What are the Signs of Transmission Trouble?

Besides the engine, the transmission system is one of the most important and expensive vehicles. If it wears down, a complete rebuild or replacement is necessary to restore its operation. However, if you catch red flags early on, you can bypass them with transmission repairs. Read on to learn about the early signs that indicate your transmission may need repairs.

Sign #1 – Delayed Gear Shifts

If you’re shifting from one gear to another, your automatic transmission should kick in swiftly. A transmission that is failing won’t engage right away. A similar response can occur in a manual transmission, although that can often be fixed by swapping out the clutch.

Sign #2 - Transmission Fluid Leak

A transmission fluid leak is one of the easiest to identify. It is the only liquid in your car that is red in color with a distinctive smell. If you see this under your parked car, you know that you have a transmission fluid leak. Neglecting this fluid puddle can lead to more extensive repairs down the line.

Sign #3 - Burnt Smell

A burning smell coming from your car is never a good sign. When you catch this scent right away, you should get help right away because it may be your transmission. In fact, it could save you from having to replace your transmission completely. 

Sign #4 - Odd Sounds

When you’ve spent time and time driving your vehicle, you should know what kind of sounds it makes (if any). When a transmission is falling apart, you may start to notice humming or whining. Those noises may escalate to louder grinding sounds as the problem worsens. In most cases, it can be fixed with a transmission fluid service.

Sign #5 - Check Engine Light On

Check engine lights are not just concerning parts within the engine. Because the transmission is closely linked to the engine, the sensors can detect issues with the transmission as well. When this warning light comes on, it is important for you to get the diagnosis right away.

 

Regular maintenance and check-ups of the transmission system are necessary to catch issues early on. There’s no team more qualified to perform accurate transmission inspections and repairs than Taylormade Automotive. We invite you to give us a call or visit today!

Taylormade Automotive is committed to ensuring effective communication and digital accessibility to all users. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone, and apply the relevant accessibility standards to achieve these goals. We welcome your feedback. Please call Taylormade Automotive (650) 873-2022 if you have any issues in accessing any area of our website.