It’s important that you don’t delay having the transmission inspected if it is having problems. Journey Auto Repair advises that the longer you wait to have the transmission repaired the more it will get damaged. Transmissions can get damaged to the point that they are irreparable and need to be replaced. Avoid this problem by bringing your car to our shop if you notice any of the following.
Check Engine Light
Strangely, the transmission does not have a dashboard warning light or gauge. As such, the engine control module will turn on the check engine light if the transmission is going bad. It may be difficult to diagnose the reason for the illuminated dashboard warning at first. If it is the transmission, you may notice one or more of the following additional signs of transmission trouble.
Malfunctioning Gears
Your vehicle’s transmission may have problems shifting the gears or staying in gear. There may be hesitation to shift through the gear cycle or the transmission may shift out of gear. The transmission may also skip gears in the gear cycle if it is going bad.
Hot or Burning Odors
You may also detect hot or burning odors coming from the transmission. The transmission is located underneath your vehicle. Hot or burning odors coming from the transmission are a sign that the transmission is overheating because the transmission fluid needs to be replaced.
Transmission Noises
The transmission can also make strange noises if it is going bad. For example, it may grind every time it shifts the gears. It may also clunk or squeal. One definite sign that the transmission is malfunctioning is if it hums when it is in neutral and your engine is idling.
Leaking Red Fluid
Transmissions that are old may spring leaks in their pans, pan gaskets, hoses, or other transmission parts. If you have red fluid spots on your garage floor underneath the center of your automobile, this is definitely a sign that your transmission is leaking the transmission fluid.
Vehicle Vibration
Another sign that the transmission needs to be serviced right away is if your vehicle vibrates when the transmission shifts through the gear cycle. There shouldn’t be any noticeable vehicle body movement when the transmission is doing its job.
Unresponsiveness
Finally, as we mentioned above, failure to address transmission problems right away might lead to a transmission that is completely unresponsive. Unfortunately, you will not be able to drive your automobile if the transmission refuses to go into gear.
Call Journey Auto Repair in New Hope, MN, today if your vehicle is having any of the transmission problems listed above.