RI Automotive is going to list below the signs of automatic transmission trouble because the sooner you have any problem addressed the better for the transmission. If you ignore a transmission problem, the transmission will be damaged further, and this will increase the cost to repair it. In severe cases, you may need to have a new automatic transmission installed into your automobile.
Will Not Shift Gears
One sign that the automatic transmission is having serious problems is if it will not shift the gears. In other words, you were able to get the transmission to go into gear but it won’t shift out of first gear. Obviously, you cannot drive your automobile in first gear only.
Will Not Go Into Gear
Another sign that the automatic transmission is having serious problems is if it refuses to go into gear. In this case, you won’t be able to start driving your automobile because the transmission refuses to go into either Reverse or Drive. This is a sign that the transmission needs to be replaced.
Slips Into Neutral
Before you end up with either of these problems, there may come a point when the transmission cannot remain in gear while you are driving. When this happens, the transmission slips into neutral by itself. As a result, your vehicle will suddenly lose power and speed and the RPMs will increase.
Gets Too Hot
The transmission can also tell you that it is having problems if it gets too hot when you drive your automobile. You will be able to smell burning odors wafting from underneath your vehicle. This is generally a sign that you do not have enough clean transmission fluid in the transmission.
Leaks Red Fluid
If your transmission fluid is low, you may have a transmission fluid leak. One way to tell is to inspect your garage floor for red spots underneath your automobile. A transmission fluid leak should be repaired right away to prevent the transmission from overheating.
Makes Strange Sounds
Your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s transmission may also make strange noises when it is operating if it needs to be serviced or repaired. Specifically, the transmission may clunk or grind when you put it into gear and when it shifts gears. It may also hum when it is in neutral.
Finally, RI Automotive in Tampa, FL, advises that a faulty transmission will shift the gears roughly and make your vehicle vibrate. Make sure to have the transmission inspected right away if you are having any of these problems.
