Whether manual or automatic, your transmission’s job is simple: It smoothly shifts gears. Unfortunately, like all things in life, transmissions don’t last forever. Over time and with excess use, they can begin to die. If you’ve encountered any of these signs of transmission failure, your best bet is to visit a transmission shop near you for a solution.
1. Difficulty shifting gears:
Once your transmission begins slipping, you’ll notice a seemingly random loss of power and acceleration, and your engine might climb into the RPM redline. This is because your transmission simply isn’t engaging the right gear, for some reason or another.
With manual transmissions, most slippage is due to a clutch problem. If the clutch is not engaging and disengaging properly—this can be caused by a worn clutch or low fluid, usually—you’ll notice the engine revving without the vehicle moving at the right speed. Oftentimes, a slipping clutch will also make squealing or grinding noises.
Automatic transmission slipping signs are similar, though there are a number of other causes. In addition to low transmission fluid and worn gears, automatic transmission failure can also be due to clogged transmission filters and faulty electronic hydraulic pressure systems.
In any case, if you notice signs that your transmission is slipping gears, you’ll want to visit a transmission mechanic as soon as possible. Continuing to drive your vehicle when slipping gears can cause permanent transmission damage.
2. Delayed engagement:
You’ve heard of “golfer’s yips,” right? In the automotive world, “yips” relate to transmission problems—and delayed acceleration is one of the first signs a transmission is going out.
When you shift your vehicle into drive or reverse, your transmission should immediately catch the right gear. If the transmission isn’t working as intended, it may not immediately move when you press the accelerator. Instead, it will lurch forward or simply sit still for a moment to catch its breath.
Low transmission fluid is the most common reason why your transmission is slow to react. Without enough fluid, your engine isn’t able to regulate its hydraulic pressure as quickly as it should. Other causes can include clogged filters, worn transmission components and torque converter failure, to name a few.
3. Burning smell:
Any burnt smell coming from your vehicle should raise a brain alarm, especially if it’s coming from your engine bay. When your transmission is the cause of the smell, the usual suspect is low fluid. When you’re low on transmission fluid, overheating becomes the norm; once a transmission begins to overheat, it’ll start to reek. This is because the transmission fluid isn’t voluminous enough to cool down, which will force it to break down and burn out.
Additionally, burning transmission smells can also be the result of a worn clutch, a bad transmission solenoid, a clogged filter, damaged or loose transmission bands, or a defective torque converter. In any event, a mechanic should be hired to diagnose the cause of your transmission smells.
4. Strange noises:
Your vehicle makes a lot of noises, and many of them are normal. However, you should keep your ears open for these specific sounds, as they are typically hallmark signs of transmission failure:
- Whining – Sign of low or contaminated transmission fluid, worn bearings or damaged gears
- Grinding – Indicates a problem with the clutch or synchronizer and gears
- Humming – Worn or damaged bearings will hum when your vehicle picks up speed
- Clunking – Any clunking or knocking sound when accelerating or shifting gears could be due to a damaged driveshaft or U-joint
- Buzzing – Bad torque converters tend to buzz when the vehicle is parked or in neutral
- Rattling – An idled car may rattle if it has a loose transmission mount or exhaust
Any unusual noises should be checked out by a qualified mechanic or auto technician near you.
5. Loss of power:
Losing power when accelerating is never a good sign. Most of the time this is the result of your transmission slipping gears, which is caused by anything from low fluid to bad torque converters to malfunctioning transmission control modules and shift solenoids—or a combination of everything.
Any time you notice your car struggling to accelerate, losing steam when climbing up steeper roads, or failing to maintain a constant speed, you should get that looked at before your transmission throws a real hissy fit.
6. Transmission fluid leaks:
When it comes to transmission slippage or failure, especially on newer model vehicles, problems usually originate with transmission fluid. It’s important to ensure you’re keeping up with routine maintenance and checking for leaks occasionally.
Puddles of red or brown fluid on your garage floor or driveway are indicative of leaking transmission fluid. This fluid will have a sweet smell, too. It can sometimes be difficult to identify transmission fluid from motor oil or other automotive fluids, which is why a call to a professional is in order.
7. Overheating:
An overheated transmission has many causes, including all of the signs of transmission failure listed above. Additionally, if your transmission begins to overheat, the culprit may be a faulty cooling fan—its job is to cool the engine and transmission—a defective thermostat, or a bad engine temperature regulator. Towing heavy loads is also a possible cause of a hot transmission that slips.
8. Check engine light:
Check engine warning lights illuminate for a great many reasons, including when the system detects failing transmission solenoids, transmission fluid temperature sensors, torque converters, and transmission control modules. Torque converter failure is a common reason for a check engine light; when it goes, you start noticing all the listed transmission issues above, including overheating, gear slipping and power loss.
Tips for Keeping Your Transmission in Good Condition
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you want to avoid expensive transmission repairs, let alone the cost to pay for a replacement car if yours is salvaged, be sure to stay on top of your regular vehicle and transmission maintenance. Here are a few ways to ensure you don’t experience any automatic transmission failure symptoms:
- Regularly Check and Change Transmission Fluid
- Drive Carefully
- Avoid Overloading
- Use the Correct Transmission Fluid
- Warm Up Your Vehicle
- Check for Leaks
- Get Regular Inspections
- Avoid Towing Excessively
Whether you’ve encountered some transmission problems or are being a good car owner by taking care of issues ASAP, contact our Chevy service center in Overland Park for expert transmission repair near Kansas City. Call us at (866) 565-8106 or schedule an appointment online. Be sure to ask us about our transmission repair specials and auto service financing options.
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