If you’re like most vehicle owners, you’re very much aware of the value of keeping your car or truck in good running condition. After all, you depend on your automobile to get you back and forth from work, shopping, school, and more — and no one wants to be left high and dry when their ride breaks down. Taking a proactive approach regarding signs of failing transmission is an essential component of ensuring minimal disruption due to car trouble. Keep in mind that the engine isn’t the only potential trouble spot — it’s also important to be mindful of any possible faulty transmission symptoms.
Signs of failing transmission include the following:
A Burning Smell
A burning odor coming from under your hood is among the most common faulty transmission symptoms, so don’t hesitate to get your vehicle to a mechanic. The problem could be something that’s easily fixable, such as old fluid that needs to be changed. However, it could also mean that the transmission itself is overheating.
Difficulty Shifting Gears
Although you should be able to tell when your automatic transmission shifts gears, it should be a smooth process that doesn’t involve hesitation of any kind. If your transmission is clearly struggling to change gears, it’s time to have your car checked out.
Slipping Gears
The flip side of the above situation, slipping gears means exactly what the term implies — that the gears shift impulsively as you’re driving. This is a potentially dangerous situation and one that requires immediate attention from a skilled mechanic.
Grinding Sound When the Clutch Pedal Is Pressed
One of the major faulty transmission symptoms is a grinding noise when you press the clutch.
Noises While in Neutral
Strange noises while in neutral are a sure indicator of a problem in the transmission system, but the issue has a wide variety of causes. At best, it’s simply that your car’s transmission needs its fluid changed, but at worst, it could indicate serious problems that will require time and money to repair. If noises persist after changing the fluid, you should get your car to a repair shop as soon as possible.
Leaking Transmission Fluid
A fluid leak is also one of the sure signs of failing transmission. Transmission fluid is red and smells sweet. Since this fluid is toxic to pets and wildlife, be sure to clean up any trace of red fluid on the surface where you park. It’s also a good idea to check your fluid level on a regular basis.
Check Engine Light Comes On
The check engine light can come on for a wide range of reasons — and sometimes, it comes on for no reason at all, which leads many people to simply ignore it. It’s still a good idea to err on the side of caution when it comes to faulty transmission symptoms because these are costly repairs that are often avoided by nipping them in the bud when they first come on the scene. Emerging transmission trouble can trigger this light, so have your mechanic perform a simple diagnostic test of the vehicle’s computer system to determine what issues exist. Learn more about why you shouldn’t ignore your check engine light.
Letting these issues go unattended is a sure way to wind up with a costly repair bill at some point in the future, so be sure to pay attention to all signs of failing transmission. Have you noticed faulty transmission symptoms? Turn to LubeMaster! For more information about our offerings, including oil changes, brake services, and vehicle inspections in Philadelphia, PA, contact us today!
