There are some car problems that may seem like they require transmission repair but don’t. Typically, the signs of transmission problems include: gears won’t shift, gears slip out of place, bumpiness in neutral, grinding gears, shaking car, burning smells, and dripping reddish puddles under the car.
These are all indicators of transmission issues but they are not necessarily from the transmission, which is why it’s important to go get a diagnosis from a transmission repair specialist who really knows what they’re doing.
Otherwise, you might get charged to fix something that didn’t need fixing in the first place. However, it is possible for an issue to turn into a transmission problem if not fixed in time.
These are car repairs that are possible to be misdiagnosed as the transmission but are actually something else.
Computer Malfunction
Cars have an internal computer to identify technical issues, monitor emissions, fuel-economy, provide safety features, etc. When the computer malfunctions, it can provide incorrect errors or fail to provide an error message at all.
Often, the Check Engine Light will pop up when the computer identifies an issue with your car but many people choose to ignore it. What could’ve been a simple issue can over time turn into a transmission problem because it was ignored. Make sure that your car computer gets checked when you go in for car repairs and maintenance.
Trouble Shifting Gears
Struggling to shift gears is usually a good indicator of transmission problems but there are actually a handful of other reasons why this is happening. For the most part, anything that affects the engine performance will lead to trouble shifting gears in your car. A clogged catalytic converter makes the engine work harder, which in turn makes it difficult to shift the transmission.
In regards to air, a bad O2 sensor or dirty mass air flow sensor will also cause the gears to stick. If the fuel system is too full or low or if the fuel filter or fuel injection system is dirty, these will also mess with the gears. In addition, the car engine will hesitate while trying to accelerate because of blocked air and fuel filters, even making a popping sound.
Shaking & Bumping
If you’re wondering why your ride is so bumpy or shaky, it could be from your transmission, or it could be as simple as a broken engine or transmission mount, which are easy fixes. However, it could also be from the cylinder misfiring. It’s better to get a Vehicle Courtesy Check here than to assume it’s just a broken mount.
Burning
Burning smells are usually bad no matter if it’s coming from your car or from your apple pie in the oven. This can be from an oil leak, which usually would occur after an oil change or damage to the compartment. It could be a general fluid leak dripping onto the engine itself and burning up. If it were from the transmission, it would have a sweeter burnt smell.
Sounds
If your car is making nerve-wracking sounds, it could be your transmission or the engine. If the transmission is the culprit, then you’d hear a whining, humming, or clunking sound that lasts. If it’s the engine, then it would be a whirring, hissing, or backfire sound that happens here and there.
If you think your car might need a transmission repair or engine repair, Schedule an Appointment with an AAMCO Colorado location near you for a FREE Vehicle Courtesy Check.
Can a mechanic do something to a vehicle to mimic a transmission problem when there is really no transmission issues?
I just took out my catalytic converter and replaced it with a straight pipe and my 93 Ford Explorer is having a hard time shifting in the drive with real high rpm’s
Hi Fred,
Please submit your question through AAMCO Colorado Ask a Mechanic and an AAMCO mechanic will respond, or stop by one of our 14 Colorado service centers so that we can perform a thorough diagnostic test.
Thanks!
Your Friends at AAMCO Colorado
Kathie,
We think that this is an unlikely situation, however, it is best to always choose a mechanic that is trustworthy with a good reputation. AAMCO has over 50 years of experience and is backed by a nationwide warranty. We are happy to provide a free diagnostic scan for you if you are having concerns about a transmission issue in your vehicle.
Thanks,
AAMCO Colorado
Can a faulty computer affect your transmkisson function?
Joel,
This is possible, although something that would need to be diagnosed in a shop. If you are local come on by one of our 14 AAMCO service centers in Colorado for a free diagnostic scan.
Thanks,
AAMCO Colorado
I have a 2003 Impala that I thought had transmission issues. It would hesitate from a stop, as in the RPM would start to rise while the car would barely move forward, and after about one second it would lurch forward as if you just popped the clutch (it’s an automatic). Also, at around 50-55mph it would want to kind of drift between drive and overdrive, feeling like a slipping clutch.
I just had it serviced to replace the water pump & serpentine belt, upper and lower radiator hoses, and they also said the fuel filter looked dirty and should be replaced. I was hesitant, feeling like it just an upsell of opportunity, but agreed to it as well.
Now the car runs great. No odd revving or lurching, and no confusion over what gear to stay in on the highway. I was 99% certain I had a transmission issue but being an old 2003, I was just going to live with it. After reading one of the comments above, I’m now thinking it was all due to a simple fuel filter. A huge sigh of relief that it’s running well again!
The whole reason I’m here is because I was searching for “can a water pump or serpentine belt cause transmission issues”. I still don’t really know the answer to question, but I think I found the cause of my “transmission” problem. Thank you Fred Gerding 🙂
Ok, well, I take it all back lol. The Impala I mentioned above *does* run much better after the repairs, but the lurching that occurred during acceleration from a stop just happened again, so I still don’t know what’s causing it 🙁
Doug,
We’re sorry to hear that your problem is not fixed. We would love to help you get your car running smoothly again, if you are local to Colorado stop by one of 14 Colorado AAMCO Service centers and we can perform a free diagnostic check on your vehicle where we can access any repair needs your vehicle may have.
Thanks,
AAMCO Colorado
My ABS, traction,brake, check engine and airbag lights came on and the speedometer would not work. I took my veichle in to AAMCO I’m Albuquerque and sat there for hours while the diagnosed it only to be told that the veichle needed to go to the dealer for a computer upgrade so I paid the diagnostic fee and took my vehicle to the dealership and got charged another dignostic fee by them. It turns out it was only 2 fuses that were missing and not what I was told it was. Is there anyway to get back some of the diagnostic fee from AAMCO because they gave me the wrong info?
Crystal,
We are sorry to hear that you had a bad experience with an AAMCO location. Each location is independently owned and operated, so unfortunately we here at AAMCO Colorado cannot help you. You will need to talk directly to the AAMCO location in New Mexico that you worked with.
Thanks,
AAMCO CO
can a fuel pump starting to go bad cause my car to shift funny? Like when taking of it upshifts fast and then when trying to accelerate to pass a car it won’t downshift.
Deidre,
Certainly, a bad fuel pump may in some instances cause problems with shifting. Unfortunately, we can not diagnose your vehicle without seeing it in one of our service centers. If you are local to Colorado stop by one of 14 Colorado AAMCO Service centers and we can perform a free diagnostic check on your vehicle where we can access any repair needs your vehicle may have.
Thanks,
AAMCO Colorado
Hi, I just had a waterpump & serpentine belt replaced on a 03 Monte Carlo 3.8. Now when i go to drive, the car won’t pick up speed, won’t change gears, & the speedometer isn’t moving. Any ideas?? Thanks
Simone,
These symptoms could indicate a number of problems, including problems with your transmission or timing belt. We understand how frustrating it can be when your car isn’t working right. Unfortunately, we can not diagnose your vehicle without seeing it in one of our service centers. If you are local to Colorado stop by one of 14 Colorado AAMCO Service centers and we can perform a free diagnostic check on your vehicle where we can access any repair needs your vehicle may have.
Thanks,
AAMCO Colorado
The red fluid goes right out of my 98 dodge ram and they said i need a new transmission could that be true or is it a hose problem
Brandon,
If your transmission fluid is leaking, this indicates a problem within your transmission as typically this is a closed system that should not leak. If the transmission has been leaking for a long period of time, and you are still driving the car, it is possible that enough damage has been done to the transmission to warrant a replacement. Unfortunately, we can not diagnose your vehicle without seeing it in one of our service centers. If you are local to Colorado stop by one of 14 Colorado AAMCO Service centers and we can perform a free diagnostic check on your vehicle where we can access any repair needs your vehicle may have. You can also contact one of our mechanics directly by using our Ask A Mechanic feature.
Thanks,
AAMCO Colorado
My 2008 cobalt with the 2.2l (167k km) and 5speed manual seems to have the engine operate at a higher rpm than the tach states.
Drives fine up until 3rd gear, wind it up a bit and shift and the tach will move down like its shifting but the engine sound/frequency remain that of 3rd but only a higher rpm now. Can then shift into 5th still accelerating and again rpms drop down and remain low ~2k while engine sounds like its 6k rpm. Could a clogged cat cause issues like that under higher vehicle speed/load? Or more leaning towards a slipping clutch?
Car has no check engine lights.
Ryan,
Unfortunately we can not diagnose your vehicle without seeing it in one of our service centers. If you are local to Colorado stop by one of 14 Colorado AAMCO Service centers and we can perform a free diagnostic check on your vehicle where we can access any repair needs your vehicle may have.
Thanks,
AAMCO Colorado
My check engine light will come on and then the transmission does not shift properly(automatic) its a dodge dakota 2005 it runs great until the check engine light comes on
Mary,
This could indicate an issue within your transmission system, your electrical system or your engine control module. Unfortunately, we can not diagnose your vehicle without seeing it in one of our service centers. If you are local to Colorado stop by one of 14 Colorado AAMCO Service centers and we can perform a free diagnostic check on your vehicle where we can access any repair needs your vehicle may have.
Thanks,
AAMCO Colorado
My 2005 Nissan Altima will not go in gear from park to drive. If you put it in 3rd and then drive it will take off with no problem. I took it to my mechanic he said he checked the transmission and only thing was low fluid. The test gave him no codes at all. The problem is still happening and I don’t know what the issue could be.
Crystal,
If your transmission fluid is low, this could indicate a fluid leak, or the need for a transmission fluid flush. Unfortunately, we can not diagnose your vehicle without seeing it in one of our service centers. If you are local to Colorado stop by one of 14 Colorado AAMCO Service centers stop on by for a vehicle courtesy check.
Thanks,
AAMCO Colorado
I have a Dodge Ram 1500, 2001. Notorious for transmission problems. The other day I started the truck and my rpms at idle would fluctuate up and down for a few seconds. Today I drove to work because when I drove to work and my truck would sputter during the immediate acceleration. The transmission is getting stuck at 2000 rpm at 50mph and struggles on an incline change. I feel the gas isn’t reacting to what I’m putting down and if I put it to the floor slowly I have no acceleration, just hesitation and a slip that shoots over 3000 rpm without any gear shift. Full pump?Filter? Bad sensor? Timing chain/ belt? Or is my trans just messed. I know your probably respond you have to diagnose the issue at one of your locations. All I want is the most common or likely problem to check before I decide to throw any money at the transmission. My trans fuel level is normal hot and still red.