Burning odors coming from underneath your automobile generally indicate that your transmission is overheating. This is very dangerous for the transmission. Heat causes transmission damage, and the most common reason why your transmission overheats is that the transmission fluid is too low. Your transmission may also be overheating because it is going bad. Aside from heat, University Auto Repair lists the other signs of transmission problems.
Gear Problems
Naturally, if your transmission is going bad you will have difficulty shifting gears. Whether a manual or automatic transmission, the transmission should always go into gear and shift through the gear cycle seamlessly. If it refuses to do so, it’s in need of serious repair.
Leaking Fluid
Leaking transmission fluid can also create a huge problem for the transmission. Transmission fluid is bright red and translucent. It generally leaks from underneath your automobile near the center rather than directly underneath the engine. It’s important to have the transmission leak fixed as soon as possible to avoid low transmission fluid and overheating.
Strange Noises
A faulty transmission will also make strange noises as it shifts through the gear cycle. You will hear grinding or squealing as the transmission tries to shift gears. Another strange sound that indicates your vehicle’s transmission is in trouble is humming when the transmission is in neutral. Low transmission fluid can cause strange noises coming from the transmission as can the wear and tear of the internal mechanisms.
Shaking/Vibration
You may also notice that your vehicle shakes or vibrates when it shifts gears if your transmission is having problems. Aside from a slight change in your engine speed, you should not feel anything when your transmission goes into gear and when it shifts gears. If you feel shaking or vibration, or if the transmission clunks, you need to have the transmission inspected and serviced right away.
Check Engine Light
Finally, it’s normal for the check engine light to turn on if your transmission is having problems. You may receive this warning as the only warning, or, more commonly, the check engine light will turn on while you are experiencing some of the other signs of transmission problems listed above.
A recent study demonstrated that the check engine light is nearly 100 percent accurate when it turns on to report an engine problem. As such, it’s crucial that you have the reason why the check engine light came on diagnosed right away, especially if it is the transmission.
University Auto Repair in Flagstaff, AZ, is here to help. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment for your automobile.
