Signs Your Transmission Needs Attention
Should I repair or replace my transmission?
Oftentimes when you notice issues that signal a transmission problem – it’s reached a point you start to question if it’s worth repairing, if you should just replace the whole transmission or get a new vehicle. This can only be determined by evaluating the value of your vehicle and extent of repair or issue at hand with the transmission. First things first is making sure that the issue is indeed a transmission problem. These are some of the leading signs your transmission is going out (not limited to):
My Gears are Slipping
Just an ordinary day, you’re driving along going about your business.. And then all of a sudden your engine revs up and you lose power.. And then you hear a clunk.. And then the engine seems to engage and restart.. What just happened? Your gears are slipping. This is a major sign of a transmission issue.
My Car Won’t Shift Gears
When your vehicle won’t shift gears, this is a huge transmission red flag. Initially you might notice this when you try to put your vehicle in park or reverse, or it might not shift up when you try to change gear cycles to increase speed. Sometimes this can be as simple as low transmission fluid or the wrong type of fluid, but it’s not always that simple of an issue.
Clunking or Grinding Noises When I Shift Gears
A clunking or grinding sound when you’re driving is never a good thing. If you hear one of these types of sounds when you switch into reverse or when you shift between gears, there is a good chance you may have a transmission issue. Even if your vehicle is automatic, it still has an internal clutch mechanism. You may have a worn clutch or other worn or damaged parts.
My Vehicle is Making Noise in Neutral
If you’re hearing an unusual whining sound when your vehicle is in neutral, this can be a warning signal. This noise has also been described as sounding like a loud humming sound. Regardless of what the sound sounds like to you, your vehicle should not be making unusual noises when in neutral at all.
I Smell Something Burning While Driving
Sound the instinctual alarm, something is definitely wrong. If you smell something burning while driving, you should pull over and turn your vehicle off immediately. If your vehicle is low on transmission fluid or has old transmission fluid, it can overheat. When something smells hot or like it’s burning – it is hot or burning. This can cause your transmission or engine to start on fire.
My Vehicle is Leaking Bright Red Fluid or Translucent Fluid
Transmission fluid can be bright red or translucent and can also have a sweeter odor to it. If you find the front of your vehicle is leaking red fluid, this could likely be power steering fluid or coolant needed in your transmission. You can find these leaks happening from the pan, the gasket or from hoses – but no matter where exactly the leak is coming from, you need to stop it. It is important your vehicle retains the necessary amount of fluids to run properly.
My Vehicle is Leaking Pink Fluid
We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but pink fluid leaking from your vehicle is not a good thing. When your transmission fluid turns to a pinker color, it means it’s being diluted by your engine coolant. This causes substantial damage to your transmission, and typically the only way to fix it is to replace your transmission completely in this event.
My Check Engine Light is On
If your vehicle is experiencing enough indication that your automatic transmission is going bad, your check engine light may come on. This light indicator covers a range of possible issues and kind of umbrella diagnoses many items that don’t have their own light on your dashboard. We recommend having diagnostics done to determine the reason behind a check engine light being on as soon as possible, because ignoring this could cause significant further or irreparable damage to your vehicle.
Wisco Automotive is your best choice for local automotive mechanics that provide an honest service. We can diagnose, repair and/or replace your transmission at the most affordable price. Don’t wait too long until your transmission is irreparable.
Contact Wisco Automotive to make your transmission repair appointment today.