Your transmission works hard to keep your car going, and over time, chances are it’s going to develop problems; transmission repairs can be costly, so it’s useful to take note of anything that seems out of the ordinary. There are a number of problems that can occur when dealing with a transmission, so don’t ignore these transmission problems.
Here are a few signs that there’s a problem with your transmission that you should never ignore:
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Fluid Leaks
Transmission fluid leaks are probably one of the simplest ways to identify that you have a problem. A small leak today can mutate into a big, and expensive repair down the road.
Transmission fluid – which is essential in helping your car shift gears – is bright red and may have either a tart or sweet smell. And unlike motor oil, your car doesn’t consume this fluid, so if your fluid levels are low, it’s almost certainly the result of a leak.
These leaks are typically caused by:
- Service or part replacement such as radiator replacement or transmission flushes
- Loose or leaky transmission pan
- Out-of-balance drive shaft
- Worn axles, engine and transmission mounts
- Damage to the bell housing
It’s always a good idea to keep a close eye on your transmission fluid levels. A leak is not only bad for your car, it’s also bad for the environment.
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Weird smells
Like we said above, transmission fluid has a somewhat sweet or tart smell. If you notice this smell, it’s a good idea to get your fluid changed. Transmission fluid is crucial to lubricating all of the car’s transmission components. When it burns up, that could mean your transmission itself is burning. And THAT could mean a total rebuild of the transmission.
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Strange sounds
Cars can have either automatic or manual – “stick” – transmissions and they both respond in different ways when something goes wrong.
Sometimes they’ll let you know there’s a problem by making a weird noise. It’s important that you can identify these noises to prevent further trouble.
In cars with manual transmissions, you might hear a grinding noise when you shift. If you hear that sound after you’ve engaged the clutch and shifted, it could be a sign that the clutch is worn.
With an automatic transmission, listen for whining, humming or buzzing noises when you shift, all of which are signs you should have your car checked by a professional.
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The warning light
Pretty much all modern cars have sensors that pick up on problems in the engine and send a message to the vehicle’s computer that there’s a problem by activating a warning light.
One of the more common warning lights is the transmission temperature light, which signals that your transmission fluid is too hot, which causes your transmission to run at a hotter temperature than normal. If you see this light, check your transmission fluid and coolant levels right away.
And as with any car-related malfunctions, it’s best not to guess at what’s troubling your transmission.
Do you need your transmission rebuilt? Turn to High Gear Transmission. We have more than 30 years’ experience in the remanufacturing industry, working with a line of standard transmission parts that’s second to none. Contact us today to see how we can give you the best possible transmission.
