10 Signs of Automatic Transmission Failure
It can be an unfortunate experience when you have transmission problems in your vehicle. You may find it difficult to drive when the automatic transmission is not shifting properly or is having trouble staying in gear. Ultimately, the damage may become so severe that you cannot drive the vehicle at all. This is when a transmission replacement or rebuild may be required to get you safely back on the road.
It is very important to understand the common warning signs of a failing transmission. You may be able to catch a minor problem before it turns into something much worse. Here are the 10 most notable signs of transmission failure, according to the San Joaquin Valley transmission specialists at Escalon Transmission:
1. Check Engine Light
This may seem odd, but the check engine light can come on when you have transmission problems. It could also be something else wrong with your vehicle. If your check engine light is on, you shouldn’t wait too long to have your vehicle tested and inspected by a trusted mechanic.
2. Transmission Warning Lights
There are also transmission-specific warning lights and computer messages that may be displayed in your vehicle. These signals can let you know that you might have a problem with your transmission, and you will probably be better off visiting a transmission specialist.
3. Not Shifting into Gear
When a vehicle refuses to shift into certain gears, it is likely an internal transmission problem. If you are lucky, it may just be a fluid issue and you could simply be overdue for a transmission service to replace the fluid and filter.
4. Slipping Gears
Another common concern is when the transmission seems to slip out of gear. It’s generally pretty easy to notice when this happens as the vehicle may shudder, slow down or lurch awkwardly at certain speeds.
5. Sluggish Acceleration
If you are pressing on the gas pedal and the vehicle just doesn’t seem to be accelerating as quickly as usual, it could be any number of issues at hand. It might be an engine problem. In most cases, however, it is a sign of transmission trouble.
6. Strange Noises or Smells
Your senses can do a lot of work to help you know when something is wrong with your vehicle. If you smell something unusual (especially a burning odor) or hear something that doesn’t sound right, you should get your vehicle checked out sooner rather than later. These symptoms are often associated with various transmission issues.
7. Grinding or Shaking
You may hear/feel the gears grinding as the transmission shifts, or the vehicle itself could shake and shudder at certain speeds. These are common signs of transmission trouble.
8. Transmission Fluid Leak
Transmission fluid is generally a deep red in color and fairly easy to recognize compared to other automotive fluids. Any leaks will also most likely appear underneath the center of the vehicle where the transmission is located. Take any transmission fluid leak very seriously and get your transmission inspected as soon as possible.
9. Other Transmission Fluid Issues
If you check your transmission fluid, you can look for a few things. The fluid level may be low or the fluid itself could be burnt or contaminated with dirt or debris. Any metal shavings in the fluid are a serious concern. You want to make sure you have enough clean transmission fluid running through the system.
10. Won’t Shift Out of Park
Perhaps the most concerning sign of a transmission problem is when you can’t shift the vehicle out of park. It won’t go into reverse or the drive gears at all, and you are stuck. You may have to get your vehicle towed to a transmission shop for a proper diagnosis.
Escalon Transmission is here to help with all your transmission repair needs. Call us today at (209) 838-0113 or request an appointment online. Let us help you figure out what’s wrong with your transmission and recommend the necessary repair solutions.
