Signs the Transmission Is Going Bad and How Service Masters Can Help

Check Engine Warning

Transmission problems are often accompanied by a check engine warning on the dashboard. This is because transmission sensors send error codes to the engine control module and it turns on the check engine light to alert you of trouble.

Hot Transmission Odors

Aside from the dashboard warning, you may smell hot transmission odors wafting from underneath your automobile. This is an indication that the transmission is overheating. The transmission could be overheating because it needs a fluid flush and refill. This service needs to be done every 30,000 miles to ensure the fluid does not get too old.

Inability to Go Into Gear

Your transmission may also become completely unresponsive if it is in serious need of repair. Even if you move the gear shift inside the automobile from Park to Reverse or Drive, the transmission may refuse to go into those gears. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to drive your automobile because you won’t be able to get it into gear.

Inability to Shift Gears

Before the transmission becomes completely unresponsive, it may lag between shifting gears or refuse to shift through the gear cycle. In other words, you will be able to get your vehicle into gear but it won’t shift into the higher gears after that.

Leaking Red Fluid

If your transmission is leaking, you will see red fluid on the garage floor. This fluid will be located underneath the center of your automobile rather than the engine. Transmission fluid can leak out of the system via the hoses or the pan among other parts.

Odd Transmission Noises

Bring your vehicle to our shop right away if the transmission is making strange noises. These noises can include humming or squealing when the transmission is in neutral, grinding as it shifts the gears, and clunking when you put the vehicle into gear.

Rough Gear Shifts

Aside from these noises, the transmission might also shift the gears roughly, especially if the transmission fluid is too low. Consequently, your automobile will shake or vibrate every time the transmission shifts a gear.