A Failing Transmission – The Hints It Drops

By Author: Joe Holland
Total Articles: 16
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When the car indicates problems with the transmission, you should heed to the warning and take the car to a service station. Prolonging the visit would only make the matters worse and you may end up buying a new transmission.

Transmission is the part of powertrain in an automotive. When it gives the signs of damage, address the problem ASAP, rather than let it evolve into a transmission failure.

If you find a small pool of oil when you move the car from the parking spot, it is the sign of a problem. Transmissions may leak from several external seals, some of which are easy to repair and some requiring involved service procedures. A transmission low on fluid may fail completely, so get the car checked at a service station.

Burning smell may also indicate an issue in the transmission. It may be overheating or leaking fluid onto the exhaust. You need to take the car to a mechanic with urgency. If the transmission fluid or engine oil drops on hot exhaust, it may catch fire.

Transmissions are computer controlled today and a check engine light may also indicate transmission problem. Computers may detect ...
... a transmission malfunction that would be imperceptible to the driver.

If the car produces a shaking or bucking sensation when moving at speed, the reason could be a transmission slip or a poor engine tune. Take the car to a mechanic who would examine it and advise you about the problem.

A wrong gear start or hard shift may be an indication that transmission is in a computer set ‘failsafe’ or ‘limp home’ mode. The computer may take the step when it detects a transmission fault. It does that to inform the driver of the problem and help protect the transmission from further damage.

Transmission slipping is the vehicle’s call for a visit to a service station. This is a condition where the engine is revving yet the full power is not reaching the wheels. There may be various causes for a transmission slip.

When the car responses late to shift of the shifter from "D" to "R" or vice versa, it indicates transmission malfunction. The culprit may be failing clutch pack, a low fluid level or a band that requires adjustment to an internal transmission seal.

If you fast accelerate from a stop and the response is neutral condition, it is a sign of low fluid condition. If a transmission is low on fluid, it suggests of a leakage that demands attention.

Many owners choose to ignore the warning signs and delay the visit to the service station. To their dismay they may end up paying the hefty cost of a new transmission.

Even if it goes to a transmission replacement, there are ways to get a fully functioning transmission in a fraction of the costs of a new component. You may buy rebuilt transmission in place of a new one. Just make sure you get it from a reputable manufacturer and it would work fine.

A top-of-the-line supplier would deal in all powertrain components. Whether you required Chevy rebuilt engines or GM transmission, they would be able to provide.

Author of this article is associated with PowertrainDirect.com that supplies clients with high quality car engines, transmissions and transfer cases.