Today, Budget Transmission in Centennial shares the telltale signs your transmission is going bad. Like most working parts of a car or truck, things will eventually wear down or break, requiring repair or maintenance. Be aware of the way your vehicle operates, and listen for symptoms and signs that could alarm you of serious harm to your transmission. Here are some things to watch and listen for:
- Strange noises such as whining, clunking or buzzing are not normal. This could just be a worn clutch, but it could also be your transmission’s gear synchronizers, along with fluid and a whole other source of transmission issues. Some culprits can also include constant velocity joints (CV joints), or even your differential may be tiring. Be sure to have it checked out soon.
- Delayed response when switching gears could be low transmission fluid, wrong viscosity (thickness) of fluid, or requires adjusting of the shift cables or clutch linkage, as well as other possibilities.
- Burning smell usually indicates an overheating issue or the transmission fluid could be low or dirty. Have the fluid changed or flushed if discolored, and be sure to have a complete inspection. Transmission fluid not only keeps the transmission’s many moving parts lubricated, but it prevents the unit from burning itself up and helps to cool the engine.
- Leaking fluid on the ground underneath where you have parked is a good indication that your transmission is leaking. The liquid is bright red, but can also be a dark red or brown. Transmissions are tightly sealed and should not be leaking, so have your local transmission specialist check it out promptly and follow factory specifications.
- Gears grinding when shifting whether in an automatic or manual will differ, but either way, it could mean your transmission is going bad. This is something you do not want to leave unattended to, as it can cause further, more expensive damage.
- Being noisy in neutral is not normal and could indicate mechanical wear that will need replacement of parts. Some standard parts that tend to wear out are a reverse idler gear, bearings, or gear teeth.
- Warning lights on the dashboard could mean something as simple as your gas tank flap is open, but it can also mean your transmission is going bad. A warning light often means the computer is generating an error code that can be checked with a shop’s diagnostic equipment. Specifically, a “P0700” is a code that can indicate a general transmission problem and should be looked at immediately.
- A dragging clutch is one that will not engage the clutch disk from the flywheel when the driver pushes in the clutch pedal. Fortunately this is not a huge expense and usually just requires an adjustment, but it can also indicate some transmission issues as well, as all parts are usually moving as a team, so do not delay in having an inspection.
These signs your transmission is going bad is a great way to take a mental inventory of the state of your vehicle’s health. Be sure to call Budget Transmission immediately for quick and knowledgeable service for all your transmission needs and more. Our certified technicians are here to provide quality parts, service and advice with affordable and competitive prices.