The transmission of your car can develop issues that need to be solved. Ask these five questions to know if the transmission developed problems.
The transmission mechanism is a vital aspect of a car. It ensures the supply of the proper amount of power to the car’s wheels while driving it.
The remarkable thing about the transmission is that it does not show signs of stopping to work if you do not service it. For example, the engine stops working if you do not change the oil. Likewise, the car overheats if you do not change the fluid in the radiator.
Although the transmission does not show such signs, it calls for some types of services. And the servicing correlates with the frequency of changing the transmission fluid.
The best way to figure out if the transmission is constrained by some issues is to explore answers to the following questions:
#1. Why Has the Check Engine Light Turned On?
Usually, the check engine warning light in the dash turns on if any transmission issue develops in the car.
If you see the light turning on, you should not panic but stay calm. And, you should call a certified mechanic to diagnose and solve the problem.
However, the solution is not simple and calls for specialized techniques specific to different cars. Therefore, you should ensure that you engage a competent mechanic who is certified and has the specialized tools equipped to perform the transmission.
#2. Why is there a Delay in Transmission While Going Into Gear?
Drivers often experience a delay after getting the transmission into gear and getting engaged with the engine. It is called delayed engagement, often experienced by drivers in colder parts of the world.
However, it might indicate some issues if you are experiencing delayed engagement in a not cold environment. For example, there can be issues with the transmission filter.
So, call a competent mechanic to inspect the underlying issue and solve the problem.
#3. Why is the Transmission Fluid Leaking?
You will quickly recognize the transmission fluid. It is a translucent red and is distinctive.
If you see the fluid leaking and a spill underneath your car, it could indicate issues with the transmission.
Again, if the leaked oil smells burnt or has a blackish tint, it is a potential indicator of a problem with the transmission.
If your eyes are untrained, you cannot detect the leak. Therefore, you should call a trained car mechanic to spot the problem and solve it quickly.
Remember, such a leak must be quickly fixed as it will worsen with time. And, your car will stop running if you fail to replace the transmission fluid.
There can be multiple reasons behind such a leak, such as a gap in the pan gasket, fluid lines, torque converter, transmission pan, etc.
It is a tedious affair to locate the exact cause. And ensure that you delegate the task of fixing the cause of such a leak to an experienced mechanic.
#4. Why is the Transmission Slipping Out of Gear?
If you see your car shifting gears automatically or experiencing a delay in acceleration after pressing the accelerator, you can regard these indications of the transmission slipping.
In addition, there can be other indications of transmission slippage, such as difficulty in reversing and shifting gears apart from burnt smells.
Although there can be different issues behind giving rise to transmission slippage, the common causes are low fluid levels, broken transmission bands, worn-out gears, and solenoid problems.
Therefore, you should call an experienced mechanic to examine the issue if you see any such indications.
There may be no need to replace the transmission in all cases. However, replacing a few key parts will suffice in many cases.
#5. Why is the Transmission Jerking?
When the transmission fluid gets clogged while moving through the transmission or the car is low on the fluid, irregular shifts can result. Remember, the transmission is a complicated part of your car.
Your car will be subjected to jerks if the gear shifting becomes rough. So, you should call a mechanic immediately or take your car to the repair shop if you experience such jerks. The underlying issue can negatively affect the performance of your car apart from compromising safety.
We do not recommend you try to fix transmission issues yourself unless you are a trained mechanic. As these are complex issues, only a trained mechanic can diagnose and solve them.
In addition, these issues require specialized equipment, and a simple mistake can necessitate the replacement of the entire transmission.
You can also avoid such issues by adhering to the car service schedule.
Conclusion
Like any other car part, the transmission can also develop defects. And, you should look for the signs of issues in the transmission. If you detect any, you should call a competent mechanic to solve it.
