Did you know that you should have your automatic transmission serviced every 30,000 miles? This ensures that the fluid gets changed if it needs it; the hoses, seals, and gaskets are changed if they need it; and any other worn part is replaced. The automatic transmission is made up of hundreds of pieces. It is a delicate system. Peerless Automotive can service your transmission when it needs it. We can also repair it if it is going bad. Here are signs that it is.
Burning Odors From the Transmission
If your transmission fluid hasn’t been changed in over 30,000 miles, it’s likely dirty and unable to do its job. Unfortunately, your transmission can overheat easily if the fluid is not clean and fresh. You will smell burning odors coming from the transmission if it is overheating.
Complete Unresponsiveness
Another sign that your automatic transmission is going bad is if it refuses to respond to any of your commands. In other words, if you shift it into Drive and it refuses to go into gear, it is going bad. It may go into Drive and then refuse to shift through the gear cycle. Either way, your transmission needs immediate attention.
Problems With the Gears
Additional problems it can experience shifting gears include slipping out of gear and skipping gears in the gear cycle. In this case, the transmission is still somewhat functional but is not operating as it should be. This is definitely an indication that your transmission needs to be serviced at a minimum if not repaired.
Strange Noises When Shifting
You shouldn’t hear any strange sounds when the transmission shifts through the gear cycle. If your vehicle makes a clunking noise when you put the transmission into gear, or if you hear grinding or squealing sounds as it shifts gears, your transmission is failing.
Transmission Fluid Leak
An older transmission that has not been serviced can also spring a leak. It can leak from the hoses, seals, gaskets, transmission pan, and torque converter among other places. A leaking transmission is one with low fluid and the reduced fluid can damage the transmission.
Vibration When Shifting
We talked about strange sounds above, and your vehicle should not vibrate when it shifts gears either. The gear shifts that the transmission makes should be smooth and seamless. If your vehicle shakes or vibrates each time the transmission shifts gears, bring your automobile to our shop.
Check Engine Dashboard Warning
Finally, all of the signs above will likely be accompanied by a check engine warning on the dashboard. The transmission does not have a dashboard warning light, so the engine control unit turns on the check engine light.
Don’t worry. Peerless Automotive in Olathe, KS, can repair your transmission and restore its functionality. Call us today for an appointment.