Generally speaking, your automatic transmission should be serviced every 30,000 miles. Collins Auto Care recommends that you check your owner’s manual for the specific mileage duration. It’s important to stick to the transmission service schedule to keep it operating as it should be. Otherwise, you may run into one or more of the transmission problems listed below.
Burning Transmission Odors
Your automatic transmission can overheat. This happens most likely because the transmission fluid is too low. The transmission fluid protects and cleans the internal mechanisms of the automatic transmission. It also helps it shift gears. In other words, this fluid is extremely important.
Transmission Fluid Leak
The most common reason why your transmission fluid will get too low is that you have an automatic transmission leak. The transmission pan can leak, as can the pan gasket. Other transmission parts that can spring a leak include the torque converter, the hoses, and the seals.
Gear Shifting Problems
Low transmission fluid will also make it difficult for the transmission to shift gears. It might be that the transmission skips gears as it shifts through the cycle or that it slips out of gear. Your transmission needs to go into gear and then shift through the gear cycle seamlessly.
Shaking or Vibrating Vehicle
A sign that it is not doing so is if your vehicle vibrates or shakes every time the transmission shifts gears. This can indicate a problem with the transmission fluid level or the gears themselves. Either way, it’s important to have your transmission inspected as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
Strange Transmission Noises
Another sign that your transmission is having problems is if it makes noises when it is in neutral or when it shifts gears. These noises include humming, squealing, clunking, and grinding. You shouldn’t hear any of these noises when your transmission is in operation.
Unresponsive Transmission
If your transmission is severely damaged, it won’t respond to anything. You won’t be able to get it into gear and it won’t shift gears. Don’t attempt to drive your automobile if the transmission is unresponsive. Rather, have your car, truck, or utility vehicle towed to our shop.
Dashboard Check Engine Warning
Finally, the transmission sensors will send error codes to the engine control unit if the transmission is malfunctioning. When this happens, the engine control unit turns on the check engine light to alert you of trouble.
Call Collins Auto Care in Houston, TX, today if your automatic transmission is doing any of the things we have listed above. We will inspect your transmission and repair it.