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Signs That Your Transmission is Failing

How do you know if your transmission is bad? Maybe you're hearing strange noises. Maybe your car is slipping between gears as you drive. Whatever your reasons for suspecting a faulty transmission, here are just a few red flags that you shouldn't ignore.

  1. Check Engine Light: The first sign of a bad transmission is one that you'll notice immediately: the "check engine" light on your dashboard. Some vehicles even have specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) that you can check in an owner's manual.
  2. Difficulties When Changing Gears: Another tell-tale sign of a faulty transmission is a problem with shifting gears. Your car might shake when you try to go from park to drive, or your gear changes might feel strangely stiff.
  3. Slipping Gears: Has your vehicle ever changed gears without warning? This is what's known as "slipping" gears. You might also notice that your engine revs for a long time before your gears finally change. This can be a sign that your engine is overworking because of a faulty transmission.
  4. Liquid Leaks: Look out for a reddish-pink fluid that drips beneath your vehicle. It's transmission fluid, and its presence can signal very serious damage to your transmission. The fluid might also be brown if it's very old.
  5. Bad Odors: You know what your car is supposed to smell like. If that changes, it might be time for transmission repair. Be particularly wary of a burning smell, especially if it's accompanied by smoke. That could be a clue that your engine is overheating.
  6. Strange Sounds: Do your gear shifts make grinding sounds? Are there strange clunks or whines coming from under the hood? These could be caused by a number of transmission problems, including worn-out parts.
  7. No Response From Your Transmission: Your car just won't shift gears. It's one of the most obvious signs of transmission trouble, and it's one that you won't want to ignore. You need to be able to change gears smoothly to stay safe on the road.

These are just a few signs that you might need transmission repair. You've already asked yourself, "How do you know if your transmission is bad?" Your next step is reaching out to a reliable and trustworthy professional. Get your transmission checked by an expert technician at a certified auto repair shop, and they'll put you back on the road in no time.

Need to know how do you know if your transmission is bad? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about transmission repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.

About the Author

Gary Starkey

Gary Starkey

Owner – Gary’s Quality Automotive, Grand Island, NE

Gary Starkey is the owner of Gary’s Quality Automotive in Grand Island, NE. With over 30 years of experience in auto repair, he and his ASE-certified team are committed to honest, quality service and building long-term relationships with local drivers. View Gary's Full Profile →

Wondering how do you know if your transmission is bad? Learn common warning signs and schedule professional transmission repair service.

Signs That Your Transmission is Failing

How do you know if your transmission is bad? Maybe you're hearing strange noises. Maybe your car is slipping between gears as you drive. Whatever your reasons for suspecting a faulty transmission, here are just a few red flags that you shouldn't ignore.

  1. Check Engine Light: The first sign of a bad transmission is one that you'll notice immediately: the "check engine" light on your dashboard. Some vehicles even have specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) that you can check in an owner's manual.
  2. Difficulties When Changing Gears: Another tell-tale sign of a faulty transmission is a problem with shifting gears. Your car might shake when you try to go from park to drive, or your gear changes might feel strangely stiff.
  3. Slipping Gears: Has your vehicle ever changed gears without warning? This is what's known as "slipping" gears. You might also notice that your engine revs for a long time before your gears finally change. This can be a sign that your engine is overworking because of a faulty transmission.
  4. Liquid Leaks: Look out for a reddish-pink fluid that drips beneath your vehicle. It's transmission fluid, and its presence can signal very serious damage to your transmission. The fluid might also be brown if it's very old.
  5. Bad Odors: You know what your car is supposed to smell like. If that changes, it might be time for transmission repair. Be particularly wary of a burning smell, especially if it's accompanied by smoke. That could be a clue that your engine is overheating.
  6. Strange Sounds: Do your gear shifts make grinding sounds? Are there strange clunks or whines coming from under the hood? These could be caused by a number of transmission problems, including worn-out parts.
  7. No Response From Your Transmission: Your car just won't shift gears. It's one of the most obvious signs of transmission trouble, and it's one that you won't want to ignore. You need to be able to change gears smoothly to stay safe on the road.

These are just a few signs that you might need transmission repair. You've already asked yourself, "How do you know if your transmission is bad?" Your next step is reaching out to a reliable and trustworthy professional. Get your transmission checked by an expert technician at a certified auto repair shop, and they'll put you back on the road in no time.

Need to know how do you know if your transmission is bad? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about transmission repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.

About the Author

Gary Starkey

Gary Starkey

Owner – Gary’s Quality Automotive, Grand Island, NE

Gary Starkey is the owner of Gary’s Quality Automotive in Grand Island, NE. With over 30 years of experience in auto repair, he and his ASE-certified team are committed to honest, quality service and building long-term relationships with local drivers. View Gary's Full Profile →

Gary Starkey
Gary's Quality AutomotiveAuto Repair Shop in Grand Island, NE

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