Did you know that transmission fluid is actually considered one of the basic components of an automatic transmission?
Do you have to wriggle your car into gear? Does it take more than one attempt to get your car into drive? If you have to do either of these things to get your car into gear, unfortunately you have a transmission problem that needs to be repaired.
A burning smell from your engine is always a cause for concern, and it might be coming from your transmission fluid. This can happen if the fluid is low, or the wrong brand is used, and it’s important to get the fluid flushed and replaced, then have the transmission checked.
You should get your transmission checked in case you hear a lot of noise when the car is idling or if you feel that the engine is quite hard to start.
Numerous issues may indicate transmission troubles are brewing. If your car won’t shift properly through the gears, the engine revs faster than usual before it shifts into a higher gear, or it idles at a higher than normal rate, it’s time to have your transmission checked.
If you have trouble shifting through the gears after having your automatic transmission fluid changed, it could be that the service stirred up contamination in the transmission. We suggest you contact the service center and ask if there were metal shavings in the fluid pan.
If you have a manual transmission that refuses to go into gear, several things could be the cause of this issue. This includes low transmission fluid, wrong viscosity or thickness of the fluid, or a maladjustment in the shift cables or clutch linkage.
If you detect that your transmission is leaking, you will not want to wait long to have it checked. A thorough inspection of the cooler lines to the differential cover will usually detect the severity of the leak.
While manual transmissions are much less complicated than automatic transmissions, they can have complications of their own. For example, the cable or linkage should be adjusted to just the right setting to make sure the clutch can fully disengage from the flywheel.
The shift linkage, harness connections and ground connections are vital to transmission performance. That’s why they’re among the first things we check during a routine maintenance visit or when you experience transmission issues.
One of the first steps to every transmission maintenance is a test drive if the vehicle is safe and able to be driven. This can help the technician to diagnose any serious problems that they should be looking for during inspection and servicing.
If your vehicle doesn’t create any noise and is operating properly, it can be virtually considered as safe. In such case, regular checkup won’t cost you much and you can stay assured that your vehicle is safe on road.
Getting your transmission fluid changed is a great way for an expert to spot potential problems. For example, they can look in the oil pan for any metal shavings or other signs of wear. An expert will know exactly what to look for, and what it means.
Remember that automatic transmission fluid is essential to your car’s ability to shift. Thus, a little fluid on your driveway can quickly turn into a major problem. You should also have the fluid regularly checked to make sure it’s not a dark color and doesn’t have a burnt smell.
If a transmission leak is left, it can cause corrosion to other parts of the engine. It’s best to have a pro look at the issue as soon as possible. Pumps and seals are all susceptible to deterioration from leaky transmissions.
If your manual transmission refuses to budge when you depress the clutch pedal and attempt to move the stick shifter, then it is most likely time for repair. Common causes of this issue include low transmission fluid, wrong viscosity of the fluid, or shift cables or clutch linkage that’s out of alignment.
Any vibrations while changing gears should be investigated. A transmission in perfect working order will smoothly transition from one gear to the next.
If you neglect to follow the maintenance schedule for the transmission as it is laid out in the owner’s manual, it could void the warranty, making you responsible for paying for repairs. Save yourself some money, and give your transmission the TLC it deserves.
If your transmission is shifting roughly, erratically, or if there are delays in shifting, it could be a number of things. Let our ASE certified professionals diagnose the problem and recommend needed repairs.
Wondering why your check engine light is on? You can buy a diagnostic tool to connect to your engine's computer and tell you what's wrong. If this tells you that the problem is with the transmission, then it's a good idea to take your car in to an expert.
If you notice oil stains on your driveway under your car, it is either engine oil or transmission fluid. Engine oil is brown or blackish; transmission fluid is red. If you cannot tell the color, place a piece of clean cardboard under the car. If the spots are red, bring your car in for a diagnostic transmission check.
What’s the number one cause of transmission troubles? Good question. In our experience, low fluid levels or transmission fluid that’s old, dirty or oxidized by high engine heat is the leading cause of basic transmission issues.
