5 Signs Your Car’s Transmission Has a Problem or Two

February 21, 2023 | By Mister Transmission

A car transmission plays a critical role in the operation of any vehicle. It is the component responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels and providing the necessary speed and torque to propel a car forward. Without a transmission, a car would not be able to drive, as the engine would be unable to produce the necessary force to move the car.

The transmission comprises several parts, including the gears, clutches, hydraulic system, and drive shaft. The gears are responsible for controlling the amount of torque and speed a car produces. The clutches provide the necessary friction to allow gears to engage and disengage while the hydraulic system keeps the transmission lubricated and cooled. Finally, the drive shaft transfers power from the engine to the wheels.

With that said, with so many parts to the transmission, you might have guessed that many problems can occur with the transmission. Fortunately, thanks to advancements in material and tech, this isn’t likely. However, this doesn’t mean that it doesn’t run into problems. Bad transmissions can be annoying to deal with, and if it does happen to you, it is vital to act immediately to get it repaired.

Today, we’re going to share with you a couple of signs your car has a bad transmission:

  1. Slipping Gears

One of the most obvious signs of a bad transmission is when your car’s gears slip when you’re driving. This can happen when you’re accelerating, shifting gears, or even when your car is idling. If you notice that your car’s gears are slipping, it’s time to get it checked out by a professional.

  1. Strange Noises

If you notice any strange noises coming from your car’s transmission, it could be a sign of trouble. Clunking, grinding, and humming noises can all be indicators of a bad transmission.

  1. Leaking Fluid

If you notice fluid leaking from your car’s transmission, it could be another sign of trouble. Transmission fluid is an essential component of your car’s transmission, and if it’s leaking, it could mean the transmission is failing.

  1. Burning Smell

Another sign of a bad transmission is a burning smell coming from the engine. This is usually a sign of a problem with the transmission fluid or the seals, and it should be addressed as soon as possible.

  1. Dashboard Warning Lights

Finally, if your car’s dashboard is lit up with warning lights related to the transmission, it could be a sign of a serious problem. If you notice any warning lights, it’s best to get your car checked out by a professional as soon as possible.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the signs of a bad car transmission. If you notice any of the above symptoms, or you notice or think that there’s something wrong with your transmission. It’s important to have your car checked out by a professional as soon as possible. Doing so can help you avoid costly repairs in the future and help you keep your car running smoothly for years to come.

Mister Transmission is your go-to Canadian transmission technology specialist. If you are looking for transmission repair in British Columbia, contact us today!

Mister Transmission Team

The Mister Transmission team consists of certified transmission specialists with decades of combined experience in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining automatic and manual transmissions.

With over 60 years of service across Canada, our experts provide trusted, accurate, and up-to-date automotive advice to help drivers make informed decisions about their vehicles.

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Customer Reviews
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Vaclav “Vince”
Had a service done by these guys on my CVT. I chose them because they are a specialized service provider with specialized tools. Expertise is unparalleled! Thanks again :)
Date: November 6, 2026
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Great place. Found my cars...
Aaron Wicketta
Great place. Found my cars issues sent my car to midas for some engine work. Then fixed my transmission. The try their best to not waste time. Overall was cheaper than other quotes. Excellent communication.
Date: November 6, 2026
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Sepideh Bayaty
I had a great experience with Mister Transmission in Burlington. I brought in my Toyota C-HR because of an unusual whining noise, and Mr. Brian did an excellent job diagnosing and resolving the issue. He is extremely professional and knowledgeable. He kept me informed at every stage of the repair, provided updates on the progress, and made sure I understood what was happening with my vehicle. What impressed me most was his attention to detail and commitment to quality. He even took my vehicle for several test drives to ensure the transmission was working perfectly before returning it to me. The work was completed on time, and I couldn't be happier with the result. My car now drives like it did on the very first day! A big thank you to Mr. Brian for his outstanding service, excellent communication, and dedication. I highly recommend Mister Transmission in Burlington to anyone looking for reliable, honest, and professional transmission service.
Date: November 6, 2026
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I went to the Mister...
Andrew Poirier
I went to the Mister Transmission on Exeter Rd for diagnostics on my 2019 Toyota Tacoma transmission.The service was top-notch; The owner was very knowledgeable and friendly. There were no issues whatsoever with the truck. They did inform me that my K&N filter had popped off. Thank you for your honesty and I will definitely take my vehicle there for any service needed in the future.
Date: November 6, 2026
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Absolutely amazing service from start...
Lucy Varas
Absolutely amazing service from start to finish! The entire team at Mr. Transmission went above and beyond while working on both my husband’s truck and mine. From the friendly front desk staff to the hardworking mechanics, everyone was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring. We couldn’t be happier with the service we received. Thank you, to the whole team, for making both experiences so positive! Highly recommend!
Date: November 6, 2026
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Pam Arnott
The staff at Mister Transmission was very friendly and very knowledgeable. They helped me out with my tranny and got me back up and running. Thank you
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Jake Sutherland
Great shop. Great customer service. Will be returning.
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Best place everyone one so...
Bhupinder Dhami
Best place everyone one so helpful. Will recommend for anyone who is having transmission problems. Very clean shop
Date: November 5, 2026
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Wonderful guy on the front...
Andrew Esser
Wonderful guy on the front desk. Super personable, knowledgeable and easy to talk to. Explained to me in detail what the issues were and the cost associated with it. They fixed me up in a reasonable amount of time for a price I thought was more than fair. These guys have a 5 star review for a reason.
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Darren Keeping
Worked with Mister Transmision for Warranty Claims they have resonable prices and great service .We recomend them in St Catherines.
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