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Automobile Repair Transmission - Symptoms Of Transmission Problem

How to spot a car’s transmission problems

Whether you drive an automatic or manual car, the transmission system plays a key role in moving your car from one place to another. The transmission comprises a network of interconnected parts that supply power from the engine to the tires. Unfortunately, these parts are susceptible to wear and tear due to constant friction and heat. While proper maintenance may help your car run beyond the 100,000-mile threshold, you need to get transmission repairs immediately if you experience symptoms of transmission problems with your car.

Common Automatic transmission repair issues

  • Dirty or smelly transmission fluid
  • Check engine lights flashing
  • Shaking, grinding, and slips during acceleration
  • Funny sounds from the vehicle
  • Burnt smell
  • Gear shifter problems
 

These symptoms are simply telling you to pay more attention to one of the components of the car’s transmission or warning that it is time for auto repair. The longer you operate your car with these transmission issues, the more expensive you will pay for transmission repair services.

These transmission problems remind you to schedule a date with your mechanic.

The average American drives 13,474 miles every year. A properly maintained car transmission will work for about 100,000 miles. This means that your vehicle can serve you for a cool 7 years before you think about fixing, replacing, or rebuilding the current transmission.  Sometimes, the transmission’s health depends on the speed with which you drive, the make and model of your vehicle, and the purpose for which you use the vehicle. However, even well-maintained cars can leave you stuck in the middle of the highway when the engine fails to power the wheels. Rebuilding transmissions is as costly as buying a new transmission. Take note of these symptoms of a faulty transmission and save money:

1. Dirty or smelly transmission fluid

A car’s transmission system comprises many moving parts that need constant lubrication to run smoothly. Furthermore, this fluid protects the parts from rusting and overheating. Transmission fluid color can tell you what is happening inside the vehicle and if it is time to go for transmission repair, replacement, or rebuilding. Pay attention to the following transmission fluid color changes and take the necessary action:

  • Transparent red or blue color is healthy for the transmission system.
 

  • Old or dirty transmission fluid has a dark brown color. This will affect the lubrication process and could damage the transmission system. Visit a repair shop for a fluid flush or filter replacement. If the fluid has a foul smell, some of the components of the car transmission are damaged and need immediate repairs or rebuilding.
 

  • Light pink fluid is contaminated with the coolant and requires a replacement or rebuilding.
   

Summary: Transmission is one of the most sensitive components of an automotive. However, a simple fluid change can save you a lot of money if you detect it early. Visit our repair shop in San Jose for regular vehicle maintenance.

2. Check engine lights flashing

Check engine lights for various problems; one of them is low transmission fluid and engine problems. When the transmission fluid is low, the parts will not lubricate properly, exposing them to overheating and damage. In addition, leaks in the system could cause a low fluid problem.

Summary: It is tempting but dangerous to drive with the check engine lights on; call a mechanic for assistance. Our auto repair shop in San Jose can identify what is causing the check engine lights to flash and fix the issue at an affordable cost.

3. Shaking, grinding, and slips during acceleration

When you rev the vehicle, it should accelerate smoothly. If you do not see any change in the speed after revving or the vehicle shakes, the transmission might have problems. In automatic transmissions, solenoids are responsible for upshifting and downshifting. However, wear interferes with this upshift and downshift process, causing gears to slip. On the other hand, manual transmission consists of gear input and output shaft, clutch pedal, shifter, flywheel, and pressure plate, which coordinate communication between the engine and wheels. Any wear in any of these parts will affect the gear shifting system. In addition to slips, the car may start to shake when you try to accelerate. Visit our auto repair shop in San Jose to see if you need to have your transmission rebuilt.

Summary: A car should accelerate smoothly without any hitches or lags. If there is a sluggish response from the transmission or a shaking, see a mechanic immediately.

4. Funny sounds from the vehicle

If your vehicle suddenly starts producing weird sounds such as humming or buzzing sounds, it is time to visit a mechanic for a transmission repair. You can also hear these sounds when you try to shift gears. For example, worn out or sluggish needle bearings in an automatic transmission will cause the vehicle to produce a grinding or brushing noise. Likewise, you may hear a machine-like sound when you engage a damaged gear or when transmission fluid levels are too low for manual transmissions.

Summary: Different factors might cause your car to produce funny noises, such as worn bearings, loose exhaust system, problems with the engine, or other loose parts. The costs of repairs or replacement will depend on the cost of faulty parts and labor. Call our repair shop for a quote.

5. Burning smell

You can smell burnt fluid in the dipstick. You can smell it in leaks. A burning smell could come from overheating parts due to problems with the lubrication system.  A mechanic can help check if your vehicle needs a fluid change, transmission leak repairs, or replacements.

Summary: Unresolved transmission problems will cause your automotive breakdown, which can drive up the cost of repairs. Call a mechanic as soon as you smell something burning or see a leak.

6. Gear shifter problems

Moving your vehicle from parking gear to reverse or other gears should be smooth. However, if the transmission is faulty, you will have difficulties shifting gears. Whether driving a manual or automatic transmission vehicle, always ensure that the car stops completely before engaging the reverse gear from the drive mode.

Summary: If you want your transmission to operate for longer, avoid driving habits that wear it out. For manual transmissions, avoid stepping on the clutch while driving, as this will destroy transmission components. For automatic cars, do not drive while stepping on the brake pad. Instead, always follow the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions on how to take care of the vehicle.

Manual vs automatic transmission

While it is easy to push start with a manual transmission, an automatic transmission has to be fixed for you to operate the car. If you experience a sign of wear or tear with the transmission, visit a transmission repair expert for assistance. The last thing you want is to get stuck in the middle of nowhere and then incur extra costs towing your car to the auto repair shop. Transmission is one of the most important and costly systems to replace in your car. Call our transmission repair crew on (408) 629-4205 for a computer system check and advice on keeping yours operational for longer.

Call Mike’s Transmissions for quick service

Are you looking for manual transmission replacements, automatic transmission repairs in San Jose? Mike’s Transmissions shop has trained mechanics who will help get your car up and running again. We can assure you that replacing a faulty part will cost less than buying a new transmission or rebuilt transmission. We have partnered with leading brands to ensure that you get quality parts that will give you value for your money. As a result, you can expect to pay less for repairs and maintenance of transmission than other auto shops nearby. Call us at (408) 629-4205 to book driveshaft repair, clutch repair, axle repair, transmission repairs and flush services.


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