If you drive a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission, you might wonder what happens when the transmission begins to fail. Listed below you will find five of the most common signs of transmission trouble.
Slipping: If your car’s transmission is slipping, it probably feels like the gears change for no reason. Your engine’s noise may change pitch, beginning to sound “whiny”, and your car may seem as if it’s lost its power.
Rough shifting: Your car might seem as if it’s reluctant to shift into another gear, or may shift very roughly. Sometimes, you might hear or feel a thud or a clunk as the transmission shifts gears, and you might also notice that your car has a hard time getting up to its cruising speed.
Delays in gear engagement: If your transmission is exhibiting this symptom, you will notice a pause between the time you shift into “drive” and when your car starts moving.
Fluid leaks: Your car’s transmission is a sealed unit, and it shouldn’t leak fluid at any time. If you notice red oil spots on your driveway or the floor of your garage, put cardboard under the middle and front of your car to determine if the leaks are persistent. Bring your car in for transmission service before adding fluid, as a repair shop will follow factory specs and avoid bigger issues.
Warning lights: An illuminated “check engine” light alone usually doesn’t signal a transmission problem, but if it comes along with any of the above symptoms, you should have your car diagnosed professionally.
Considerations for Transmission Repair
It can cost as little as $150 to repair your transmission solenoid, and up to $3000 to replace or repair the entire unit. Find a local shop that specializes in transmission repair, and visit for a free estimate. If your usual shop doesn’t offer transmission repair services, ask them for a recommendation.
If you aren’t willing to drive your vehicle because of transmission troubles, have it towed to a Transmission Shop in Hopkins, MN for diagnosis. Aamco Transmission will need to test drive your car to determine what’s wrong, meaning that they’ll need more time to find the problem. Before signing for repairs, ask if the shop plans to replace parts, and where those parts will come from. If you’re having your current transmission rebuilt or replaced, ask about a warranty.
