The Common Causes and Solutions for Your Car’s Transmission Problems
Are you noticing transmission problems? Here’s what’s causing the transmission issues, what to do about them, and why you’ll (likely) need a Brighton mechanic.
Keyword(s): transmission problems
Sometimes your vehicle shuts down at the most inopportune of moments. Just as you’re about to get into your car for your morning commute, something prohibits you from driving it any further.
But what most drivers don’t realize is that there are tell-tale signs of when your car is about to hit some trouble.
Such is the story with your car’s transmission. There are several causes for transmission problems, each of which has a warning sign that comes with it.
Here are several signs and causes of bad transmission problems. If your car has any of these symptoms, be sure to take it to a trusted auto shop right away!
1. Leaks
Leaks are never a good sign. They should never be ignored. Still, many drivers decide to shrug them off as if it’s part of the process.
If you’ve noticed that your car is leaking transmission fluid, it’s an obvious sign that your transmission needs to be catered to.
The fluid is responsible for helping your car shift from gear to gear. The reason for the leak could be a worn-out gasket, loose transmission pan, or a disconnected cooler line in your car’s system.
Transmission fluid is noticeably different from gasoline or engine oil because it’s bright red and has a sour smell to it.
As soon as you notice a transmission fluid leak, reach out to a trusted Brighton, MI auto repair shop to learn more.
2. The Smell of Something Burnt
There is a common misconception that a burning smell from your car is a natural odor that you’ll smell from time to time. That couldn’t be further from the truth.
In this case, the burning smell that you’re catching a whiff of is a sign that your transmission is in dire need of service.
Either the transmission has overheated or the transmission fluid itself is burning for some reason. Don’t try to fix this on your own. Bring it to an expert who has the tools to handle it properly.
Trying to do this without proper experience can lead to second or third-degree burns.
3. Car Won’t Stay in Gear
If you were to get in your car for your morning commute and realize the vehicle is having difficulty getting into gear, turn it into neutral and call an auto repair shop.
Any time the car is either slipping gears, getting stuck or just not moving once you place it into gear, something in your transmission is off.
It could be an issue with your automatic transmission, a significant leak, or the shifter/shifter cable that’s causing the dilemma.
In order to find out which portion is the problem, your auto mechanic will perform a series of transmission tests to find the issue.
Make sure you’re not driving the vehicle to the auto shop. Organize a way for the vehicle to be safely brought to the shop and see if your local auto shop will give you a lift to their location.
Your car insurance might actually cover the cost of towing, depending on where you turn your car off at. Be sure to know the ins and outs of your policy, just in case you ever need roadside assistance.
4. Warning Lights Are On
Yet another tell-tale sign that most American drivers will shrug off. However, those warning signs are alerts that a problem is worsening, they aren’t crying wolf.
Since your car’s computer system only has so many car alerts to choose from, it will sometimes choose a warning sign that aligns closest with the issue it has identified.
For example, sometimes if you’re having an issue with your car battery, your “check engine” light will come on.
With transmission problems, your warning light will probably be in the form of a “transmission temperature” warning light. It looks like a thermometer that has waves underneath it.
However, the transmission might not be the only issue leading to that alert coming on. Be sure to schedule an auto shop appointment to check-in and see what the issue might be.
5. Car Doesn’t Have Power
Imagine the horror of turning your car on, having the engine running smoothly, but not power is coming from your vehicle.
If you’re experiencing that, then odds are that something’s off with your transmission’s brake hose.
It could also be a defense mechanism in your car’s computer system that’s limiting power in order to save the car from further damage.
In any case, you need to turn the car off and have it towed to your local trusted auto shop to receive a true synopsis of what’s going on.
6. Unordinary Sounds
As a driver, you should always keep an ear out for how your car sounds when it is running smoothly.
If you’ve ever heard a weird buzzing sound from your car and wondered “has that always been there?”, it probably hasn’t been.
The sound might be coming from your transmission, resulting in a grinding noise if the gear synchronizers are old and worn-down. As soon as you hear any buzzing or humming from your car, take it to a professional car repair shop.
Rid Yourself of Your Transmission Problems!
Now that you’ve seen all the several signs and causes of your car’s transmission problems, you need to be more careful.
In fact, car karma favors the cautious. Read this article for more information on the benefits of preventative maintenance for your car.
For more inquiries, please feel free to reach out via our contact us page and we’ll be happy to assist you further!