The transmission itself will not turn on the check engine light, but it can make the engine control unit turn on the light if a transmission system sensor sends an error code to the unit. This is just one sign that your transmission is going bad. Here are other signs.
Slipping Gears
The transmission can start to slip out of gear if it is malfunctioning. This will cause your automobile to lose significant power and speed while you are driving. Oddly, the engine’s RPMs will increase, however. This is a sign that the transmission has slipped into Neutral.
Sticking Gears
Another problem that occurs in a bad transmission is sticking gears. In other words, the transmission will stop shifting through the gear cycle and remain stuck in one gear. In addition, your transmission may skip gears in the gear cycle if it is malfunctioning.
Won’t Go Into Gear
A serious problem with the transmission could cause it to refuse to go into gear. No matter how hard you try, the transmission will remain in Park or Neutral and refuse to go into Reverse or first gear. Unfortunately, this will leave you stranded.
Leaking Red Fluid
If you fail to maintain your transmission, it may eventually spring a leak because we were unable to replace a worn part. Specifically, transmission fluid can leak out of the pan gasket or pan. It can also leak out of the seals, hoses, or other gaskets in the transmission.
Overheating/Hot Odors
Naturally, if the transmission fluid is leaking out of the transmission, it will cause the transmission to overheat because the fluid level will be too low. As such, you will smell hot odors coming from underneath your automobile where the transmission is located.
Grinding Noises
The transmission should never make noise when it shifts the gears, but a bad transmission will. A bad transmission will make grinding or clunking noises when it shifts gears. It may also make a humming sound when it is in neutral. Finally, it may squeal.
Shaking/Jerking
The last sign that your transmission is going bad is shaking or jerking when the transmission shifts the gears. This can be a sign that the transmission fluid is too low and no longer lubricating the moving transmission parts. The fluid also helps the transmission with the gear shifts.
Call us today to schedule a service visit that works well into your day. We would be happy to inspect your transmission and recommend any necessary services or repairs.