The automatic transmission changed the way people experience cars. Driving suddenly became simpler and you could accelerate faster because the vehicle handled the gear shifting. While the automated process is common now, it’s still a piece of machinery susceptible to malfunction. Here are the most common signs your automatic transmission is failing.
A Mind of Its Own
If your car feels like it’s trying to switch gears on its own, then your automatic transmission could be failing. While the car isn’t acting in its own right, the run-down mechanical pieces inside can cause a sudden and unexpected gear movement. When these mechanical movements happen, it can feel quite scary and worrying.
The likely culprit for this problem is a slipping transmission. You could have worn-out gears or broken transmission bands, but the primary issue is a slipping movement when you attempt to engage the transmission. As you may assume, this problem will require a transmission technician to check the parts and see why your car seems to have a mind of its own.
Relentlessly Rough Riding
Most car owners see their car as a safe haven, a functional home away from home where that affords flexibility and mobility. Regardless of the lore we create around our vehicles, they’re still machines that get us from one place to another. And there are few reminders of your car’s true mechanical nature as jarring as a relentless rough ride in your vehicle.
Rough gear shifts feel terrible. They’re grinding and harsh; they can shake the entire car with you in it. If you experience any of these signs, your transmission could be to blame. The key here is a continuous pattern of shaky driving. If you feel like you’re off-roading on a paved street, then you should take your vehicle in for a checkup.
Disproportionate Shift Timing
Automatic transmissions remove one of the basic functions of an engine from our minds—gear changing. While people who operate manual transmission or stick-shift vehicles handle these movements on their own, in this case, your car will do it for you. However, you can quickly lose gratitude for this behind-the-scenes work when you notice disproportionate shift timing.
Delayed shifting is a symptom of transmission failure. Since this mechanism is solely responsible for the gear change, few other pieces could be responsible for the time gap. Your transmission fluid is likely the reason behind this issue. This fluid acts as a lubricant in your transmissions, keeping everything running smoothly. But overused or overheated transmission fluid can thicken and cause delayed shifting while driving.
Mysterious Fluid Leaks
Cars run on fluids—from gasoline to engine oil. This means it’s normal to see fluids in and around your car from time to time. Many of us have awoken from the night or returned to our cars after running errands to see a puddle on the ground beneath our vehicle. The first time, this was a frightening sight since it suggested leaking fluids from the engine. But upon closer inspection, this was just a puddle of water dripping from the air conditioning or exhaust—nothing to worry about.
However, you shouldn’t overlook these puddles every time, especially if they’re any color except clear like water. Mysterious fluid leaking from your car could be transmission fluid leaving its airtight chamber. If you see thick fluids collecting on the ground, it could spell trouble for your automatic transmission. Have a professional check the fluid freshness and fluid levels to root out the problem.
Singing Sad Mechanical Songs
Vehicle noises are easy to notice, and they’re another sign that your transmission is failing. While cars make all kinds of sounds, they aren’t mystical quirks that you should ignore. When your car sings a sad mechanical-sounding song, this could indicate that your transmission fluid is breaking down inside.
Transmission fluid is pretty low on the list of annual maintenance issues. But you should make it a priority to check it every once in a while. When the transmission fluid breaks down, its lubricating effects become less effective, therefore increasing friction during gear changes. If you hear humming or whining sounds while driving or while you’re in neutral, then you know it’s likely related to the transmission.
Flashing Check Engine Light
Car manufacturers don’t leave the detective work up to you. If you have an issue with your transmission, there are sensors that will indicate the problem to you via the check engine light. If you discover this symbol flashing on your dashboard, you should head over to a service center right away.
Burning Odors
Sensing car problems involves all the senses. You already know the importance of touch, sound, and sight with transmission issues, but it’s time to bring in smell. If you smell burning engine odors, you should pull over immediately. The last thing you want is a fire.
It’s no coincidence that you smell overheated metal and oil in your car. This odd smell could indicate that your transmission fluid is old and possibly burning up inside. The best course of action is to bring your vehicle to a service center in the safest way possible, even if this means towing it.
Gear Change Refusal
Transmissions may have trouble changing gears or they may delay changes, but sometimes, they outright refuse to change gears at all. If you notice that you can’t engage your car’s transmission in forward or reverse drive, then you have a major problem. The transmission may have worn-out gears or thickened fluid that prevents the gears from sticking together. If you can’t get your car to engage, then it’s time to have a professional check out your transmission.
Knowing these signs your automatic transmission is failing can keep you from a catastrophic issue with your vehicle. If you have any other questions about engine issues, reach out to us at Transparts Warehouse today. Our team can help you find automatic transmission repair kits and parts that will fit your vehicle, so you can avoid problematic transmissions in the future.
