8 Signs of Transmission Trouble (Don’t Ignore These)

Transmission replacement can damage your budget.


Car trouble can cost you dearly, especially if you ignore problems or put off repairs. Your car’s transmission transfers power from the engine to the wheels. When it fails, you might face thousands of dollars in repair costs, an expense you could have avoided by identifying and responding to problems quickly.

Symptoms of a Transmission Related Problem

1. Check Engine Light

A lit check engine light can suggest any number of problems, including a loose gas gap. It can also serve as the first signal from your car’s computer that something is wrong with the transmission. Use your onboard diagnostics tool (like a BlueDriver) to determine the problem.

If you do not have this tool, then take your car to your mechanic for an evaluation. Note that a flashing check engine light should be treated as very serious.

See Also9 Best Automotive Scan Tools for DIY Repair and Maintenance

2. Transmission Light

transmission light on

If you notice transmission light is on, it means that there is an issue with the transmission or gearbox. In many cases, you may simply be low on transmission fluid.

But, it could also be caused by several other reasons ranging from an overheating transmission and bad transmission fluid to gear change issues. The light could look different depending on the make and model of the car you drive.

3. Slippage and Shifting

Your car’s transmission should shift effortlessly, moving from gear to gear smoothly. Transmission problems are apparent when you first place your car in drive or in reverse and hesitation is present.

A low fluid level might be the cause or the transmission belt may need adjustment or replacement.

4. Lack of Engagement

You turn your ignition, the engine roars to life, and you begin to shift your car into gear. That shifting may require great effort or it may not happen at all.

For a manual transmission, a clutch may have worn out. For an automatic transmission, the problem may be as simple as not having enough fluid or it could point to a much more serious matter.

Check the transmission fluid first, replenish or replace as needed, then try engaging your transmission again. If the problem persists, see a mechanic.

5. Burning Odor

car smells

Your transmission fluid should be clear and smell clean with virtually no odor detected. Normally, transmission fluid is bright red but its color will change over time as it begins to oxidize.

An important trouble indicator is a burning odor, one sign that your transmission may be overheating. Usually, dirty or insufficient fluid is the reason for the burning smell, a problem often resolved by changing the transmission fluid.

6. Clunking, Whining, and Chattering

Odd noises that seem to be coming from your transmission such as clunking, whining and chattering point to potentially serious problems.

Such noises may or may not occur in conjunction with slippage and shifting problems, and could point to other problems such as with your differential or CV joints. Have your mechanic identify the source of the problem and fix it immediately.

7. Rock and Roll

Transmission problems may become apparent when operating your vehicle at highway speeds. Rocking, rolling and shaking may occur suddenly, indicating pending transmission failure. It might also point to other problems such as with the engine or suspension system. Take your car to a mechanic for an accurate diagnosis.

8. Transmission Fluid Leak

transmission fluid leak

At any time you notice fluid dripping from underneath your car, you should examine where it is coming from. Quite often, it is water from your air conditioner’s condenser, thus the liquid will be clear.

In cases where the liquid has a color, you need to rule out engine oil, power steering, and then brake fluid first. This is easier to do if the fluid on the ground matches the color of your transmission fluid, enabling you to correctly identify the problem.

Reference Your Owner’s Manual

Check your car’s service manual for prescribed transmission maintenance intervals. Just as motor oil greases your engine, transmission fluid lubricates your transmission. Change both the fluid and the filter when servicing your transmission.


See Also – My Car Maintenance Schedule: Normal or Severe?

Matthew Keegan
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1 thought on “8 Signs of Transmission Trouble (Don’t Ignore These)”

  1. My 2017 ford escape had a blown engine last summer. My family owns a shop so I had regular preventive maintenance on it. 2017 ford had 27,500 miles on it and even though 3 yr. Was out of warranty it was still under 30,000 miles. I am a 68 year old female and usually just drive around town. Should have never blown. I was forced to pay for another engine.

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