Transmission Problems: 8 Warning Signs

You may be reading this article because you suspect something is wrong with your car’s automatic transmission. Often people experience what they feel may be a transmission problem, but are not sure. Take my advice; it is far better to address these problems early on than to let them develop into a catastrophic transmission failure.

Because the automatic transmission is the most complex piece of machinery in your entire vehicle, a list of warning signs is by no means exhaustive. With that said, here are the 8 most common problems transmission repair specialists have observed over the years. These are the early warning signs you should be aware of:

1) Leak. That little pink puddle of oil you see when you move your vehicle out of its parking spot in the morning is a sign of trouble. Transmissions can leak from almost 20 different external seals; some are very easy to repair, while others require more complicated service procedures. In either case, the idea is to have the vehicle serviced immediately by a qualified transmission repair shop because, like an engine that is low on oil, a transmission that is low on fluid can fail completely in a very short time.

2) Shake. A jerking or jerking sensation is sometimes experienced, especially at highway speeds. While this may be due to poor engine tuning, it could also be due to a transmission malfunction. Take it to an expert who can tell the difference and diagnose it for you.

3) Driving delayed or reverse. A noticeably longer-than-normal hesitation for your transmission to engage a gear once the shift lever is placed in “D” or “R” is another sign of a transmission malfunction. These lags can be caused by anything from a low fluid level or a band that needs adjustment to an internal transmission seal or clutch pack that is failing. Again, sooner rather than later is the right time to check it out.

4) A neutral condition on rapid acceleration from a stop or turning. This is a classic sign of a low fluid level condition. Remember, unlike an engine where it may be normal for some oil to be consumed over time, if a transmission is low on fluid, it is leaking.

5) Burnt smell. A burning smell can be a sign of a transmission that is overheating or leaking fluid from the exhaust. This needs to be addressed immediately – if engine oil or transmission fluid drips onto a hot exhaust, it could catch fire.

6) Check engine light. Today’s transmissions are computer controlled and a check engine light can be an indication of a transmission problem, even if you don’t yet have a drivability symptom. Modern car computers are extremely sensitive and can detect transmission failures or faults that would be imperceptible to the driver. The light comes on to tell you that something is wrong somewhere. Listen up and have your car checked!

7) Transmission slip. Skidding is a condition where the engine is revving but not getting full power to the wheels. Slippage can be caused by a variety of transmission faults, none of which should be ignored.

8) Sudden changes and incorrect gear starts. A hard shift or incorrect gear shift, either on its own or in conjunction with a check engine light, can be a sign that your transmission is in a “fail-safe” or “emergency recovery” mode computer commanded. This can be activated by your vehicle’s computer when it detects a transmission fault. The reason for this computer strategy is to let the driver know there is a problem and help protect the transmission from further damage while it is “limping” to a shop for repair.

While we often fall into the trap of hoping problems with our vehicles will go away or fix themselves, it rarely happens that way. Paying attention and addressing small issues with your vehicle before they become bigger problems can often help you avoid costly transmission repairs.