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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New clutch works fantastic! My...
George Banman
New clutch works fantastic! My Yaris is ready for another 300,000 km!!
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Brianne Miller
I took my car for repair. I had a transmission issue or so I thought and they ended up diagnosing my car and said it was an engine misfire not transmission problem really honest place they were professional and great customer service, didnt even charge me a diagnostic fee even provided me with shuttle their and back, I highly recommend Dan and this Mr transmission location
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Although it was an expensive repair for my old work truck, but I do appreciate Ray and his team for kindness and considerate.
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Danice Inc.
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Fred Tanton
I would highly recommend Mr Transmission and Chris and his team in Owen Sound they did a great job and had my truck done in no time with a better rebuild than the factory transmission that was in my truck for a decent price. Extremely nice and easy to talk too and excellent service
Date: June 2, 2023
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Great place ,always been helpful...
Mathieu Roy
Great place ,always been helpful with some issues that I had with some vehicles
Date: June 2, 2023
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Gary was so friendly and...
Greg Power
Gary was so friendly and helpful. Gave great advice and genuinely just wanted to help. Great experience and highly recommend
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Staff is extremely helpful. The...
Mallia MacDonald
Staff is extremely helpful. The receptionist is amazing explains things well. I’m very happy with the work that was done!
Date: June 2, 2023
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Undeniably the best mechanic you...
Anjuman Bhuiyan
Undeniably the best mechanic you can visit, particularly if your car is having transmission issues. Ray and Gus are not only seasoned experts but incredibly honest as well. They will give you different options to resolve your issue in a timely manner. They also keep you in the loop on matters that save you money, ie. how you can get back money from a recall/class action lawsuit that you might not know about. They even have financing options. Mr. Transmission went the extra mile for me, thank you!
Date: June 2, 2023
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My old car, a 2013...
Hugh Clark
My old car, a 2013 Dodge Charger developed a mid-shift that only happened when the car was cold and it was shifting up into 3rd or 4th gear for the first time each day - it would stumble badly, but then it would be fine for the rest of the day. My regular garage specifically recommended I go to this Mr. Transmission, so there I went. If they would have told me that it would be 5,000 for a rebuild I would have said “Ok”. But they diagnosed this car over a couple of cold cycle mornings and said “you may as well just drive it as long as you can put up with a minor mis-shift, otherwise you would be wasting your money to rebuild it”. So that’s what I did - I drove it for 18 months and it never got any worse and I ended up getting a great trade value for it. These guys are honest and have my deepest respect.
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