How Can You Tell if a Transmission is Working Properly?

December 28, 2018 | By Mister Transmission

How Can You Tell if a Transmission is Working Properly?

How can you tell if your transmission is working properly? Usually, you can do so by the absence of observable problems. The truth is that it’s much easier to tell if your transmission is not working properly. This article will go over some of the telltale signs that you have a transmission problem as well as some of the things you can do if you have a nagging feeling that something is amiss, but you’re not sure what.

Symptoms of Transmission Problems

The easiest way to figure out if there’s something wrong with your transmission is if there’s an obvious problem. Granted, you don’t want to ever have any transmission problems if you can help it. But if you know what the signs are and able to identify them, then at least you can take the proper steps to get them fixed right away.

Some common symptoms of transmission problems include:

  • Slipping out of gear
  • Transmission rejecting gear changes
  • Grinding, clunking, or resistance when shifting gears
  • A smell of burning
  • Whirring, thumping, or other odd sounds coming from your transmission
  • Patches of reddish liquid on the pavement under your vehicle (sign of a transmission fluid leak)
  • Transmission fluid has a foul odour or is discoloured/opaque (sign of damaged or burned transmission fluid)

The Multi-Check Inspection

If you have observed any of the above symptoms from your transmission you should bring it into a reputable transmission shop to get the problem fixed. And you should do it sooner rather than later; it doesn’t pay to procrastinate. However, these symptoms generally present only when a problem has become severe enough to be noticed. Is there anyway to identify a problem sooner? Well, yes, there is.

Mister Transmission offers a four-part multi-check inspection as part of our transmission services. The multi-check inspection is almost certain to be able to find any problems or inefficiencies with your transmission. The multi-check inspection includes:

  • A Fluid Check
  • A Road Test
  • A Lift Inspection (if required)
  • A Pan Examination (if required)

The Fluid Check

            –The fluid check examines your transmission fluid. If the fluid is damaged or depleted, this could be the cause of or a symptom of a problem.

The Road Test

            -Sometimes the best way to examine a transmission is to get the vehicle out on the road to see how it handles. Our technicians will take careful notice of how the transmission responds to commands and everything it does. Or doesn’t do, as the case may be.

The Lift Inspection

            -During the lift inspection a Mister Transmission technician will examine the following:

  • Neutral Switch
  • Engine RPM
  • Throttle Linkage
  • Modulators
  • Transmission Mounts
  • U-Joints
  • Fluid Retention
  • Electronic Controls

The Pan Examination

           -The pan examination is the most important part of the Mister Transmission multi-check inspection. In all pans, you can expect to see some metal particles and friction material. However, an excess of this material indicates internal wear and damage. If that is the case, and it is determined that a minor adjustment will not correct the problem, we will recommend Mister Transmission’s inspection service. This service will determine exactly what is wrong inside your transmission.

Reach Out

If you would like to learn more about the Mister Transmission multi-check inspection or about how to properly evaluate your transmission’s health, please reach out and get in touch with us today.

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Customer Reviews
Tonia was fantastic- great customer...
C M
Tonia was fantastic- great customer service
Date: March 10, 2026
Website: Google
I’ve been to Mister Transmission...
Randy G
I’ve been to Mister Transmission in Peterborough twice. The first time I had my trucks transmission, torque converter and differential fluids changed. The second time I was looking for a transmission part for an old vehicle. Both times the service was excellent and the staff were very knowledgeable and friendly. The price for the fluid change was great, they refused to take anything for the transmission part. Thank you
Date: March 10, 2026
Website: Google
Chris and his crew went...
FamousMinds
Chris and his crew went above and beyond to track down some hard to find parts for my Honda Odyssey transmission. It was a huge job with some setbacks from suppliers, but he never gave up and got the job done!
Date: March 10, 2026
Website: Google
Really good explanation by the...
Nuwan Suraweera
Really good explanation by the staff like What could be happened. What can be happen in the future. What do i need to do.Really happy about the service.
Date: March 10, 2026
Website: Google
My brother-in-law was skeptical when...
Frank Angus
My brother-in-law was skeptical when a dealer insisted our car needed a brand-new transmission and quoted a costly rebuild. Instead, he recommended Mister Transmission on Exeter Road in London to first have a look to see if they could rebuild it instead of buying a new transmission. We took his advice, and we are so glad we did. They thoroughly evaluated the car and determined the transmission was fine; the problem was something much simpler and far less expensive to fix. Their honest assessment substantially reduced the bill, and it restored our faith in finding trustworthy auto shops. Friendly, professional, and straightforward — I highly recommend Mr. Transmission, 300 Exeter Road, London.
Date: March 10, 2026
Website: Google
Julie was wonderful to deal...
Anna Halford
Julie was wonderful to deal with. She helped us tremendously to get our son’s vehicle repaired. Would definitely recommend them for future services.
Date: March 10, 2026
Website: Google
They did a great job...
Warren Pulling
They did a great job with my caravan. Great service, quick turn around. Thanks
Date: March 9, 2026
Website: Google
Got all my fluids changed...
Ahmer Zaki
Got all my fluids changed here on my Mercedes very good prices and they do an excellent job definitely coming back here and would highly recommend
Date: March 7, 2026
Website: Google
This location is the best....
Brandon Callaway
This location is the best. Chris is amazing to deal with. Had a torque converter and rear diff replaced and they did it really fast. Highly recommend these guys. 5 out of 5 stars
Date: March 7, 2026
Website: Google
Thank you, Giorgio! An honest...
Bobh Yyz
Thank you, Giorgio! An honest operator…I stopped by his Mister Transmission as a mechanic diagnosed a slow leak under my car as transmission fluid.Regardless of being tied up, Giorgio came out front to my Jeep Wrangler, crawled under, came back up, and said looks and smells like oil.He suggested the auto service shop next unit over. We went in and our explained the situation to the operator. I’m in good hands with the service shop now.Bottom line: Giorgio’s good turn, at no cost to me, quickly helped steered me in the right direction.
Date: March 6, 2026
Website: Google
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