7 Common Transmission Problems

May 10, 2021 | By Mister Transmission

7 Common Transmission Problems

We all want to avoid transmission problems. To do that, it helps to know what some of the most common are and what can cause them. Here are seven common transmission problems.

1. Transmission Won’t Shift Gears

You really need to be able to shift gears when driving your vehicle and when you can’t, it’s pretty annoying and sometimes frightening. Sometimes your gearshift just won’t go where you’re trying to put it, sometimes it reverts back to its initial position after you’ve shifted, and sometimes you can shift it, but you’re met with considerable resistance or there’s a delay. The culprit here could be a lack of transmission fluid, which, as we will see, is always a usual suspect.

2. Transmission Grinds Or Shakes

If your transmission is making a grinding noise or if you can feel it take time to wriggle into correct gear instead of making a smooth transition, you have a transmission problem. It will likely worsen so that the next time you shift gears you experience more shaking. Your clutch may need to be adjusted or replaced.

3. Transmission Slips

Sometimes transmission slip out of gear. This usually happens when you have just shifted gears and then it slips back to neutral. This can be a very dangerous transmission problem. It can be caused by any number of issues. One common cause is that the link that holds the gears is worn out or broken.

4. Weird Noises

Weird noises can accompany any common transmission problem. If you find yourself thinking, “That’s odd, I’ve never heard that sound before”, do not ignore it! Manual transmissions often make clunking noises while automatic transmissions might whirr, whine, or hum.

5. Transmission Leaks

All the problems on this list could be caused by a lack of transmission fluid (or transmission oil for manual transmissions). If you see patches of reddish liquid underneath your vehicle after you’ve parked for a while, you have a leak that needs to be sealed pronto.

6. Dragging Clutch (Manual Transmissions)

In manual transmissions, the clutch disk can fail to disengage the flywheel. The clutch will still spin with the engine which can make it impossible to change gears.

7. Something Is Burning!

Overheating is a constant worry for transmissions. Burning smells are not to be ignored. As with all these issues, you should have your transmission inspected as soon as possible.

Mister Transmission

Mister Transmission can diagnose and fix all of these common transmission problems and many more. If you think you have a common transmission problem, please contact us. We also have a comprehensive COVID-19 policy to keep everybody safe.

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Customer Reviews
Diagnosed the issue immediately. Friendly...
Paul Carrigan
Diagnosed the issue immediately. Friendly and knowledgeable. Took care of everything. Highly recommend this place best costumer service ever!
Date: May 5, 2025
Website: Google
I brought my vehicle here...
Olivia Blum
I brought my vehicle here for a second opinion after my regular mechanic said it needed a new transmission. They were able to find a service bulletin for a reprogramming and suggested I get that looked at first. It is sometimes hard to find a mechanic who doesn’t take advantage of women/people who don’t know much about cars. However, their suggestion saved me $5000 when they could have just told me I did in fact need a new transmission and done the work themselves. I am very grateful for the honesty and customer service at Mr.Transmission and would recommend them to anyone who asks!
Date: May 5, 2025
Website: Google
Very pleased with the service...
Jim Watters
Very pleased with the service provided in checking my concerns on my vehicle!
Date: May 5, 2025
Website: Google
The people at Mister Transmission...
Randy Mazak
The people at Mister Transmission at exeter rd in london were curtious very experienced and met the time line they set out. I would recommend this dealership to anyone.
Date: May 3, 2025
Website: Google
Knew how to fix my...
Lost
Knew how to fix my truck right away without having to replace my transmission. Very knowledgeable and friendly service I would highly recommend thos place to everyone.
Date: May 2, 2025
Website: Google
Highly recommend Mister Transmission! From...
Raven Nicolay
Highly recommend Mister Transmission! From my first phone call, Dawn was incredibly knowledgeable—she was nearly able to diagnose the issue just over the phone. To confirm, they scheduled me in the same day for a test drive and diagnostic. Chris promptly provided clear options and pricing estimates, ensuring I knew what to expect. Before I left, he confirmed parts availability and even offered a helpful recommendation for a rental car while mine was being serviced.I was relieved to receive good news and that the more affordable repair option was the solution. While it can be a little difficult to get through to them due to how busy they are, they genuinely do their best to respond promptly. When a minor issue came up shortly after, they got me back in right away and resolved it quickly.Thanks again to the whole team for the excellent service!
Date: May 2, 2025
Website: Google
Being a widow I was...
Wendy Langill
Being a widow I was scared to death to have to take my car in to a transmission shop I was so pleasantly surprised to find out that the problem is had was caused by a squirrel and they fixed it quickly and at no charge. Julie was wonderful and I would recommend this shop to anyone that think they have a transmission problem.
Date: May 2, 2025
Website: Google
I would highly recommend them....
Ann Paterson
I would highly recommend them. They were amazing to work with and went over and above to help solve my problem.. Thank you.
Date: May 2, 2025
Website: Google
Great
Wale Oke
Great
Date: May 2, 2025
Website: Google
Knew how to fix my...
Lost
Knew how to fix my truck right away without having to replace my transmission. Very knowledgeable and friendly service I would highly recommend thos place to everyone.
Date: May 2, 2025
Website: Google
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