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
Gus was very professional and...
Mike Long
Gus was very professional and took the time to patiently review a number of documents that were provided by the dealership so that I fully understood all the codes being displayed with respect to recalls from Dodge. He was very approachable and forthcoming in answering all my questions.
Date: April 21, 2025
Website: Google
Absolutely GREAT service. Honest and...
Paula Cziranka
Absolutely GREAT service. Honest and efficient- communicates exactly what is happening and your options. I can’t say enough about how much I appreciate their service.
Date: April 20, 2025
Website: Google
While on vacation our transmission...
David Janiszewski
While on vacation our transmission failed as soon as we arrived from Ohio. Ken and team sourced a transmission, stayed after hours and Ken himself came in on a holiday morning so we could drive our car home rather than me having to drive back 6 hours one way the following week.Communication throughout the process was excellent and the customer service was second to none. Highly recommend this shop. Excellent experience over all.
Date: April 20, 2025
Website: Google
Brought my 06 mitsu lancer...
Isaiah Presingular
Brought my 06 mitsu lancer in with a 4th gear popout and slipping clutch, a mechanic took the car out for a test drive and diagnostic free of charge and the gentleman at the front desk went above and beyond to take care of me with part sourcing and extremely good pricing. Five business days (realistically just 3 as they had to wait for some parts to arrive), a swapped transmission and new clutch later, and now she goes through all the gears perfectly, absolutely no issuesHighly recommend, you can't beat the price to workmanship you get here, mechanics we're super chill and very qualified, everyone there takes pride in their work and they should, very impressed 👍
Date: April 18, 2025
Website: Google
I was in the area...
Dupuis Family
I was in the area and had an issue with my Hyundai Tucson shifting. I called and the Manager - Jason offered to squeeze me in. Jason listened to my complaints and with his expert trained staff were able to diagnose and fix the problem immediately. They had me on my happily way in no time. Thanks guys!
Date: April 16, 2025
Website: Google
Very awesome customer service!!! Very...
Kelsey Larsen
Very awesome customer service!!! Very quick and easy to get in and out for services. Was supposed to have a refurbished tranny put in my car but it was a brand new one they replaced with in the end!! Thankyou soooooooo much. I will forever send any and all that need their tranny or driveline diagnosed to you guys.
Date: April 16, 2025
Website: Google
After talking with Kris on...
Chris Richards
After talking with Kris on the phone, I felt comfortable that he knew the particular issues related to a 24-year old (2001) 4R100 Ford transmission, coupled with a 7.3 diesel, and gained my trust that they had the knowledge and expertise to overhaul it. I questioned him in advance about the parts they would use and the staff member that would do the work. Was a good experience. He knew that I used the truck for trailer-towing and recommended some specific parts/upgrades for hauling. I'll be towing across Canada this year, and if you don't see any further comments or a rating less than 5-star, assume that the transmission is tugging away nicely without issues. Thanks Kris and Dawn.
Date: April 15, 2025
Website: Google
Great guys, never had an...
Ashley Wilson
Great guys, never had an issue here, friendly staff that know what they are doing 👍
Date: April 15, 2025
Website: Google
This is a fantastic team...
Volodymyr Brykanov
This is a fantastic team of true professionals! Ken is not only a great person but also an incredibly knowledgeable mechanic. Highly recommend their services!
Date: April 15, 2025
Website: Google
Thanks to Raman and his...
G W
Thanks to Raman and his team for taking care of fixing our van. Would highly recommend this shop. They are trustworthy, honest and do great work.
Date: April 15, 2025
Website: Google
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