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
Gave a reasonable quote over...
Parsa Namsehchi
Gave a reasonable quote over phone, which lots of shops aren’t willing to do anymore!
Date: January 19, 2025
Website: Google
I spoke with Alistair on...
Fred Zumer
I spoke with Alistair on Friday, and he had my vehicle in already for Monday morning. He took his time to explain exactly what needed to be done in terms of diagnosing the vehicle with a scanner, and from this, determine the issues I was having. Once diagnosed, the repairs began. The vehicle runs beautiful now with a complete overhauled transmission. I am very happy with the experience.
Date: January 19, 2025
Website: Google
The staff was very friendly...
Gerry St
The staff was very friendly and the service gentleman knew exactly what was wrong with my transmission before he even took my car for the test drive and hooked up the computer to it . After the test drive the results were on point to what he told me in the store at that point I knew that he knew what he was talking about and has been doing this for a long time . Thank you for your time and I will be back in the near future.
Date: January 18, 2025
Website: Google
Helped us diagnose and referred...
Jen Racine
Helped us diagnose and referred us to another shop.
Date: January 18, 2025
Website: Google
Attentive and thorough. Good customer...
Ed Sweet
Attentive and thorough. Good customer service. Fair price
Date: January 17, 2025
Website: Google
I called them in the...
Kevin Van
I called them in the morning they told me to bring van right in for free Diagnosis. I brought the van in they gave me quote I asked for ride home.Three hrs.later the van was fixed and it worked even better than I expected very professional service. Thanks guys
Date: January 17, 2025
Website: Google
Took my VW beetle to...
Shannon Mernickle
Took my VW beetle to get my transmission checked out and they were very prompt and straight forward. I ended up needing a new transmission and they got it done the same day it arrived at the shop. Very great service, I will be going here if I have anymore issues highly recommend
Date: January 17, 2025
Website: Google
I had a great experience...
Asad
I had a great experience with this Mr Transmission location They were thorough in resolving any issues and maintained clear communication about the problem and pricing. Very respectful team. I would definitely recommend them.
Date: January 16, 2025
Website: Google
Awesome experience! Great communication! Highly...
Katey Doxtator
Awesome experience! Great communication! Highly recommend
Date: January 16, 2025
Website: Google
I had a great experience...
Asad
I had a great experience with this Mr Transmission location They were thorough in resolving any issues and maintained clear communication about the problem and pricing. Very respectful team. I would definitely recommend them.
Date: January 16, 2025
Website: Google
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