The Classic Signs of Transmission Failure

You’re driving your car as usual, but today is different. You somehow notice that something is amiss. You may be experiencing transmission failure. Oftentimes, people tend to shrug this problem off. They delay the repair for a few weeks, but suddenly, their cars break down and the repairs now cost them thousands of dollars.

The moment you notice signs of transmission failure, you need to take the vehicle to a transmission repair facility. The small problem could balloon to a bigger one if you keep procrastinating. What could have cost you a few hundred dollars today could escalate to five times the original amount. This isn’t good for your budget. It’s better to address any type of problem early on before your car could fail you altogether. If you’re working on a tight budget, this could spell catastrophe.

The automatic transmission system is quite complex. You need someone with the right skills and knowledge to look into the problem. More importantly, you need to spot the classic warning signs of a transmission failure. Look out for the following symptoms:

Sign 1: There’s leakage in the engine

When you move your vehicle from its parking spot, do you notice pink oil underneath? This is a sure sign of trouble. The transmission fluid could leak out from anywhere. There are sealants for this type of problem. Your mechanic would know what to use the moment you take your car in.

Sign 2: Your car shakes

The bucking sensation when you drive at high speed spells trouble as well. This may be a sign of a transmission malfunction.

Sign 3: You notice a burning or putrid smell

This is a sign of overheating. It could also be because the transmission fluid is leaking into the car’s exhaust system. Have the car brought to the facility immediately because you actually expose yourself to a fire hazard if you don’t do anything.

Sign 4: The check engine light is turned on

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If the light is on, have the car brought for a computer readout. This is already indicative of a problem. The modern computers that facilities have can detect the malfunction immediately. The car may be running smoothly, but this is your vehicle’s way of telling you that it needs to be assessed.

Sign 5: You notice a delay in drive or reverse

The gear doesn’t engage immediately when you put the shift in drive or reverse. The delay could mean anything from a low fluid level to a band that needs adjustment. It could also mean that the seal or clutch is starting to fail.

Sign 6: Your car goes on neutral when you accelerate

This is a classic symptom of low fluid levels. There may be a leak if this happens, and again, have it checked.

Sign 7: The car doesn’t start

This problem could range from relatively cheap to exorbitantly expensive. This is also what happens if you delay the repair too long. You won’t know how much you’ll have to pay until you actually have the mechanic inspect your car and furnish you with an initial quotation.