A smoothly and efficiently functioning transmission is as important to a vehicle as the engine. It is also the component that experiences more wear than any other mechanical component of your vehicle. Transmission problems can be very expensive to repair, especially if a rebuild is required. However, early detection of the issues can save you hundreds of dollars and prevent more serious damage to your vehicle.
If you own a vehicle, you should be aware of any potential transmission problems and get them repaired before it is too late. Here are the red flags you should watch out for:
Strange smells
If you notice some weird smells that seem to be coming from the engine, you should pay attention. A burning smell is an indication that something is not working right. When the transmission fluid degrades or runs low, it overheats and may start to burn. This makes the engine run hot, which can lead to corrosion and early wear. The burning smell could also be a result of leaking antifreeze, melting heater core, and even trapped plastic. The moment you notice a burning smell coming from your vehicle, you should immediately have it checked by a professional.
Grinding or shaking gears
Depending on whether you have a manual or automatic vehicle, grinding gears could mean different things. If you drive a manual vehicle, it could mean that you need to replace your clutch. Over time, the clutch tends to wear, which can cause it to “slip”, which can cause a grinding sound when you are shifting gears. If you drive an automatic vehicle, the rough gear shifting could mean various things. It could be due to transmission synchronizers not being synchronized properly or other reasons. Your auto repair technician will thoroughly inspect the vehicle to get to the root of the problem.
Leaking fluid
The easiest transmission problem to identify is leaking transmission fluid. If you notice a sweet-smelling red fluid underneath your vehicle, you should have your vehicle inspected for possible transmission fluid leaks and check the fluid levels.
Abnormal sounds
Clunking or grinding sound coming from your transmission is a sign of a problem. If you can hear whining, grinding, or clunking sounds when shifting gears or while driving, it could be due to transmission issues. A grinding sound is usually a result of a lack of transmission fluid, which acts as a lubricant and creates a layer between the moving parts. When the fluid level is low, it will make a loud noise due to metal scraping against metal, and can also cause it to overheat. A clunking sound can result from broken or loose motor or transmission mounts.
Lack of response
If the vehicle refuses or hesitates to shift into the proper gear, it is a clear sign of transmission problems. If you drive an automatic vehicle, you should feel that there is a delay shifting from drive to park. Those who drive a manual may feel that the acceleration is much lower than what the sound of the engine implies.
Check engine light
If the check engine light on your dashboard is lit-up, it can indicate a variety of problems ranging from minor to serious. If the transmission sensors have set off the check engine light, it could be a cause for concern.
These are just some of the signs that can indicate transmission problems. If you suspect transmission trouble, take your vehicle to a repair technician right away. They will diagnose the problem correctly and carry out necessary repairs. Ignoring the problem can necessitate more expensive repairs and can cause serious damage to the vehicle.