Vital Signs that Indicate a Faulty Transmission in your Car
The transmission system is one of the most important components of your car. It transfers the power generated by the engine at the appropriate torque and rotational speeds to the wheels. Being a heavy-duty component, the transmission is subjected to various issues that affect its functionality. Any failure of the transmission will exhibit certain symptoms that you can look for to infer the issue. It is better to seek out a professional auto repair service if you notice any of such signs related to a faulty transmission system. Some of the vital signs of a failing transmission are described below.
Transmission Fluid Leak
Any leakage of the transmission fluid is a vital sign that indicates a failing transmission system. If you notice any oil stains on the ground where your car is parked, it is most commonly caused due to a leakage from the transmission system. The transmission fluid serves the purpose of lubricating the gears and any leakages can affect the shifting causing extensive wear. It is a sealed unit and any leakages occur mainly due to worn seals and gaskets.
Check Engine Light
An active check engine light is another sure sign of a failing transmission in your car. There are several sensors deployed in the engine and its surrounding components that detect any irregularities in performance. These sensors can detect any issues with the transmission such as increased vibrations and then activate the check engine light. It is recommended to take your car to the nearest auto repair service when check engine light is activated.
Difficulty Shifting
Difficulty in shifting the gears smoothly is a sure sign of transmission failure. When you shift, it may not fall rightly or causes a clunk sound that indicates that the gear has not properly aligned with each other. This will also result in your car to exhibit certain delays in movement or acceleration. Such shifting difficulties are a crucial sign that your transmission system is not functioning properly.
Transmission Slipping
While driving, if your car is shifting followed by a whining noise from the engine, then it is caused by an issue known as transmission slipping. It can result in the wheels to get less power from the engine that can affect the movement or acceleration. A slipping transmission can cause the tachometer readings to go beyond 3500 RPM and cause delays in acceleration.
Grinding Sounds
A failing transmission will produce certain sounds such as a grinding noise or whining that can help you identify the problem. The sounds produced are different for manual and automatic transmissions. Any failure of a manual transmission is indicated by a grinding noise while shifting. Automatic transmissions, on the other hand, produce a certain whining or humming sounds during gearshifts.