So what are the signs your transmission is going out? Well, I will explain it to you today. As you know, there are two types of transmissions in cars, namely manual and auto.
Both functions distribute power from the engine to the vehicle’s wheels. The trans in the car is also very likely to have problems. Abnormal transmission functions can be caused by age or user error. However, throughout our automotive world experience, manual transmission problems are easier to handle than automatic transmissions.
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| The driver’s hand is on the vehicle shift lever. |
Diagnosing issues with vehicle transmission is not an easy thing. But at least you know to be aware when it has a problem.
That way, you can take corrective steps from an early age. What you do will prevent further damage that risks causing unwanted things or road accidents.
10 Signs Your Transmission Is Going Out
The following are symptoms and signs when the transmission is not working as you expected.
1. Slow Acceleration Response
When you hit the gas pedal, is your car going very slowly, even though you hear the engine roaring? If so, the chances are that the drive plate will need to be replaced as it has become relatively thin.
Also, in an auto trans, another possibility is that the valve body performance is weak.
2. You Hear Buzzing Sounds From the Transmission Component
At first glance, the buzzing sound resembled an engine sound. Over time, the sound grew louder and more like blunt objects colliding.
The noises occurred because several transmission components collided with each other due to obstructed movement mechanisms. It is also closely related to the weak thrust of the transmission oil.
As you know, oil is an essential component of a vehicle’s transmission. Apart from functioning as a lubricant and coolant, transmission oil will also provide pressure when shifting gears.
3. Transmission Fluid Leaks
Transmission fluid leaks are a problem that you can quickly identify.
The trans fluid in automatic cars is vital for gear exchange capabilities.
Even though there is a slight trans leak in the automatic car, it can cause serious problems.
If you observe, the color of the automatic transmission fluid is bright red, clean. Also, it smells a little sweet as a characteristic of a top-quality transmission lubricant.
If you find your car’s transmission oil is dark and smells like burns, then you should replace it.
In manual trans, checking the transmission fluid condition isn’t only by opening the hood and pulling the dipstick.
But it would help if you also opened the transmission box. Therefore, help from an expert auto mechanic is likely required.
4. Vibrations in the Car
Even though there are many causes for your car to vibrate, specifically for automatic transmission vehicles, engine and transmission problems can occur.
So, you can check the clutch lining. Is it starting to wear out? The uneven surface of the clutch lining due to wear can cause the vehicle to vibrate.
5. The Smell of Burning Oil
The smell of burning oil is easy to recognize due to overheating transmission, so you need to add lubricant.
The lubricant function does not only help the component move smoothly. But oils will also maintain component temperature stability.
For this purpose, some vehicles have a mini-radiator for the transmission that cools the lubricant. Generally, the smell of burning lubricant oil is caused by excessive heat transmission.
So always make sure the volume of transmission lubricant is still sufficient. Immediately repair and replace if a leak occurs or when the oil is dirty.
6. Difficult to Shift Gears
This case is more common in manual transmissions. Maybe you have experienced difficulty in shifting neutral to 1st gear.
The initial diagnosis is a problem in the connecting lever with the Withdrawl lever, which moves the gear.
The clutch cables (on old cars) or the clutch master (on modern vehicles) connect components. Another possibility is that there are worn or aged components, so you need to replace them immediately.
7. Check Engine Light Is On
When you see the check engine light on, it can be the earliest warning if there is damage to the transmission system.
But it can also be a sign of damage to other components that have nothing to do with the transmission.
Because of this, the latest cars today have sensors on all parts of the engine that can send information to the computer if a fault occurs in a particular component.
In a car transmission case, the sensors can recognize vibrations and identify the problem earlier than the driver feels.
8. Noise Appears in Neutral Gear Position
Do you feel disturbed by the noise in the cabin when shifting the transmission to neutral? Well, that’s because the bearings are worn out, especially those on the input shaft.
So if that happens, immediately take your car to be repaired.
9. Gears Slip
When the transmission usually works, the gears will remain in the position set by the driver. Or the computer system will move it automatically at a specific rpm range.
But when the gears slip, they suddenly change the gear position because the position is unstable. For example, in a manual car, third gear suddenly shifts to neutral by itself.
Of course, this will be very dangerous, especially if you drive at high speed, suddenly lose power in the wheels, and lose control.
So, immediately check your car at the repair shop because this transmission problem poses a high risk to vehicle users’ safety.
10. Sticky Clutch
One of the most annoying problems for manual car users is the sticky clutch. The problem occurs because the clutch disc fails to release from the flywheel when you step on the clutch pedal.
As a result, it is difficult for the driver to shift gears because the clutch is still involved in the engine speed.
If you keep it forced, it will make a shuffling sound like a milling machine. The clutch pedal is too loose, causing a sticky clutch.