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
Excellent service and honest advice....
John Monai
Excellent service and honest advice. They fixed my transmission issues quickly and professionally. They took the time to explain exactly what was wrong and gave me a clear estimate before starting. It’s hard to find a shop you can trust with complex transmission issues, but these guys are experts. Fast turnaround and excellent communication. Thanks for getting me back on the road
Date: February 16, 2026
Website: Google
I had a problem with...
Ann O'Regan
I had a problem with my 2012 Honda Civic trani with 625km. I took it to Honda service for a diagnosis and it was confirmed to be the transmission.But repairs and new/used parts would be way too costly. For about 6 months knowing it could of been an engine mount issue due to strong vibration, a bit of gear slipping and some jerking while increasing speed...so I brought my car to Mr. Transmission in Pickering and was welcomed by a such a nice gentleman Chris, the owner Ken's son when I told him my issue. Right away we went for a test drive on the highway returned and did confirm and explained in detailed as a second opinion that I needed a new used trani and definitely a torq converter...he located a trani for me at a very great price with low kms and I chose to get the work done with him. A date was set when the trani was delivered. I dropped off my vehicle 2 days later at 9am. I rented a car at Enterprise Car Rental that morning as they were in the same automotive plaza. To my surprise, by 3pm, I received a call from Chris that the work for the transmission being replaced was complete in a very timely manner. I was ecstatic as I didn't expect to be done till the next day. I returned the rental and picked up my car. It's been running excellent like a brand new car as I do a lot of mileage weekly on my vehicle. I could not have been more happy about the whole experience with Mr.Transmission in Pickering with Chris. His customer hospitality, honesty, caring and very reasonable pricing made it all worth it explaining every detail what had to be done delivered professionalism and expertise at its best. I highly absolutely recommend this place to cater to all your transmission needs from a truly satisfied customer!!!!
Date: February 15, 2026
Website: Google
Amazing service! Pulled up less...
Yura Lisnik
Amazing service! Pulled up less than 1hour. Did great job reparing, Wasted no time, got straight to work and was done in timely efficient matter! Highly recommend to everyone in need of emergency repair.
Date: February 15, 2026
Website: Google
My experience with Mister Transmission...
Robert Grant
My experience with Mister Transmission was extremely positive. They took my car in at the exact time scheduled and I had the transmission repaired the same day in very short order. Very pleased with the service and would recommend this shop to anyone. Top notch!
Date: February 13, 2026
Website: Google
Great pricing and great work
Wayne Lindsay
Great pricing and great work
Date: February 12, 2026
Website: Google
Awesome place to go for...
Clinton Slaunwhite
Awesome place to go for any automotive needs, they only do the work required, and don’t push anything on you… Very honest . First, early diagnosis by looking at it, they believed it to be a damaged radiator, but after taking it apart, realized it was just a seal that needed to be replaced… They easily could’ve just changed the radiator and nobody would’ve known, instead they just replaced the seal and cut my Original quote by $600+ Highly recommend
Date: February 12, 2026
Website: Google
Roma was a pleasure to...
Mariam Malang
Roma was a pleasure to deal with. Very honest and transparent about the problem and the cost to repair. Would highly recommend!
Date: February 12, 2026
Website: Google
Great service and got our...
Bill Davidson
Great service and got our company truck back fast
Date: February 12, 2026
Website: Google
Stu and Joe were very...
Colby Waldo
Stu and Joe were very helpful in finding parts that are near impossible with a great attitude towards everything and a fair price for fair work one of the few shops I'll ever recommend in red deer they do an amazing job hands down!
Date: February 12, 2026
Website: Google
Great customer service and very...
Junaid Khalid
Great customer service and very honest; they did a road test and diagnostic for free and were incredibly helpful! Highly recommended
Date: February 11, 2026
Website: Google
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