Signs of Automatic Transmission Trouble

If you notice any signs of transmission problems, it's best to take your car in to an experienced transmission mechanic as soon as possible. In some cases, your transmission might be able to be repaired, which costs less than a complete rebuild or replacement. Here are some signs of transmission trouble.

One of the most obvious signs you need to have your transmission serviced is your service warning lights. Your check engine light could come on if your transmission fluid is low. If you don't have enough transmission fluid, the fluid you do have could burn out and cause your transmission to run too hot. 

Depending on what sensors your vehicle has, other warning lights can illuminate if your transmission has problems. Most shops have diagnostic devices that can check for error codes when any warning lights come on your dash, so it's best to take your car to a professional for a check if any lights come on.

Like manual transmissions, automatic transmissions can begin to slip when you change gears. You might feel like your car changes gears for no reason or feel like the car struggles to accelerate if your transmission slips.

Slippage usually happens as the clutch system wears down, but it can also happen if you have a bad pump, a clogged filter, or low transmission fluid pressure. If you feel your transmission slip, it's best to take it in right away, as this problem tends to get worse over time if you don't have the transmission serviced.

Your transmission fluid won't leak or run low unless there's a problem, so if you notice any wet spots under your car after it's been parked, check to see what kind of fluid it is. You can put a clean piece of cardboard under your parked car to check to see if your transmission fluid is what's leaking. 

Transmission fluid is usually bright red, but older fluid can appear brown or dark red. If you determine that your transmission fluid is what's leaking, take it in for service so you don't damage the transmission further by driving with low fluid.

Leaks can be caused by several different things, including bad seals or gaskets, a loose transmission pan, worn axles on a front-wheel drive vehicle, or a drive shaft that's out of balance.

Automatic transmissions should shift smoothly when they work properly. If you notice your car takes longer to shift into higher gears as you accelerate, it's probably time to service your transmission. You may feel or hear a thud when your car gets into gear as well, or the vehicle might seem to lag behind when you try to accelerate if the transmission has trouble shifting.

Another sign of transmission trouble is if your automatic transmission has a delay when you shift from park to drive. If your engine revs when you give the car gas, but it doesn't move right away once you shift into drive, your transmission is likely the culprit.

You might notice strange sounds or smells when your transmission needs to be repaired or is nearing the end of its life. On an automatic transmission, you most likely won't hear a grinding sound like you would with a manual transmission. Automatic transmissions tend to make a buzzing or whining sound when they experience problems.

Transmission fluid usually has a faint sweet odor. If you smell a burning odor, your transmission fluid likely needs to be changed. If you don't change your fluid once you start to smell burning, it could result in irreparable damage to the transmission, which means you'll need to have it rebuilt or replaced.

Powers Transmissions has been providing full service auto repair to vehicle owners in central Kentucky since 1977. If you're experiencing any transmission problems, contact us today to schedule an appointment at one of our three convenient locations in Lexington and Nicholasville, Kentucky.