The transmission is the system in your vehicle that experiences the most wear and tear because of its purpose, namely to deliver power from the engine to the driveshaft. Friction and heat that builds from it due to myriad moving parts can eventually cause breakdown and expensive repairs, particularly if you don’t properly maintain your vehicle. Following your manufacturer’s recommended servicing, including regular transmission fluid flushing, will go a long way toward getting a long life out of your vehicle’s transmission. Nevertheless, the older the vehicle, the more likely it will experience transmission problems.
Not all transmission problems require expensive repairs. Your best bet, however, is to take your vehicle in for servicing when you notice it is not acting properly. Here are some of the most common transmission problems and their signs.
Slippage
Transmissions should stay in your selected gear until you or the car’s computer initiate a gear shift. When the transmission suddenly shifts into another gear for no apparent reason, or if it seems like it’s struggling or not accelerating, it’s not only a serious safety risk, it’s time to get your vehicle to the repair shop as soon as possible to diagnose the problem while not pondering over what the cause of the trouble is.
Lack of Response
Does your car takes its time or even refuse to go into the gear you have selected? If so, then something is definitely wrong and it’s definitely a transmission concern. Any type of delay, whether your transmission is manual or automatic, means the transmission needs to be serviced. Often it’s simply a matter of replacing the clutch, but other, more severe problems may also be the cause.
Fluid Leaks
Transmission systems are sealed units that should never leak. If you see oily-looking bright red, darker red or brown fluid under your vehicle, it’s cause for concern. Often it’s as simple as bolts that have not been properly tightened after fluid flushing. Causes can vary and have minimal to expensive cost. Fluid can leak due to a frayed or cracked pan gasket, faulty torque converter or damaged bell housing or fluid lines.
Noisy Neutral, Grinding and Shaking
Properly running vehicles should never experience any of these problems. If grinding occurs when shirting, it could indicate worn out gears. Likewise, transmissions that bump in neutral may also have worn out parts.