Most vehicles are equipped with automatic transmissions these days because people prefer them. This makes driving a large SUV much easier than if you had a manual transmission. Plan to have the automatic transmission serviced every 30,000 miles to keep it in excellent condition. If you fail to do this, you may end up with the transmission problems discussed below.
Shifting Into Neutral
If your transmission is shifting into neutral while you are driving, the transmission needs to be inspected immediately. There is something wrong with the automatic transmission that prevents it from remaining in gear while you are driving.
Skipping Gears
The transmission also needs to be inspected immediately if it is skipping gears, i.e., shifting from first gear to third gear and so on. You should also bring your SUV to our shop if the transmission hesitates significantly between the gear shifts.
Refusing to Work
We hate to say it, but the transmission may need to be replaced if it refuses to do anything. This includes going into gear and shifting the gears. This is a serious problem that may require a transmission replacement or rebuild.
Leaking Fluid
Let’s get off the serious problems for a while, although leaking transmission fluid is a problem. The transmission can develop a leak in many of the parts. If you see red spots on the garage floor, your automatic transmission may be leaking.
Overheating
This does need to be addressed as soon as possible because the transmission fluid level will get too low. Consequently, when this happens, the transmission will overheat. You will smell burning odors that are stronger underneath your SUV.
Grinding/Humming
A faulty automatic transmission may also grind or hum. In addition, it may clunk or squeal. Basically, the only sound you should hear in the SUV when the transmission shifts gears is the changes in the engine’s RPMs. Other noises are concerning.
Shaking the SUV
Finally, if your transmission causes the SUV to shake while it is changing the gears, you may have low transmission fluid or dirty transmission fluid. Part of the 30,000-mile transmission service is changing the transmission fluid.
One final thing can occur if your automatic transmission is dying. The engine control unit will turn on the check engine light to let you know your SUV is in trouble. In this case, the trouble stems from the malfunctioning transmission. Do not worry. We can help, so call us today.
