We talked in a previous blog post about how your transmission fluid will change colors when it needs to be replaced. This is just one facet of automatic transmission services. MD Auto Repair recommends that you allow us to inspect your transmission every 30,000 miles to make sure that none of the parts need to be replaced, such as the seals, gaskets, or hoses. If you do not maintain your automatic transmission, you may end up with the following problems that will necessitate the need for a transmission repair.
CANNOT SHIFT THE GEARS
A definite sign that the automatic transmission is going bad is if it has problems shifting gears. The automatic transmission can also slip out of gear if the transmission is malfunctioning. It may hesitate to complete the gear shifts or skip gears that have gone bad.
YOU SMELL HOT ODORS
You may also smell burning odors coming from the transmission if it is overheating. A faulty automatic transmission can overheat, especially if the fluid level is too low. A low fluid level is an indication that the transmission has not been serviced properly and it is overdue for a fluid flush and refill.
YOU’VE GOT A FLUID LEAK
Your transmission may also start to leak the very transmission fluid that it relies on to help it operate and stay cool. The transmission fluid can leak out of numerous places in the system including the hoses, hand gasket, seals, and the transmission pan. It can also leak out of the torque converter.
YOU HEAR STRANGE NOISES
You might also hear strange noises coming from the transmission if it is going bad. These noises include clunking, squealing, and grinding. Another sign that your transmission needs to be repaired is if it hums while it is in neutral. Your transmission should not make any noise other than smooth gear shifts.
YOUR CAR SHAKES/VIBRATES
Speaking of smooth, if your automobile feels every gear shift, the transmission needs to be repaired. There will be a little give and the vehicle as the engine’s RPMs change. Other than that, you should not feel your car, truck, or utility vehicle vibrate or shake when the gears are shifted.
THE TRANSMISSION IS DEAD
Finally, the automatic transmission can die completely if it isn’t repaired at the first sign of trouble. This means that you will be unable to put your car into gear and the transmission will refuse to shift any of the gears as you drive along.
MD Auto Repair in Kansas City, MO, can help you prevent all of these problems with scheduled transmission services. Call us today to set up an appointment.
