What are the Signs of a Bad Transmission?

As an informed vehicle owner, you are aware that if you want to keep your vehicle for very long, you must follow the transmission service intervals recommended in your owner’s manual (i.e., between every 60,000 to 100,000 miles). Because the transmission system is constantly exposed to both heat and stress, it is crucial that you keep up with transmission service, which may include a transmission fluid change.

Even if all seems well with your transmission, all vehicle owners should be alert to the signs of a bad transmission:

• Shifting Problems: It is hard to shift, it seems to “pop” out of gear, or you can’t shift at all. The engine appears to get noisy and you hear a “whining” sound or clunking and thumping sounds when you shift.
• Worn-out parts: Worn out transmission parts may find you have to force the gearshift into the next year, causing your vehicle to lurch or jerk while shifting. Schedule a transmission service as soon as possible to see which parts are wearing out and whether or not your vehicle is safe to drive.
• Transmission warning light: A warning light alone doesn’t necessarily mean you have a transmission problem. But, if any of the above symptoms are occurring in conjunction with the warning light, ask for a diagnostic test to find a possible “error” code.
• Major transmission failure: It is more cost effective to keep up with the recommended transmission service intervals than to wait for a major and costly repair, such as a transmission rebuild or replacement.

Are you asking the question, “What are the signs of a bad transmission?” Contact our ASE Certified technicians at theWrench, Ltd. Car Care Center today at (360) 692-1414 for more information about a transmission fluid change or transmission repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in Silverdale, WA, and the surrounding area.