Signs Of Transmission Trouble

It may seem difficult to diagnose car problems yourself. However, there are always some warning signs that you need to be aware of. If you notice that something is wrong with your vehicle, you can get a professional to take a look as soon as possible, reducing the possibility of it turning into an expensive repair. With that in mind, read on to discover some of the key warning signs that you have transmission time.

• Burning smell – If you notice a burning smell, this could indicate that your transmission is overheating. Transmission fluid stops the unit from burning itself up, as well as ensuring the many moving parts of the transmission are lubricated properly. If you have inadequate transmission fluid, or not enough of it, this can result in the burning smell you are experiencing. This indicates a leak or dirty fluid that needs to be changed.
• Transmission is noisy when in neutral – If you notice that the transmission is noisy when in neutral, it is important to get it checked out. You may need auto repairs, or it could be a quick fix, for example, replacing the transmission fluid may do the trick. However, it could be something more serious, for instance, it could mean worn bearings or a worn reverse idler gear.
• Gears slipping – If your vehicle spontaneously pops out of gear while you are driving, this can be very worrying. Not to mention it is a massive safety hazard. This is a clear sign that you need to have your transmission examined as soon as possible.
• Dragging clutch – A dragging clutch is one that does not engage the clutch disk from the flywheel when you push the clutch pedal. In most instances, the issue is too much slack in the clutch pedal.
• Leaking fluid – Leaking transmission fluid is one of the easiest ways to determine that there is a problem with your transmission. A little fluid on your driveway can easily become a huge problem when you consider that automatic transmission fluid is critical to your vehicle’s shifting capabilities. When carrying out maintenance, make sure your fluid does not have a burnt smell and a dark colour, as this is a clear sign that it needs to be replaced.
• Check the engine light – You should also check the engine light. This can come on for a number of reasons, so there is no guarantee that it is something to do with your transmission. Nonetheless, this light indicates that there is some sort of problem, and so it should not be ignored.
• Lack of response – Last but not least, there is a clear sign that something is wrong with your transmission if it refuses to go into the correct gear. After all, this is what transmissions are designed for.

If you notice any of the issues mentioned above, it is important to get in touch with a mechanic as soon as possible. They can give your vehicle the once over to see whether there are underlying problems. This can save you a lot of money in the long run while, of course, preventing collisions too.