The automatic transmission is perhaps one of the most complex systems in your vehicle. That’s because the transmission is responsible for transferring power from your engine to your vehicle’s driveshaft. This critical system works hard to perform its function and subjects the transmission to a significant amount of heat and friction that can result in wear and tear.
The good news is that your vehicle’s transmission has many ways of telling you that there may be problems on the horizon. In this month’s blog, we examine common transmission problems and what signs to look for in emerging problems. We also discuss important maintenance items that can help to reduce the likelihood of problems over time.
Low or Leaking Transmission Fluid
The amount of movement that is generated in the transmission means that parts need to be protected from heat and friction. Transmission fluid plays a key role in keeping the transmission components lubricated, protected from damaging heat, and cleaned.
Low or leaking transmission fluid is one of the main contributors to many other automatic transmission problems. There is naturally some burn off from transmission fluid but if there is a consistently low level, even after replacement, there is more likely a leak.
What to do:
- Check transmission fluid levels once monthly, especially if there is a lot of heavy driving. The best method is to warm the engine up briefly, then shut the vehicle off and check the level. Consult with your owner’s manual for specific information about your vehicle and the proper fluid level.
- Stay alert to possible leaks by checking on the ground under the front of the vehicle. If you park in the same spot, this should be easy to detect. Transmission fluid is a distinctive translucent red color, with a sweet smell. If your transmission fluid is dark or foul smelling, then it should be replaced.
Slipping or Grinding Gears
Slipping or grinding gears are two issues that you may experience when there are damaged gears or other components of the transmission or even low or no transmission fluid. Slipping gears is when your transmission will not stay in one gear, and it slips into different gears. In this situation you may have difficulty trying to accelerate. Grinding gears, on the other hand, are when you are having difficulty changing gears.
What to do:
- Check transmission fluid levels. If a fluid check indicates low or no fluid, add fluid according to your vehicle specifications.
- Stay alert to grinding sounds, and high RPMs when trying to accelerate. These are indications that there may be some damage to your gears or transmission components. These issues should be addressed by a service professional as soon as possible, as they can create safety issues while operating the vehicle.
Dashboard Warning Lights
Depending on your specific vehicle warnings, the Check Engine Light or other warnings may flash when there are transmission problems.
What to do:
- Always address dashboard warnings right away, especially the Check Engine light. By ignoring these warnings, you may be putting yourself and your passengers into danger or delayed responses can result in further damage and costly repairs to your vehicle.
Preventative Maintenance for Transmissions
Transmission problems can become costly for vehicle owners, and repairs or replacement may also be time-consuming and inconvenient. That’s why it is important for owners to stay alert to potential problems and follow a periodic maintenance routine to keep their automatic transmissions in top working order.
There are three maintenance tasks you should follow regularly:
- Check transmission fluid levels monthly, replenish when needed.
- Replace transmission fluid and filter every 30,000 miles driven.
- Check for fluid leaks under the vehicle on a regular basis. Catching leaks early can be a big factor in keeping the repair costs down.
If you are concerned about your vehicle’s transmission, get in touch with the service professionals at Car Kings. Contact us to schedule an appointment and a full inspection of your vehicle’s transmission. We will provide you with recommendations on any necessary repairs or replacements.