Your car’s transmission is one of its most essential parts. It’s the geared component attached to your automatic or manual shifter. If it fails, your car will not operate, so you should keep an eye out for warning signs that it needs attention. Covering cheaper repair costs is always better than having to replace the entire transmission, but if the possible problems aren’t caught early, the latter is more likely.
Check Engine Light Is On
It may seem obvious, but far too many car owners ignore their check engine light when it comes on. If your onboard computer indicates there’s an engine-related problem, there almost certainly is one. Otherwise, the engine light coming on means there’s a problem with your onboard computer. When the check engine light turns on, it’s a sign that you need to get your vehicle to a certified shop as soon as possible.
Transmission Fluid Is Leaking
Your transmission’s fluid is red and has a sweet smell. Old transmission fluid has a burnt smell and tends to be darker. A leak could indicate anything from a seal defect to a crack in the body of the transmission itself. If you notice red fluid on the ground around your vehicle, have the transmission checked for leaks immediately to avoid further problems.
Abnormal Sounds Are Detected
If your engine makes a sound like a revved-up motorcycle, it’s likely your transmission filter or pump is having issues. Automatic transmissions tend to grind hard as they fail, with humming and whining sounds being common before the damage gets to that point. Manual transmission issues are easier to detect, as the feel of each shift will be noticeably different from the norm.
Clutch Is Dragging
Manual transmissions experiencing clutch drag are failing to disengage the disk from the flywheel. The malfunctioning clutch, in this case, will continue to spin with the engine, so the gears can’t shift. Thankfully, the repairs for this problem aren’t that expensive or difficult to handle, so don’t be overly alarmed if it happens.
Car Isn’t Responding
Your car’s transmission is meant to hit the proper gear without fail. If it won’t shift at all, your transmission is probably in serious trouble. Automatic transmissions have the hardest time going from park to drive and back and may move to these gears more sluggishly before they finally lock up. If you notice a slow response, get yours checked before there’s no response at all.
Temperature Meter Indicates Overheating
Low transmission fluid levels and other issues can cause extreme overheating, causing catastrophic transmission failure. Transmissions are not capable of handling serious heat for extended periods of time. If you see your car’s temperature meter rise too high, get it checked out immediately. A new transmission costs between $1,800 and $3,400 on average within the United States according to Transmission Repair Cost Guide and their research from 2020.
Check for these signs of transmission failure regularly, and you may end up saving yourself a stack of cash. Be sure to head to your local dealership for regular vehicle checkups. The expertly trained professionals here at Reddick Brown Ford will notice a transmission issue earlier and be able to have you back out on the road in no time!
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