Signs of a Serious Transmission Problem

A transmission problem is something that you should never take lightly. A properly working transmission is vital to ensuring that your automobile works as best as possible. Not only that, but ignoring transmission problems could also be quite costly. If you believe that your vehicle is having transmission issues but you are not sure, keep reading to learn about signs that your vehicle is experiencing transmission difficulties so you can make an informed decision as to whether or not you should take it into your trusted auto mechanic’s shop.

Your car will not go into gear

If you prefer a stick shift to an automatic transmission and noticed that your automobile will not shift into gear, this is a sure sign that you have a serious transmission problem on your hands. Manual transmissions have their own unique set of problems that can arise; with one of them being that gears can become stuck. If you are noticing that you cannot shift into gear after you take your foot off the clutch pedal, the first thing you need to do is check to see if the transmission fluid is low or if the viscosity of the transmission fluid is wrong. The shift cables or even the clutch linkage may also need to be adjusted as well.

Luckily, these problems are easy fixes. If you experience transmission problems, hopefully it is due to one of these issues. If not, you may need a new transmission – which can get pricey!

Burning sensation

Going back to the manual transmission issue for a moment, if you also smell a burning sensation when driving your automobile, then you might as well forget about any of the easy fixes mentioned above because you are probably looking at a serious fee for getting this fixed. This goes for everyone with an automatic transmission as well. If something seems to be burning while you are driving your automobile, this could mean that your transmission is either leaking oil onto your engine or it is overheating: neither of these is good. When you notice the smell, immediately take your vehicle to an auto mechanic that you trust.

Odd noises


If you are noticing any strange noises – such as a knocking, clicking, buzzing, or grinding noise admitting from the rear or hood of your automobile, this could also be a serious sign of a transmission problem. This could indicate that your transmission is on its last legs. To make sure that everything is okay, again, take your vehicle into your trusted mechanic shop.

Automobile shakes

Have you noticed that whenever you drive your vehicle at a high speed that it begins to shake uncontrollably? Then you need to know this is also a sign of a serious transmission problem. This could also be the sign of an engine that is about to fail as well. Either problem is obviously serious, so get it inspected immediately so you can solve this problem in get back on the road pronto!

Should I Drive With a Transmission Leak?

Have you noticed that your vehicle is leaking a red fluid? Then you’re most likely leaking transmission fluid. At first sight, you may become worried and are probably wondering if you should even drive your vehicle in the first place. The good news is driving with a transmission leak is not immediately damaging to your vehicle. Even so, if you notice that your vehicle has a transmission leak, you need to take it to your local garage as quickly as possible so they can fix your vehicle and ensure that it is working properly once again. Below are a few reasons why the next time you drive should be to take it to a trip to your trusted auto mechanic.


You may be stranded

This probably will not happen if you have a small transmission leak. However, if you notice that you have a huge leak in your transmission (i.e. you notice puddles of red fluid underneath your vehicle when you get ready to drive), then the next time you go on your commute could mean that you will quickly be calling a tow truck to come pick you up. If a transmission leak is bad enough, this could cause your vehicle to stop operating which in turn will leave you stranded on the side of the road. Make sure this doesn’t happen to you: take your vehicle to an auto mechanic shop that you trust, and allow them to fix it for you.

Ignoring the problem could cause internal damage

If you ignore the problem for too long, this could also cause internal damage in your vehicle. The transmission in your vehicle is composed of gears that are made of metal. If these gears run dry due to the transmission leak and you put off getting the transmission leak repaired for too long, you could have to have your entire transmission replaced (which is vastly more expensive than repairing a simple transmission leak).

Ignoring it will also be expensive

This cannot be stressed enough: if you ignore your transmission leak, you may be looking at a hefty price tag later on. As stated, this could result in having to replace your entire transmission, but you may also have to spend a lot of money on continuously pouring transmission fluid into your vehicle so it always has the proper matter transmission fluid. Depending on how severe the leak may be, you could be looking at having to 4 quarts of transmission fluid into your vehicle daily. This will quickly get expensive, so to save yourself unneeded time and money, again; take your vehicle into an auto mechanic shop that you trust, and allow them to fix the transmission leak for you.

Transmission leaks are usually never a big deal. The repair is easily fixable, it is usually quite cheap, and the only downside is it will take your vehicle around a month to be operating normally once again. Prevent the leak from getting worse and get it repaired as soon as possible!

Tips for Transmission Maintenance


If you happen to be a car owner, then a good thing to do is to have a yearly checklist of keeping your car in good condition and maintain proper transmission maintenance. You have to do regular checkups if you want your car to function as it should and to work as smooth as possible. Many things inside the car are dependant from the transmission. Most important thing of the transmission is to transfer the power from the engine to the wheels. Without proper functioning of the transmission, the car cannot operate as it is supposed to.

Some small research in the transmission can help you to easily and quickly perform transmission checkup once a year. Here are some general tips on how to maintain good function of your car transmission.

  • If you own a car with manual transmission always pay attention on how the clutch works and whether it runs smoothly. Another important indication of possible problems is the feel and the sound while you shift gears. If you hear some noise or if changing of gears becomes hard, then you should immediately visit an auto repair shop.
  • Read the car manual for information on how often you should check your transmission and what you should do in a given situation. The manual will give you the exact and correct method for proper transmission maintenances for your car model. If you do not have a car manual, then you can search this information on the internet.
  • Always take your car on a regular annual car service. The general rule of thumb is to take your car to a service after you have passed over twenty-five thousand kilometers or depending on your car. Follow the recommended dates from the car manufacturer about when to take your car to a service.
  • Check the transmission fluid regularly. The fluid reservoir is usually located at the upper left side of the car engine and you or your car mechanic can change it when necessary. If the transmission fluid is black and has a burning smell then it is time for a change.
  • Never apply the emergency brake while the car is in reverse or while the car is in drive, as this will put big and additional pressure on the gears. Also, you should never immediately shift directly from reverse to a drive mode. You must allow some rest of the gears before you go into drive mode.
  • Avoid driving your car in extreme weather conditions, like heat or extreme cold. The transmission can be overheated and worn out quickly if you constantly drive in a heavy traffic, while towing or if you aggressively shift gears.
  • Always pay attention and seek information about your specific car model. Many of the car manufacturers usually group the similar car models under one category. It is advisable for you to consult your car manufacturer about the specifics of your car, and learn everything about the car transmission and how the car operates.

Warning Signs of Transmission Problems

       Transmission is probably the most important component of the car. If there is no transmission then it is impossible for the car to operate. Also the usage of fuel is directly in relation with the transmission, so if there is a problem in the transmission then your car will not be very efficient and will use more gas. You should always take care of the transmission if you want your car to have longer life and to operate smoothly. You will also avoid big expenses if you regularly take care of the car`s transmission. Interesting fact is that over eighty percent of the problems and failures of vehicle`s transmission are caused by the lack of proper maintenance.


 Manual transmissions require changes of fluid, while the automatic transmissions also need periodical checks. The automatic transmissions are created to give you more comfort while driving, but they are not made to last forever. They contain sensitive parts and they require even more frequent checkups than the manual transmissions.

Always pay attention on some signs, no matter how insignificant they may seem to you. Often big problems in transmission were caused by smaller problems, so an early detection is the key. Here are some of the most common issues and warning signs that there might be some problems with the transmission.

  1.       Gears Slip. This is one of the most common problems in cars with automatic transmissions. This issue is mainly caused by the solenoid failure. If treated early it can be easily repaired, but if ignored it can lead to big failure of the transmission system. When gears slip, they are causing vibration and there might be also a bad noise while engaging into gear. Gears may randomly shift or change prematurely. If you notice something like this you should quit driving and repair it as soon as possible. These are signs that the transmission might fail quickly and completely.
  2.       Fluid Leakage. This is a big warning sign. There are lots of reasons why the transmission fluid is leaking. Shifting might get very hard without the fluid, and that can lead to complete failure of the transmission system. This is a serious problem because the fluid is responsible for keeping the internal parts of the transmission properly lubricated.
  3.       Failure of the Solenoid. In the new cars the automatic transmissions are electronically controlled, and solenoids are used for that. As the time passes and with the extended usage, these solenoids may fail which will lead to a sudden stop of changing gears. This is also a very common problem in cars with automatic transmissions, but positive news is that this type of repair does not cost that much if detected early.

There are many other problems and warning signs in the transmissions, but these are some of the most common. Remember to always pay attention to even the slightest problems with the transition. If you notice something unusual, go to a car mechanic as soon as possible in order to avoid expensive repairs.

How To Maintain And Keep The Car`s Transmission In Good Shape

The function of the car`s transmission is to transfer the power to the driving mechanism of the car, which will allow the car to move. The transmission is usually located in a gearbox, and it`s converting the power speed into torque. Car experts are recommending that the transmission needs to be serviced once a year or after the car has covered at least twenty-five thousand kilometers.

Depending on the car model and the make, a transmission rebuild can cost a fortune, so in order for you to avoid that you should always take care of the most important part of the car – the transmission.

Here are a few tips on how to keep your car`s transmission in good shape.

1. Be a careful driver.

Do not drive your car like a maniac racing in the streets. Not just your transmission will benefit from this and will extend its life, but also the other people and cars around you. Do not shift quickly in and out of gear and do not forget to shift gears at proper time. That way you will avoid problems with the transmission. If you want your transmission to work properly and to avoid costs for repair, do not abuse your car!

2. Regularly check the transmission fluid.

Many people are not aware of the fact that they need to check the transmission fluid as often as the check of car`s engine oil. The transmission fluid keeps the inside parts properly lubed and ready for work. If the transmission is out of fluid, that will quickly and easily damage all of the inside parts of the transmission system. If the fluid is not changed properly and on time, then the transmission will cause many problems during the shifting of gears. It can also cause a big damage to the entire car and it might lead to a transmission rebuild. Change of the fluid largely depends on the type of the transition that the car has.

For cars with automatic transmission, the transmission fluids need to be changed more often. Cars with manual transmission do not require often change of the transmission fluid. You can consult your car mechanic or you can check in your car`s manual about how often you should change the transmission fluids. However, it is advisable to check the levels of the transmission fluid once a week. This is especially important if you often drive your car in a slow moving traffic, which requires often shifting of gears.

3. Regularly check your entire vehicle.

If you notice problems with shifting gears, or if there is a strange noise inside the car, or if there is any reason that you think that something is not right, then you should take your car to a mechanic to be properly inspected and checked for problems. Never avoid going on regular yearly car service for maintenance of your car. Usually small problems can be fixed immediately, but if you avoid the problems then they will become bigger and will lead to costly repairs.

The Function of the Car`s Transmission Control Module

In order to operate, every car needs power transferred from the engine to the wheels. The transmission`s role is to transfer that power. Automatic car transmissions include hydraulic systems, mechanical systems, computer controls and electric systems, all connected and operating together. The basic transmission parts are the housing, gear, filter and fluid.

Many times the car has to climb on hills while moving at slow speeds. The change of the power in which the car is moving is done by the car’s transmission. The transmission control module is what controls the transmission. This module is located on the engine`s rear side and is an integral and important part of the transmission system.

Shifting of the gears is done by the transmission control module thanks to the information it receives from the car engine. Depending from the received signals from the sensors, it directs the signals to the clutch in order to make the necessary transmission changes. The clutch is the mechanism that regulates the fuel usage and the power production in order to maintain car efficiency.The computerized transmission control module has the ability to remember information in its internal memory and use it for proper gear adjustment, according to the different types of terrain where the car is being driven. The module works in sync with the engine in order to save more car fuel and bring the advantage of engine productivity and efficiency. It is very important for the transmission control module to work in perfect condition, if the car is used in a normal, regular way. In case if it’s malfunctioning or has some defect, then you must know what are the symptoms of a damaged transmission control module.

One of the most accurate ways to know that the transmission control module is not working properly is to see whether there is some sort of delay in acceleration of the car when you press the pedal for acceleration. If there is any delay, then it is advisable to visit auto repair shop and have your complete transmission system examined by the professionals. Another accurate symptom of malfunctioning is when you shift the gear and put it in drive mode your car will produce a sound like the car is still in the neutral mode. As soon as you notice any of these symptoms or both of them, then you should go to a mechanic and leave your car for full examination of the transmission system. TUNNEL_2

When you take your car to a car service for examination, the professional mechanic will use a computer to determine the problem. If there is any defect in the transmission control module, then you must replace it. You can buy the replacement module in auto parts shop or at your car dealer. You also have an option to buy it online. However, no matter where you buy it you must let the trained mechanics to replace it and install it in your car.

How Frequently You Should Change The Transmission Fluid

The transmission fluids should be regularly inspected and changed because dirty and old fluids lead to difficult gear shifting. This is especially visible in the winter months, when the transmission is colder. Transmission fluid leaks are a common problem in the transmission system. Due to the vehicle usage, the inside seals of the transmission may become weary and faulty. Sometimes the transmission fluid can also be contaminated and that can lead to many problems. In some cars with problems with the radiators, there are examples of radiator coolant leaking directly in the transmission. In these cases the transmission fluid must be replaced completely.

Most of the car manufacturers are recommending the intervals for the fluid change in the transmission and those should be strictly followed by every car owner. If you do not know when to change the transmission fluid or when was the last time the fluid was changed, a good indicator for the fluid quality is the color of the fluid. Fresh, new fluids have bright red or bright green color which eventually becomes black over time. If the transmission fluid is black then you should definitely replace it with a new one. It is normal for the fluid to get black over time, but you should know the difference between different black colors of normal usage and of transmission fluid that requires a change. If the transmission fluid is black and you cannot remember when was the last time it got changed, then it`s better to change it just in case to avoid possible problems and expensive repairs.

There are a couple of ways for changing of the transmission fluid. The easiest and probably the best way for changing is to visit a car service shop and leave that to the professional workers there. The car experts have the proper experience and knowledge on how to do it easily and without any problems. Of course, you can try and change it yourself but you should follow some measures before doing it. There is no particular or specific rule on how to change the transmission fluid. The change of the transmission fluid differs from brand to brand and it also depends from the model of the car. However, there are some essential tips and rules that can be applied to the majority of the car models. First, you need some equipment and spare parts in order to do the change procedure in the proper way. This includes having a fluid filter, transmission fluid, funnel, gasket cap for drainage of the fluid, transmission gasket, hand pump, transmission fluid filter and a container for the waste fluid. Car manufacturers usually prescribe the type of transmission fluid that you should use.

Before you start the procedure for changing the fluid you need to park the car on a flat surface and pull the parking brake. Keep the wheels locked and use gloves and goggles for safety. You can start changing the transmission fluid as soon as the transmission and the car engine have cooled down.

Car Transmission System And Its Types

Car transmission system is an assembly of many different parts in the car that are sending out signals to other car parts, ensuring its proper function and mobility. The transmission system is consisted of a few very important parts, such as the torque converter, the propeller shaft and the speed changing gears. Each of the individual parts plays a vital role in the overall function of the car. The way the transmission works is by generating power from the internal combustion engine and then transferring it to the car wheels. The car transmission allows the car to start, slow down and stop and it also influences the car speed. The torque converter in the transmission system allows the car to accelerate.

Different cars have different types of transmissions and here are some of the characteristics for each type of transmission.

1. Manual Transmission.

This type of transmission is consisted of clutch, brake and gas pedals that make the car move and stop. Some of the newer cars today have six-speed transmissions, instead of the usual five speeds. With manual transmission you have a complete control of your car and control over the transmission of the power.

2. Automatic Transmission.

Cars with automatic transmission are very easy to operate and allow bigger comfort while driving. When you put it in a Drive mode you just press the gas pedal and go. The torque converter does the entire job for you. The new technologies installed in the newer cars also allow six-speed automatic transmission. Some of the more luxurious cars at the market are even having seven-speed automatic transmissions.

3. Auto-Shifting Manual Transmissions.

Luxurious brands like Mercedes, BMW or Audi have this type of transmission in their car models. Audi has direct shift gearbox, while BMW operates with sequential manual gearbox. So how does this transmission work? This type of car transmission uses the clutch like a manual transmission which is shifted automatically. With this type of transmission, the car does not have a torque converter but it does have a clutch. This option is very good for people that prefer the option for automatic while in traffic, but still want the power to shift the gears when they want to do it. Auto-shifting manual transmission is becoming more and more popular, and some other car manufacturers have announced that they plan to implement it in their future car models.

4. CVT Transmissions.

This type of transmission is automatic transmission, but it performs and operates a bit differently. Like in regular automatic transmission cars, you put the car in drive mode and then go. In cars with this type of transmission the feeling of the shift is slightly different than in the regular automatic transmissions. Also this type of transmission cannot transfer as much as power to the wheels, and it loses on average about twenty percent of the power with its transfer to the wheels. This type of transmission is rarely used in the cars today and cars with this type of transmission are not very popular.