Transmission Problems You Can’t Afford to Ignore

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Transmission Problems You Can't Afford to Ignore

 

Transmissions are an integral part of your car. A transmission is what changes the gears of an engine, thereby transferring the engine’s power to the wheels with the purpose of moving the vehicle ahead. For a vehicle with a manual transmission, you start in first gear, gain some speed and then shift into second gear., etc. With an automatic transmission, the same process is applied with the assistance of a ‘torque converter’, which automates this acceleration and gearing process.

As you can see from the above, the transmission plays a vital role in your Las Vegas vehicle. While the description of what a transmission does is simple enough, it contains hundreds of components all working together to move your vehicle.

Transmission Problems Can Be Expensive

With there being so many components and if one goes wrong the whole system can go out, it is important topay attention to the red flags that indicate that your transmission is failing. Here are five signs of transmission problems that you cannot afford to ignore:

Transmission Slipping

If you are experiencing your transmission slipping it can feel like you are driving in a certain gear and then it changes for no apparent reason. The sound that you will want to listen for from the engine is a change in pitch or a whining sound.

Another indicator of your Las Vegas car’s transmission is slipping is that your car will feel like it is struggling, or suddenly under-powered, or isn’t accelerating as it normally would.

Rough Shifts

Your car will feel like it is refusing to change gears as it normally does, or if the gear shifts aren’t smooth. Sometimes you can actually feel or hear a “clunk” or “thud” when your car shift gears. Another red flag is your car has difficulty getting up to speed.

Delayed Engagement

If you shift out of “P” and into “D” and your car has a delayed engagement, or if there is a long pause where the car revs the engine as you give it gas, but it does not move forward as it should.

Fluid Leak

Transmissions are sealed units that should never leak fluid. If you notice that you have spots in your driveway or on your garage floor, lay down cardboard under your car covering from the front to the middle of your car to find out if they are active leaks.

If your transmission is leaking – fluid will appear to be bright red but can also be a dark red or brown – visit your local auto service shop today!

If you do experience a transmission leak, do not just refill your transmission fluid. See an auto service shop. Overfilling your transmission can create a bigger issue.

Transmission Warning Light aka “Check Engine Light”

A check engine warning light does not typically mean that you have a transmission problem, but if any of the above symptoms are occurring in conjunction with the transmission warning light illuminated, you will want to have it diagnosed by your local automotive professional.

A warning light typically means that the Onboard Diagnostic System is generating an error code that can be check with your local automotive’s diagnostic equipment. For transmissions specifically, “P0700” is a code that can indicate a general transmission problem.

Transmission Repair Considerations

Costs related to repairing your transmission can vary depending on the problem and make and model of a vehicle. Your repair can be as little as just replacing a defective solenoid or it could be as costly as having to repair or replace an entire transmission.

Questions to Ask Your Automotive Technician

Before your authorize any transmission repairs, you need to ask your Las Vegas transmission technician how they plan on replacing parts and where those parts will come from. If they’re rebuilding the existing transmission or replacing it with a new one, ask what the warranty is.

The industry standard warranty is 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first), but you may be able to purchase an extended 24-month/24,000-mile warranty or even a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty.

No matter what, make sure that you ask any and all questions about the repair process BEFORE it takes place, and that the shop leaves you feeling like you can trust them with what could be a costly repair.

Having any of the above transmission issues, contact your local transmission professional today.