Transmission repairs are one of the most expensive of all car repairs, so it's important to keep your eyes out for the warning signs your transmission is going out. None of us enjoy dealing with car problems; However, the faster you take action to repair the problem, the fewer complications you have to deal with.
⚠️ If It's Broken, Don't Fix It - Get Paid Cash for Your Vehicle ⚠️
The good thing about transmission problems is that your vehicle will tell you when the transmission is about to go out before it even does.
Thus, you'd better keep an eye for these ten warning signs telling you that your transmission is going out:
-
Your vehicle struggles to start
One of the first warning signs that your transmission is going out is issues with starting. Starting with be either slower or your vehicle might fail to start at all. Most likely, starting problems that are related to transmission issues happen during wintertime.
While starting issues can be related to multiple other vehicle components, your transmission might be the culprit. To best confirm the actual root of the problem, you need to take their vehicle to a professional mechanic who can diagnose and pinpoint whether it's your transition or not.
-
You'll notice a burning smell
As a rule of thumb, any weird smell coming from your vehicle indicates an internal issue with your car.
When it comes to transmission problems, if you started noticing some burning smell from your car, it's most likely the transmission is overheating as the water pump cannot circulate the fluid around it to reduce its temperature.
To confirm this problem yourself, you can use the fluid dipstick and check for the transmission fluid level. If you notice that the transmission fluid level is not as normal, you can try to top it off and see if the problem continues.
Again, if you are looking for accurate prove that the problem is coming from your transmission, you can consult a professional mechanic who can use certain tools to help him identify the actual culprit.
-
Your transmission fluid is leaking
The last thing you want to deal with is transmission overheating. Overheating problems are generally very severe, whether it's related to the transmission or the engine.
Thanks to the transmission fluid that circulates continuously around the transmission to wring its temperature down. However, there are many chances where the transmission fluid might be leaking, causing transmission overheating.
Transmission fluid leaks can be confirmed by checking for a fluid puddle under the vehicle around the transmission area.
Unfortunately, you can't pinpoint the hole's actual location in your transmission connections and hoses unless you consult a professional mechanic.
-
Your vehicle might start surging or jumping
The more you use your vehicle, the older and less efficient the transition could get.
It could be a little scary to deal with a jumping or surging vehicle for no clear reason. It's not surprising once the transition has a lot of contamination and dirt to notice that the vehicle is surging or jumping.
Any contaminant that is accumulating in the transmission can cause transmission fluid to flow around the transmission slowly. As this fluid is trying to clean the contaminants, your vehicle will respond by jumping or surging.
Unfortunately, in most cases, a jumping or surging vehicle due to transmission problems requires replacing the transmission, which is considered costly.
-
Your transmission gears are slipping
Your vehicle's transmission is designed in a way that provides smooth transmission between gears. If the transmission cannot do its shop, he had to switch between desired gears correctly, and it can be very hazardous to drive this vehicle.
Transmission slipping can be more severe and dangerous if you're driving down the road and you're not able to switch to the right gear at the right time.
-
Your transmission starts making weird noises
Any weird noise coming from any vehicle component indicates significant internal problems, whether it's the transmission or not.
When it comes to the transmission of weird noises, the problem is complicated, and it indicates that the internal components are not lubricated properly, and they are creating friction. The continuous friction between internal transmission components increases the space between its parts and causing the transmission to slip.
Many reasons result in this weird noise coming from the transmission, including a problem with the transmission pump and other related issues.
Unfortunately, repairing allowed transmission can be very costly, and in most scenarios, you might need to install a new transmission.
-
You will notice a slow movement
As you're driving the vehicle, you need to respond quickly to your actions. Have you ever been in a situation where you hit the gas, and your vehicle took a little bit of time before it responds in moves? This is known to be the delay in movement.
Transmission problems resulting in delayed response can be very risky, especially if you're trying to park your vehicle or stop at traffic lights. To avoid possible danger look out for this warning sign your transmission is going out.
If your transmission is suffering from this problem, you must immediately consult a professional mechanic to avoid putting yourself and your family in risky situations.
-
You will experience hard shifting
Hard shifting is direct; how come insufficient lubrication to your transmission components. Most likely low transmission fluid is the primary culprit for hard shifting. Whatever the cause of these low transmission fluids, you must immediately take care of the problem to prevent damage in your entire transmission. By paying attention to the warning signs your transmission is going out, you're saving yourself future headache.
People with automatic transmission will notice shifting issues differently; It will feel more like a jerk and a slow acceleration. On the other hand, people driving manual transmission vehicles will notice some difficulties as they try to shift gears.
-
Your Check Engine light will illuminate
A check engine light can illuminate multiple other problems than your vehicle's transmission.
Although there is a long list of possible culprits for a check engine light illuminating, your transmission could be one of them.
To confirm the problem, you could either consult a professional mechanic or use an OBD2 tool to help you read and scan your vehicle's internal computer for any errors.
The OBD2 tool usually reaches the error a translated to something you can't understand. It will tell you the error code, where the problems come from, and some good OBD2 tools, the suggested repairs, and repair costs.
Having your OBD2 tool can help you expect repair costs and effort. This way, you don't get surprised when visiting a professional mechanic and hearing the final bill.
Again, if you don't have an OBD2 tool, you can consult your professional mechanic and have him use his specific tools to confirm the actual culprit.
-
You will hear grinding gears
Again, any weird noises coming from the transmission indicate significant internal problems. One of the very common noises that could come from a faulty transmission is grinding gears.
Grinding gears can be noticed more in manual transmissions, while automatic transmission vehicle drivers might notice speeding issues.
Whatever the cause of this gear grinding, you must get the problem repaired immediately to prevent damaging and prematurely wearing out your transmission's internal components.
Is it worth repairing my vehicle if the transmission is going out?
Determining the answer to this question can be a little tricky because it depends heavily on the transmission problem and the overall status of your vehicle.
For example, if your transmission problem comes from a low transmission fluid that you can top off to resolve the problem, it's definitely worth repairing it and saving the transmission. This is why its best to keep your eyes peeled for the warning signs your transmission is going out.
However, if you notice that the transmission problem is much more severe and more complicated, you need to evaluate the situation and look at other factors before attempting to spending any penny on this vehicle.
For example, you need to look at whether there are any other significant problems in this vehicle or not. You also need to watch the mileage on your car because the higher the mileage, the more decent the chance for other complicated problems coming to your car soon.
As a rule of thumb, if you do not expect repair costs are getting about 70% or more from your vehicle's overall worth, it's never worth spending a penny on this car.
What are your other options?
If you decided that your vehicle's transmission is not worth repairs, you'd better, so it's still a junk car buyer.
Did you know that's junk car buyers except your vehicle even with a complicated transmission problem? Yes! For example, our company accepts your vehicle despite its type or condition and whether it has other problems than the transmission failure.
Conclusion on Warning Signs Your Transmission Is Going Out
There is nothing more frustrating than hearing “you need to replace the transmission” from your professional mechanic.
Well, what can you do to prevent transmission problems as much as possible?
By understanding and familiarizing yourself with the different warning signs your transmission is going out, you can decide whether it's the right time to repair this vehicle or sell it.
In some scenarios, early signs of transmission failure can be repairable; however, you might end up in other situations.