Experiencing transmission failure is a common and significant problem for cars, and identifying the root cause can often be challenging. If left unattended, transmission problems can negatively impact your engine’s performance and overall vehicle efficiency and result in costly repairs. It’s crucial to be aware of and pay attention to the telltale signs of transmission problems to avoid further damage and take your car to a trusted transmission shop for diagnosis and repair.
The following symptoms may indicate transmission issues:
- Warning Light: Your Check Engine light may illuminate in conjunction with other problems, indicating transmission issues. In case this happens, you should take your vehicle to a certified technician for diagnosis and troubleshooting.
- Noisy Transmission: Shifting gears or moving out of idle positions may produce strange noises such as clanging, banging, or screeching, indicating potential problems. Solutions range from a simple replacement of transmission fluid to a costly and complex overhaul or replacement of the transmission.
- Leaking Fluid: A sealed transmission system should never lose fluid. If you notice a dripping oil that is colored in shades of red or brown, it may indicate transmission problems.
- Muddy Fluid: Transmission fluid should have a slightly sweet smell and be bright red in color. If the fluid starts to look murky, it’s a sign of potential issues.
- Burning Smell: The smell of something burning could indicate an overheating transmission, which could be a potential fire hazard. Immediate action is necessary, and your vehicle should be inspected at the shop.
- Fluid Leakage: The above-mentioned burning smell may also point to fluid leakage from your automobile. Regularly checking for leaks is necessary to prevent more severe problems.
- Slipping Gears: If your transmission is slipping gears, it could pop out of gear while you’re driving, a serious issue that needs immediate attention. This is often caused by a lack of enough transmission fluid, but it could also be due to more serious problems.
- Delays in Movement: If your vehicle stalls for a few seconds and hesitates to move after shifting gears, it could indicate gearbox malfunction or transmission fluid problems. Take your vehicle to the shop to diagnose and repair the issue.
- Surging: Contaminated transmission fluid can cause your vehicle to spring forward or backward for no apparent reason, known as “surging.” A transmission fluid flush could solve this problem.
- Unable to Reverse: Your vehicle won’t move when put in reverse, a significant and obvious sign that your transmission is in big trouble.
- No Starting/Slow Starting: If your vehicle won’t start or only starts after several attempts, it could indicate transmission trouble, which becomes more frequent in cold weather.
If you encounter any of these symptoms, bring your car to Angel’s El Toro Transmission for diagnosis and repair. Our experienced and certified technicians have been serving clients in Mission Viejo and nearby communities for over three decades. Call (949) 587-9060 for an appointment or fill out the contact form on our website to schedule transmission repair services or general auto repair. At Angel’s El Toro Transmission, honesty, integrity, and the quality of their work are the foundation of our success, ensuring your complete satisfaction.
