3 Signs Of Potential Transmission Problems

It is important to make sure that you are well aware of potential transmission problems so that you can have the addressed as soon as possible. To help you with this, you will want to check out the following three signs that may indicate a problem with your transmission.

The Check Engine Light Is On

Do not make the mistake of assuming that the check engine light would not have anything to do with your transmission. It is a general warning light that can mean anything from a bad gas cap to a problem with the engine or transmission. The only way to know what the warning light is indicating is to have someone read the codes for you. A professional mechanic can do this for you for a small fee. There are also many auto parts stores that offer this service for little to no money. They will hook a machine to your vehicle, retrieve the code that the warning light is giving, and look up the meaning of that code for you.

A Transmission Fluid Leak

Too many people fail to realize that even the smallest of transmission fluid leaks is not acceptable, no matter how old the vehicle is. It is not a "wear and tear" problem that you simply have to put up with. In fact, it could be an early warning sign of major transmission problems that could be in your near future. Sure, you might try to make sure that you are keeping an eye on the fluid level and adding more fluid when you need to, but that small leak could quickly become a major leak before you know it. If this causes the transmission to run dry, it could be permanently damaged and will need to be replaced. 

Rough Shifting Between Gears

Shifting between gears as you accelerate should be a smooth process. If you are noticing a delay when shifting or hearing a clunking sound when doing so, then there is a good chance that your transmission is in need of repairs. This does not mean that you necessarily need a new transmission, as you could just be in need of a new sensor that controls transmission shifts, or a few new parts within the transmission. It will take a transmission expert to determine the exact cause of the hard shifting.

With those three signs in mind, you should have no trouble determining if it is time to call your local transmission repair shop.