How do you know if your transmission is going bad and you will need transmission repair? In this article, I will list several warning signs that can indicate that your transmission is failing.
- CHECK ENGINE LIGHT: If your car was built after 1996, it should have an On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system, and this system will activate a dashboard warning light, often indicating a code and severity of the problem.
- ISSUE SWITCHING GEARS: The most obvious symptom of a damaged transmission will happen when switching gears. Keep an eye out for sluggish or erratic shifting and unusual noises.
- SLIPPING GEARS: Your engine is purring but you’re going nowhere fast? Slipping gears forces the engine to work harder, so your RPMS will be unusually high before the gears finally shift.
- CHECK YOUR FLUID AND WATCH FOR LEAKS: Transmission fluid keeps your transmission cool and lubricated, and failure to replace the fluid can damage your engine. If see a puddle of reddish-pink fluid in your parking space, your transmission is probably leaking.
- BURNING SMELL: A burned toast or rubber odor coming from your engine can also indicate a leak. This smell will worsen the longer your engine runs, so if you suspect a leak, pullover and smell under your hood.
- CLUNKING, GRINDING OR WHINING: Worn parts and loose joints can cause a clunking or grinding sound while low or contaminated transmission fluid will make whining sound. Try to pinpoint the conditions that happen when the noises occur to help your mechanic diagnose the issue. For example, does the engine whine when you give it gas?
- NO RESPONSE OR SLOW RESPONSE: When you give it gas, does the engine rev but the transmission is slow or unable to shift gears? Note the time for your mechanic.
Need to know how do you know if your transmission is bad? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about our transmission repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
About the Author
How do you know if your transmission is going bad and you will need transmission repair? In this article, I will list several warning signs that can indicate that your transmission is failing.
- CHECK ENGINE LIGHT: If your car was built after 1996, it should have an On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system, and this system will activate a dashboard warning light, often indicating a code and severity of the problem.
- ISSUE SWITCHING GEARS: The most obvious symptom of a damaged transmission will happen when switching gears. Keep an eye out for sluggish or erratic shifting and unusual noises.
- SLIPPING GEARS: Your engine is purring but you’re going nowhere fast? Slipping gears forces the engine to work harder, so your RPMS will be unusually high before the gears finally shift.
- CHECK YOUR FLUID AND WATCH FOR LEAKS: Transmission fluid keeps your transmission cool and lubricated, and failure to replace the fluid can damage your engine. If see a puddle of reddish-pink fluid in your parking space, your transmission is probably leaking.
- BURNING SMELL: A burned toast or rubber odor coming from your engine can also indicate a leak. This smell will worsen the longer your engine runs, so if you suspect a leak, pullover and smell under your hood.
- CLUNKING, GRINDING OR WHINING: Worn parts and loose joints can cause a clunking or grinding sound while low or contaminated transmission fluid will make whining sound. Try to pinpoint the conditions that happen when the noises occur to help your mechanic diagnose the issue. For example, does the engine whine when you give it gas?
- NO RESPONSE OR SLOW RESPONSE: When you give it gas, does the engine rev but the transmission is slow or unable to shift gears? Note the time for your mechanic.
Need to know how do you know if your transmission is bad? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about our transmission repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
About the Author
