6 Signs That You Should Replace Your Transmission

When you own a vehicle, you may not find it necessary to know what all the different parts do and how to tell if something is not working. However, certain parts in a vehicle are crucial in helping your vehicle run correctly.

The transmission is in charge of making sure the power from the engine goes to the wheels. It also needs to make sure that the speed the driver expects the vehicle to go matches the actual speed the vehicle is going. Recognize the signs that the transmission is going bad so you can fix the problem before it is too late. 

1. Strange Noises While in Neutral

If you start hearing noises that are out of the ordinary, like a whining or a humming noise, while your vehicle is in neutral, this is not usually a good sign. This is a common indicator that your transmission does not work properly. Sometimes, this can simply mean you need new transmission fluid, but take a look at your transmission as soon as you can so you can order a new one if needed.

2. Difficulty Shifting Gears 

If you cannot shift gears or you struggle to shift gears, this could mean that your transmission is not getting the transmission fluid it needs to lubricate the gears and operate correctly. If this goes on too long without getting fixed, you put the whole transmission at risk of needing replacing.

3. Check Engine Light

If your check engine light comes on, this could mean many different things. However, a bad transmission will cause the check engine light to come on. If you have a diagnostic machine, you can plug it into your vehicle. The code the machine gives you will be able to confirm if the problem is with your transmission. 

4. Burning Smell

Whenever you smell a burning smell, immediately check to find the problem. A burning smell could indicate that the transmission fluid is too old and therefore burning. It could also indicate that your transmission is overheating because it does not get enough transmission fluid to operate correctly. 

5. Fluid Leaks

You have two different fluid leaks to watch for. The first is a red fluid leaking in the middle of your vehicle. The red liquid leaking is your transmission fluid. If you see a red liquid leaking near the front of the vehicle, this is not transmission fluid, usually just power steering fluid.

The other leak to watch for is a pink fluid. This leak is extremely important to catch as soon as possible. The only time your vehicle will leak the pink fluid is if your engine coolant has found its way into the transmission fluid and mixed with it.

This can damage your transmission fast. Once you find the leak, you often are usually too late to fix your current transmission, and you will most likely need to replace it.

6. Surging or Lurching

If your car starts surging or lurching out of nowhere, this can indicate a serious problem with the transmission. If something gets into your transmission or transmission fluid and contaminated it, this can cause your vehicle to surge and lurch because the transmission fluid cannot flow through the transmission properly.

If you have noticed some of these warning signs, contact us at Padco Auto Parts today. We can help you pick out and purchase the transmission that works best for your vehicle. You can trust us with all your auto parts needs. We will be happy to go over any questions or concerns you have. Let us know how we can best assist you today.