If you’ve owned a car for any significant amount of time, you’ve probably gained the ability to detect the telltale signs that something might be wrong with it. A sinking feeling caused by a funny noise, a strange vibration, or even the most obvious sign: the Check Engine light — all indicators that your car might be in need of repair. For transmissions, some of these signs are obvious and some are more subtle — and they don’t always trigger a Check Engine notification or throw a code. Here are some things that signal it is time to have your transmission checked out.
Obvious Symptoms
Are your gears slipping? Or will your car not go into gear at all? These are signs that your transmission needs to be looked at. The transmission’s primary function is to engage and manipulate the gears of your engines, so if you’re having any issues with changing gears, your transmission is the most likely source of the issue.
Shake, Rattle, and Drag?!
The same goes for grinding or shaking when changing gears (even on an automatic transmission), or something called clutch drag, which is when there’s too much give or slack on the clutch pedal on a manual transmission.
Subtle Signals
Some signs of transmission trouble are a little less obvious than issues with changing gears. If your car suddenly starts to make unusual noises (whether in neutral or just during normal operation), or you smell something odd coming from the engine when the car is running, this almost certainly indicates some kind of issue, and can be indicators of transmission trouble. (And to be clear, any kind of burning smell should be investigated immediately.)
A Leak is Not Normal
Leaking fluids are never a good sign, and it’s possible that that fluid could be from your transmission. If the leaking fluid is red in color and has a sweet smell, or if you check the transmission fluid level on the dipstick in your engine and it isn’t at the correct level, you may have a transmission fluid leak.
It’s Almost Never Nothing
Finally, if the Check Engine light comes on and there isn’t an obvious reason for it to do so, it could be anything, but it is definitely something telling the car’s computer that it needs attention. Many transmission issues will trigger the light and a code, and it is fairly easy to get that first step diagnosis with help from your friends at Pearson Auto.
Make the Move Sooner Rather than Later
If you’ve worked through this list and checked any of these boxes, it is time to get your car’s engine and transmission checked out. If you’re in Fairbanks or North Pole, AK, stop by and see us at Pearson Auto! Our team will help you figure out what’s going on. Make an appointment today.