All car owners should be aware of any potential transmission problems. A vehicle’s transmission is simply what transfers the power from the engine to the drive wheels. If the transmission and its components fail to work, you car will not run. Here are some common transmission symptoms you should fix before it’s too late.
1. Strange Sounds: Clunking sound is a good sign of car breakdown, whether it’s a flat tire or a faulty starter. In this case, strange sounds can mean transmission trouble. Clunking, humming or whining sounds are signs of automatic transmission problems. A clunking noise when you shift gears is a telltale transmission situation. Have a mechanic look it over.
2. Slow to start: A functioning transmission will slide right into the proper gear. If your car is hesitating or giving you no response, something’s wrong, and it’s often the transmission.
3. Flashing Check Engine Light: Though many drivers are used to ignoring a chronic check engine light, there are times to take it seriously. A red or blinking light is trying to alert you to an urgent problem. When the transmission sensors set off the check engine light, it’s a cause for concern. Don’t wait until you do notice them when a simple diagnostic scan could give you peace of mind.
4. Strange Smells: Road trips are full of weird smells, but you need to pay full attention to be sure none of them is coming from your vehicle. If you notice a burning smell, it’s a sure sign something’s not working right. As transmission fluid runs low or degrades, it overheats and starts to burn. This makes your engine run hot, which contributes to early wear, excess debris, and corrosion.
5. Excessive Noise: Excess noisiness may also indicate a problem. A noisy, bumping sound when your car is in neutral requires an engine check. The solution is usually pretty simple. It might be low fluid. It could also be that the wrong fluid type was used, and it’s not doing the job. On the other hand, it could be a problem with your bearings or gear teeth, which may need replacements.
6. Worn Clutches: If your vehicle’s transmission seems to be unresponsive, you could have worn clutches. If the transmission fluid level is correct and the transmission is slipping, you most likely need to replace the clutch kit. When a transmission slips, the engine revs up, but the vehicle doesn’t move in accordance with it
7. Loose Clutch Pedal: If you press the clutch pedal and nothing happens or the clutch pedal feels really loose, this could be a problem with the slave cylinder. Manual clutches use a master cylinder, which is where you add transmission fluid. If a master cylinder leaks and you don’t catch it, you could damage the slave cylinder or the transmission itself. The slave cylinder disengages the clutch when you press the clutch pedal in. The pressure that it uses comes from the master cylinder. A failing slave cylinder could also show up as problems shifting the vehicle into and out of gear.
DISCLAIMER AND RECOMMENDATION
These issues have to be looked at and repaired by an experienced ASE certified auto repair shop and not do the repairs yourself.
Nadia, the owner of Mobile Auto Diagnostics and Repair LLC has 18 years of hands on experience in repairing all kind of vehicles. She has 11 ASE certifications, one of which is an ASE Master Mechanic certification.
Nadia’s auto repair business is by invitation only and is not open to the public. Please contact Nadia by phone or e- mail found on this website.
Nadia accepts cash, checks and/or major credit cards.
