sales and Services
259 W Comstock St, Dallas, TX 75208
El Camino Transmission is family owned and committed to keeping your car on the road utilizing our 30 years of experience.
