How To Know If Transmission Is Bad

As with any part of your vehicle, early detection of transmission problems can save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, in addition to preventing further, more severe damage to your vehicle. This is why it is vital to learn to identify the warning signs of a bad transmission.

Signs Your Transmission Is Bad

There are several indications that a vehicle’s transmission is either bad or going bad. If you notice any of these issues below, it’s best to contact the auto care professionals in your area.

Difficulty Shifting Gears

If your vehicle resists or has a hard time switching gears, you are probably dealing with an issue with your transmission system. Low or wrong kinds of transmission fluid might be why your vehicle is failing to change gears.

Burning Smells

When you are noticing any burning smells coming from your vehicle, you should take it to an auto shop sooner than later. This smell can be an indicator that your transmission is overheating, or your transmission fluid is older and burnt.

Noises When In Neutral

Strange noises coming from your vehicle when it’s in neutral might be a sure sign that something could be amiss with your transmission. If you’re lucky, the noises could be an indication that your vehicle is ready for newer transmission fluid, in which would get flushed and then replaced by a mechanic.

Conversely, it could also mean that your vehicle requires a replacement or additional service by a mechanic.

Slipping Gears

In addition to it being terrifying and alarming when your gears spontaneously slip in and out of place when you are driving, but this situation is also hazardous as it is never suggested to drive with slipping transmission gears. You are going to know your transmission has slipped when you hear your engine revving during changing of gears. It is like driving on ice, with zero control.

Some other indicators of slipping gears includes delays in acceleration, odd noises, and a general jarring response when attempting to shift gears.

Dragging Clutch

A dragging clutch means a failure to detach the clutch disk from the flywheel in your transmission when pressing the clutch pedal.

This problem causes the gears to jar and the vehicle to move when changing gears. This is generally caused because of a mechanical failure or misplacing of the clutch.

Leaking Fluid

Transmission fluid leaks are one of the simplest transmission issues to identify. When you see a sweet-smelling, red fluid beneath your vehicle in your garage, driveway, or parking lot, tell your mechanic know they should check your transmission fluid levels and investigate for possible leaks.

Check Engine Light Is On

If your check engine light is on, it can indicate a multitude of vehicle issues – both minor and major. However, make sure a local mechanic investigates further, in case the source of the issue is critical.

Shaking Or Grinding

More typical in vehicles with automatic transmissions is any kind of grinding or shaking that happens when switching gears.

This usually is a sure sign that your transmission has an issue. When this occurs, it is vital to have your vehicle examined by a mechanic sooner than later.

Transmission Service, Repair, & Replacement Services in Phoenix, AZ

We offer a full range of auto transmission repair and replacement services from automatic transmission to manual transmission to the entire Phoenix Metro area.

*Disclaimer – This is not an actual quote. Your transmission repair or replacement cost could be different than the prices you see on this guide. The only way to get an actual estimate is by searching for transmission repair and replacement shops near you. Contact Automatic Transmission Exchange if you are in the Phoenix area and need transmission repair or replacement.