Engine Problems That Seem Like Transmission Problems

By Mister Transmission

If there is one thing all drivers share in common, it is the feeling of dread we get when we hear an unfamiliar sound coming from our car. That, and of course our dislike for getting stuck in traffic. Your car can give you signs that there is something wrong from obvious alerts such as an engine light to strange sounds, smells, vibrations or grindings. The problem for most drivers is trying to figure out what is causing the issue. There can be many signs that might seem like there is something wrong with your transmission when in fact it is your engine at the root of the problem. Here are a few ways to identify engine problems over transmission problems.

Check Engine Light

This may seem a little counter-intuitive, but many drivers who know their cars to some extent may be familiar with the fact that their check engine light is often related to transmission trouble. Some drivers will choose to ignore it because they have rushed to the auto shop only to find out it is something silly, like a loose gas cap. Regardless of what is triggering your check engine light, you probably want to take its cue and bring it in for a diagnostic. If you are lucky, it is something simple. Just keep in mind the longer you wait the worse it can get. In order to diagnose it properly, we recommend you take it to a transmission specialist like Mister Transmission.

Burning Smell

There are a dozen things that can cause a burning smell in your car, including transmission problems. Many people who have experienced a burning smell due to a lack of transmission fluid may just assume this is what is causing the problem and you may just make a note to yourself to check the levels at some point. However your engine can also have issues that cause a burning smell usually related to oil leaks. You can check for signs for oil leaks such as a loose oil filter, a loose or damaged oil plug or a damaged oil gasket. Many of these issues can occur following an oil change even if it was done by a mechanic. Transmission fluid tends to have a sweeter smell, but will smell distinctly “burnt” if there is an issue. Leaks from other fluids may cause a burning smell if they leak into or onto the engine.

Hesitation

Your car hesitating when you accelerate is an issue that can be caused by transmission problems. It is possible for you to mistakenly think your gears are slipping when in fact it is your engine hesitating. It is also common to experience issues when switching from park to drive for transmission problems. When it is the engine, you will really feel it if you try to accelerate as you are getting onto the highway or trying to pass someone. Some common causes for engine hesitation are blocked air and fuel filters.

Strange Sounds

Strange sounds are often mistaken for transmission problems. There is a way to tell the difference between engine and transmission related sounds. Transmission problems result in more of a whining, humming or clunking noise. Engine troubles will be more along the lines of whirring, hissing or backfires. Your engine may also make a popping sound when hesitating.

When you are straining to figure out what the heck the sound might be, the sound may stop which can be a big relief. However if it comes and goes it can be frustrating if you are trying to pinpoint where the sound is coming from. In the case of the whining, humming and clunking caused by transmission problems it tends to last whereas popping and backfires will happen only momentarily and whirring from the engine will occur as you speed up.

As you can see learning to identify issues with your car is tricky. However it might be a little easier to determine if it is the engine or transmission problems using these indicators.

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Customer Reviews
Very friendly, honest, reasonable and...
Karen Oconnell
Very friendly, honest, reasonable and reliable service! If your car deserves the best, forget the rest, and have it serviced here! :)
Date: November 12, 2023
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Art Dulmage
Great staff interaction and work made for a very good transaction.
Date: November 10, 2023
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Great service representative. Price was...
Annil Jaikishun
Great service representative. Price was good .had a transmission job done at this address and it was finesh on time as was said to be .I highly recommend going to MR TRANSMISSION FOR ALL UR SERVICE NEED.everyone there was polite and helpful and provide information .
Date: November 10, 2023
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Jon D
So refreshing to be treated with respect, integrity, and best service practiced.very honest operation.
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Ron Liscum
Very professional staff and great work
Date: November 10, 2023
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These guys are great! On...
Kenny Strub
These guys are great! On my way home from work pulling my travel trailer my transmission overheated, I called them to see if they could get me in and back on the road , within 2 hours I was in and out, problem was solved with minor troubleshooting and my transmission has been cool and shifting smooth ever since! I thank Jamie and everyone here for the quick fixing and knowledge they have about transmissions. I would highly recommend to anyone.
Date: November 10, 2023
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Checked my car for FREE,...
Carl Waggett
Checked my car for FREE, exsplained the problem and even recommend another place that could help me!!! There needs to be MORE bussniess like this in Cambridge 😌🙏
Date: November 9, 2023
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Top rate shop! After taking...
D F
Top rate shop! After taking my Civic here for transmission issues (noise, leaked out all its fluid), I was mentally preparing for the worst. The technician took time to answer all my questions and explain what had gone wrong. Turns out that they were able to repair the issue and get me going for a reasonable charge, and two days after they received the car by tow. They seem to be an honest and very knowledgeable shop, and I left feeling grateful to have chosen a good place. Thank you guys!!
Date: November 9, 2023
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Repair you can trust. Professional...
Ferdinand Cruz
Repair you can trust. Professional service.
Date: November 9, 2023
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Parkland Mr. Transmission was great...
Joel Foster
Parkland Mr. Transmission was great to deal with. I received same day service. They trouble shot my issue. Turned out to be a wiring problem. No parts needed and my truck was back on the road in 48 hours. Fantastic service and the shop is incredibly clean...just something I noticed while I was there. Thank you to Jamie and the team for helping me out.
Date: November 8, 2023
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