Signs of a Bad Transmission

transmission

The transmission is a very important part of your vehicle, perhaps second only to the engine itself. The transmission makes sure that your wheels are getting enough power to drive at a given speed.

Here at Andy Mohr Honda, we know that you want to keep your transmission in good shape, but how can you tell if it’s in bad shape? What are the signs? If you’re cruising the streets of Bloomington, Ellettsville, and Bedford and notice a strange smell or hear a weird noise, is it your transmission or something else? If you want to know the signs of a bad transmission, read our guide below.

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5 Signs That Your Transmission is Bad

1. Transmission Fluid Leaks transmission service

Leaking transmission fluid is one of the easiest ways to determine that you have a transmission problem. Transmission fluid does not burn up during use like motor oil. If you check your transmission fluid and it’s low, then chances are you have a leak.

Worn gaskets, a loose transmission pan, or an out of balance drive shaft are all common causes of a transmission fluid leak. Checking your transmission fluid regularly is a good way to stay on top of this.

2. Burning Odor

If you start to notice a slight, burning odor, it could be your transmission fluid. Transmission fluid is vital to keeping the transmission lubricated. Burnt fluid may cause the transmission itself to start burning up. This is a problem that can escalate quickly, so it’s important that you get your vehicle inspected if you notice this smell.

3. Delayed Movement

Transmissions are designed to go into the right gear every time. If you feel any hesitation, or your car isn’t moving as fast as the engine revs up, it could be a sign of a bad transmission. This is not just a vehicle concern, but a safety concern, too.

4. Odd Sounds Transmission service

Noises your car can emit may differ between manual and automatic transmissions. A manual transmission will make very abrupt grinding noises when you change gears if it’s faulty. An automatic transmission, on the other hand, will make a whining, humming, or buzzing sound.

If you hear any of these noises, it is best to have your vehicle’s transmission inspected as soon as possible.

5. Warning Lights

Most modern vehicles are equipped with sensors that can detect problems long before you see or hear warning signs. Vibrations and other irregularities will be picked up by these sensors, and they will trigger one of your dashboard lights. The check engine and transmission temperature lights are the most common indicators of transmission trouble.

Signs of Bad Transmission Fluid

Checking your transmission fluid will also help you diagnose any transmission problems. Before checking your dipstick, however, check your vehicle’s manual. It will tell you whether your car should be running when you inspect the fluid. This helps to ensure you get an accurate reading and may vary by model.

When you check your transmission fluid, take a closer look at the color. Transmission fluid is always dyed pink or red to make it easily visible. It should also be translucent. If there is visible dirt or it is dark in color, this could mean you’re due for some new transmission fluid. It could also be the sign of a bad transmission.

Check out how it smells, too. Your transmission fluid should have a sweet or tart smell to it. If it smells burnt, see a professional to have it changed. transmission fluid

What if it’s Not the Transmission?

Warning lights may also pop on when your car has a computer malfunction. If this happens, seek out a trained technician so they can perform a simple reset and get your car back up and running.

Shaking and bumping are signs of a bad transmission, but they can also be caused by broken mounts, which are a simple fix. It can also be caused by a misfiring cylinder, so it’s best to get your car inspected in any case.

You never want to smell anything burning. Whether it’s your car or that chicken you forgot to take out of the oven, it’s never a good sign. When it comes to your vehicle, a bad transmission, may not always be the culprit. Burning smells in your car could be caused by an oil leak or any general fluid that is leaking onto your engine.

Get Your Transmission Serviced Today!

Now that you know the warning signs of a bad transmission, it will be much easier for you to make sure your car is in great shape. If you have noticed any of the warning signs, or have reason to believe your transmission is bad, schedule a service appointment right away.

Drivers in Bloomington, Ellettsville, and Bedford know that Andy Mohr Honda is a trusted name in transmission repair. With us, your vehicle will be in good hands, and you’ll be back out on the road in no time.

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Andy Mohr Honda

1441 Liberty Dr
Bloomington, IN 47403
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Monday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Tuesday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Wednesday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
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Friday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Saturday 8:00AM - 2:00PM
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