5 Early Signs of Car Transmission Problems
These clues suggest that it's time to get a transmission checkup.
Aaron Miller | Capital One
From Fords to Ferraris, the automatic transmission is a complex piece of equipment. It's important to pay attention to anything that could indicate a problem is brewing. These five clues should send you to a transmission repair shop for a professional diagnosis.
A Slipping Transmission Needs Attention
"Slipping" occurs when an automatic transmission is unable to fully engage the proper gear. The most common symptom of a slipping transmission is the sensation that engine speed is rising without an increase in acceleration or vehicle speed.
This is because the gearbox is unable to completely transmit the power that is being provided by the motor. Slipping may be particularly noticeable in between automatic gear changes.
Transmission slipping also can manifest as delayed acceleration, higher-than-usual engine revs for the speed you are traveling, and excess heat being generated during normal driving.
Delayed Transmission Shifts Indicate a Problem
Slipping isn't the only sign of a transmission problem. Delayed shifts when the vehicle is put into gear can mean it's time to make a service appointment.
If you shift your transmission into drive or reverse but there's a pause before the vehicle begins to move, or if shifting from one gear to another while underway takes more time than usual, you're seeing a strong indication of trouble.
Keep an Eye Out for Leaking Transmission Fluid
Most automatic transmissions make use of hydraulic fluid pressure in order to change from one gear to another. Not only does this fluid actuate the internal mechanisms of the transmission, it also serves to cool the transmission and acts as a lubricant.
When this fluid begins to leak, it can quickly have a negative impact on the performance and longevity of your gearbox. Reduced cooling capacity means excess heat can build up and potentially damage the transmission. Low fluid pressure can also lead to problems with gear shifts and create slippage.
Leaking transmission fluid — whether it's a puddle under your vehicle or a wet film on the undercarriage — is an indicator of a problem that must be dealt with before it causes more serious issues.
If the Transmission Makes Strange Noises, Get It Checked
A transmission is a complex piece of machinery, and any unusual sounds coming from it while driving or idling are typically a sign that something is amiss. The most obvious noise to listen for is gear grinding, which is a metal-on-metal sound, but even something seemingly innocuous such as a whine that rises and falls with vehicle speed may mean trouble, especially if either of these noises is loud enough to hear over the sound of the vehicle moving down the road.
A Burning Smell Could Be a Sign of Transmission Issues
An automatic transmission has to manage high amounts of heat, especially when the vehicle is towing or being driven aggressively, such as on a racetrack. To accomplish this, it needs fresh fluid topped off at factory levels.
Over time, if that fluid level drops or the fluid ages and becomes clogged with contaminants, it can lose its ability to keep things cool, leading to a burning smell while driving. Any unusual smell from the transmission can indicate a fluid problem that should be addressed to avoid further damage.
Written by humans.
Edited by humans.
Benjamin HuntingBenjamin Hunting is a writer and podcast host who contributes to a number of newspapers, automotive magazines, and online publications. More than a decade into his career, he enjoys keeping the shiny side up during track days and always has one too many classic vehicle projects partially disassembled in his garage at any given time. Remember, if it's not leaking, it's probably empty.
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