Transmission Problems You Should Not Ignore

Transmission Problems You Shouldn’t Ignore

Who’s Afraid of Their Transmission?

Of all the issues which may arise in your car, there is one component that universally elicits a sense of panic – the transmission. Your transmission is one of the most elaborate and critical (not to mention expensive) parts in your car. Its entire purpose is to provide the proper amount of power to your wheels… It literally keeps you driving.

There are some clear indicators that you may be heading for trouble if you are a conscientious driver. If you begin to experience any transmission related issues, it is imperative that you don’t panic and don’t ignore these signs. These issues will never resolve themselves, and in some cases, catching the problems early enough can save you a tremendous amount of money and headache.

So, how do you know if something has gone awry? When is it time to get your vehicle inspected? If you have experienced any of the following symptoms, we encourage you to make an appointment right away.

Signs, Sounds, and Indicators

Let’s begin by stating that some of these issues may not immediately indicate that your transmission is vulnerable; however, these signs have all been associated with transmission problems in some capacity. Anytime your vehicle’s performance becomes abnormal, you should be aware of what underlying issues might be responsible.

Check Engine Light Comes On

Everyone knows the check engine light. It is a way for your vehicle to communicate there is a problem somewhere in the engine that requires your attention. Frequently, people ignore this light and continue to go about their lives as normal, until one day the car won’t start. Occasionally, the check engine light may come on for no reason, but this can easily be verified by a quick computer test to check which error codes are appearing. Regardless of what you may think is happening under the hood, you should never ignore this light – always get it checked.

Related: My Check Engine Light is On

Fluid Leaking

Your transmission is an incredibly complicated piece of technology, with over 800 individual parts housed in a sealed case. Since this unit is sealed, a leak immediately indicates a problem. Should you start to notice any bright red, dark red, or brown fluid on the ground below your car – you may be dealing with a transmission leak. Your vehicle will require maintenance immediately.

Related:  Why is my Transmission Fluid Leaking [INFOGRAPHIC]

Slipping Transmission

A slipping transmission can point to a variety of transmission related issues such as low fluid levels, fluid leaks, worn gears, and solenoid problems. Thankfully, it is relatively easy to notice a slipping transmission – particularly if you’re driving an automatic. Your engine will change in pitch, for instance, it may go from a low rumble to a high-pitched whine, and your RPMs will increase dramatically, despite driving the same speed. Alternately, your vehicle may feel underpowered when trying to upshift from a lower speed. Transmission slippage can be dangerous and may lead to more severe transmission problems if not addressed appropriately.

Related: My Transmission is Slipping

Difficulty Shifting

When an automatic transmission is beginning to fail, it may feel as though your vehicle is fighting against you. The gears refuse to shift as they normally would, or struggle to get you up to speed. You may hear (or feel) a thud or clunk when the vehicle shifts gears. If you begin to hear sounds, or if you are experiencing difficult with shifting, it is important to determine the source of these issues before they can progress.

Delay in Response when Shifting Gears

At any point, have you noticed your car hesitating when you attempt to shift gears? For example, when you switch from “Park” to “Drive,” does it seem as though it takes a few seconds for your vehicle to catch up? You press the gas pedal, you hear the engine rev, but the vehicle doesn’t move forward as it normally does. This hesitation typically manifests when the transmission is malfunctioning.

Transmission repairs can range drastically in price depending on the severity of the issue and the make and model of your vehicle. If you have experienced any sort of transmission issue, in any capacity, you should have your car serviced as soon as possible. These issues tend to escalate and develop into worse, more complicating (and costly) problems when not addressed right away.

AAMCO Colorado Transmission Experts Can Help

At AAMCO Colorado, we have dedicated ourselves to understanding the way transmissions work, the problems they experience, and how to fix them. You don’t have to face transmission problems alone. Entrust the experts at your local Colorado AAMCO transmission repair center to help you get your car back on the road in top condition!

Book an appointment online today, or call your local AAMCO Colorado transmission and auto repair center.