More cars have automatic transmissions than manual ones these days because people prefer them. No matter which transmission type you drive, Journey Auto Repair can service and repair it. Time is of the essence when it comes to transmission problems. Here are seven signs you need to bring your automobile in right away because your automatic transmission is in trouble.
1. Strange Sensations While in Gear
Your transmission should shift gears smoothly every single time it does so. You shouldn’t feel your vehicle shake or vibrate when the gears shift. You shouldn’t feel lurching, either. If you do, this is a sign that your transmission is going bad fast and it needs to be serviced right away.
2. Refuses to Go Into Gear
Another sign of serious transmission problems is your vehicle refusing to go into gear. It should never fight you when you shift it from park to drive or reverse. If you are having difficulties getting your vehicle into gear, schedule a transmission service appointment as soon as possible.
3. Strange Noises When in Neutral
One way to check the health of your transmission is to start your vehicle, put it in neutral, and listen. You should never hear humming or whining noises coming from the engine, nor should you hear clunking sounds. If you do, this is a sign that your transmission is going bad.
4. Burning Odors Coming From the Transmission
Burning smells are a sign of trouble whether they are coming from the transmission or somewhere else in your automobile. It is so important to pull over right away and cut your engine. Burning smells can signal fire, and they can also indicate that your transmission is overheating and getting damaged.
5. Slipping Out of Gear Once it’s in Gear
Once your automatic transmission is in gear it should stay in that gear until it shifts to the next one in the cycle. Signs of serious transmission trouble include slipping out of gear. In other words, you’ll be driving along and your transmission will slip out of the gear it’s in and into neutral.
6. Transmission Fluid on Your Garage Floor
Transmission fluid leaks more from the center of your automobile than from underneath the engine. If you see red or brownish-red spots underneath the center of your automobile, you’ve got a transmission fluid leak. This leak needs to be fixed right away to avoid transmission damage.
7. Check Engine Light Turns On
Finally, the transmission does not have a dashboard warning light of its own, so your engine control module will turn on the check engine light if the transmission sensors report a problem. It’s important to heed a check engine light warning; something is wrong.
Bring your automobile into Journey Auto Repair in New Hope, MN, so we can inspect your vehicle’s transmission and recommend any necessary services or repairs.