The general recommendation for your automatic transmission service is every 30,000 miles. To get the specific recommendation for your automobile, check your owner’s manual. CAR FIX services and repairs both automatic and manual transmissions. Let’s talk about the automatic transmission and this blog post and the signs that your transmission is in need of service or repair.
Check Engine Warning
If the transmission is malfunctioning, you may end up with the check engine warning on the dashboard. This light turns on because the transmission does not have a light specific to it. It’s important to heed a check engine warning, as this light is very accurate in notifying drivers of problems.
Hot or Burning Smells
Alongside the check engine warning, you may also detect hot or burning odors coming from underneath your automobile. This is an indication that the transmission is overheating. The most common reason why the transmission overheats is that the transmission fluid is too low. This fluid is changed during the transmission service, and the system is checked for leaks.
Leaking Transmission Fluid
If your transmission is leaking fluid, you will see spots on your garage floor. These spots will be toward the center of your automobile rather than directly underneath the engine. Transmission fluid is red if it is in good condition. If it is in poor condition, it will be brown, black, or pink.
Problems Shifting Gears
If your vehicle is not shifting gears the way it should be, there is something wrong with your transmission. Specifically, the automobile may skip gears as it shifts through the gear cycle or it may slip out of gear. When this happens, the engine goes into neutral by itself.
Shaking or Vibration
If your vehicle shakes or vibrates when the transmission shifts gears, you have low transmission fluid or something else wrong with the transmission. There will be a little bit of movement due to the changes in the engine’s RPMs, but there shouldn’t be any noticeable movement.
Strange Transmission Sounds
There also shouldn’t be any strange sounds such as grinding or humming. Other signs that your transmission is having problems are clunking or squealing sounds. The only thing you should hear is the difference in your engine’s RPMs.
Unresponsive Transmission
Finally, if you ignore the symptoms listed above, you may end up with an unresponsive transmission. This means you won’t be able to drive your automobile because you cannot get it into gear. It will also refuse to shift through the gears.
CAR FIX is a group of auto service shops in Tennessee. Call the shop closest to you for a transmission inspection if your vehicle is experiencing any of the problems listed above.
