Signs My Automatic Transmission Is Going Bad

The best way to prevent your automatic transmission from malfunctioning is to have it maintained every 30,000 miles. This allows us to check the transmission fluid and replace it. It also allows us to inspect all of the parts, and there are hundreds, to see if anything is worn out and needs to be replaced. If you fail to service the transmission, you may end up with one or more of the following problems.

One thing that can happen with a bad transmission is it can slip out of gear while you are driving. Unfortunately, this will cause your engine to lose power immediately and you will slow down uncontrollably. In addition, the engine’s RPMs will rise significantly.

A faulty transmission can also skip gears in the gear cycle. In addition, it may hesitate significantly before it shifts gears, causing a noticeable rise in the RPMs. Unfortunately, if the transmission is in serious condition, it may not shift the gears and remain stuck in one gear.

Even worse, the transmission may refuse to go into gear. This will leave you stuck in Park or Neutral unable to get your automobile and first gear or Reverse. In this case, you will have no choice but to call for a tow truck to bring your automobile to our shop.

Another sign of a bad transmission is a transmission that is leaking. In this case, you will see red or brown spots or puddles on the garage floor underneath the automobile rather than the engine. The spots will be toward the center of the vehicle.

If the transmission is leaking, your transmission is going to overheat because there will not be enough fluid to reduce the friction and heat between the moving parts. Consequently, you will smell hot odors underneath your vehicle and the transmission may malfunction.

Another sign that you have low transmission fluid is an automobile that vibrates or shakes at every gear shift. The transmission should shift the gears smoothly. The only thing you should notice is the difference in your engine’s RPMs.

The transmission may also make strange noises if it is struggling. The most common sounds a bad transmission will make our humming, clunking, grinding, or squealing. It is crucial that you call our shop right away if you are having any of the transmission problems discussed above.