If you are driving along and your check engine light comes on, Ricks Auto Center advises that the transmission may be malfunctioning. A check engine warning is just one sign that the transmission is going bad. We are going to list the other signs below.
Shifts Into Neutral
One of the things that a faulty transmission will do is shift itself into neutral while you are driving. When this happens, you will notice a spike in your engine’s RPMs. The engine will also lose significant power, and, consequently, your vehicle will lose speed.
Fails to Shift the Gears
The transmission can also fail to shift through the gear cycle if it is going bad. This will leave you stuck in one gear with an inability to pick up speed because the transmission will not shift into the next gear. A failing transmission can also skip gears.
Refuses to Respond
If the transmission is really in trouble, it will fail to respond when you attempt to put it into gear. You will get no reaction from the transmission, and your vehicle will remain in Park or Neutral. This will strand you where you are at.
Leaks Transmission Fluid
Sometimes, the transmission problem is something simple, such as leaking fluid. This can damage the transmission, however, so it’s important to have the fluid leak repaired as soon as possible. You want to make sure there is plenty of fluid in the transmission.
Overheats
If there isn’t, the transmission will overheat. You will detect that it is overheating because you will smell burning odors coming from underneath your automobile. In addition, the transmission may start to act up if it is generating too much heat.
Makes Strange Noises
A malfunctioning transmission can also make strange noises while it is in operation. For example, it may squeal or hum when it is in neutral. The transmission may grind the gears if the fluid level is too low. The transmission may also clunk when it shifts the gears or when you put it into gear.
Vibrates the Car
Finally, if the transmission is not operating as it should be, your vehicle may vibrate every time the transmission shifts through the gear cycle. The gear shifts should be smooth and relatively unnoticeable. If they are rough and your vehicle vibrates, the transmission needs to be serviced.
There you have it. Ricks Auto Center in Hamden, CT, has listed the signs of a faulty transmission so you know what to look for in your automobile.