How To Troubleshoot Your Transmission

Your car's transmission is a very important piece of machinery under the hood. It is a mechanism of multiple parts that helps supply power to the motor to help your car operate properly. There are a variety of signs that indicate transmission troubles and suggest you should have your car looked at. It is important that you do not ignore the signs of transmission problems, or you could be paying a lot of money for major repairs. Here are some ways to troubleshoot different problems with your transmission.

The Transmission Fluid is Leaking

If you notice liquid coming out from under the hood or on other mechanisms, it might be coming from your transmission. In most vehicles, the transmission fluid is red, so it is easy to spot and tell the difference from transmission and other fluid. If the fluid is a yellowish-brown color, it is probably oil and not transmission fluid. Some places you might see the red fluid include at the hole underneath the transmission that acts as a drain, on the ground below where you parked your car, between the engine and the transmission, and where the speed sensor is mounted.

There is a Burning Smell

Another sign of transmission trouble is if there is a burning smell. While some burning smells are not from the transmission, they are all a good reason to have your vehicle checked. Burning smell in your car is often the result of transmission fluid that is overheating or leaking onto the radiator or engine. If you smell anything odd, bring your vehicle into a mechanic at a place like Goodeal Life Time Transmissions to have it looked at. This may be an easy fix, but only if you take it in right away.

Shaking or Grinding

If you feel shaking or hear grinding that is not due to your brakes or tires, it might be a sign of transmission problems. The grinding is most likely from the gears if you have a manual transmission. Your clutch may need to be repaired, especially if you hear grinding along with difficulty changing gears. Shaking is more common when there are transmission problems with an automatic transmission. Your vehicle might start shaking or making other odd movements while driving.

The Check Engine Light is On

The infamous check engine light is something many vehicle owners ignore, assuming it is no big deal. While it may not be a serious problem, you should always get your car looked at when that light comes on. It is very often due to a problem with the transmission. This sensor might be telling you that there is unusual activity coming from your transmission, acting as an early warning sign. Getting whatever repairs are needed now can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars later on.

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