How do I know If I Have a Transmission Problem?

July 28, 2018 | By Mister Transmission

How do I know If I Have a Transmission Problem?

Have you noticed patches of reddish clear fluid on your driveway after you pull out in the morning? Have you felt odd clicking or grinding sensations coming from your vehicle when you change gears? Have you heard weird whirring noises when you change gears? Or does your vehicle just decide to change gears on its own and you slip out of gear? If so, then it is likely that you have a transmission-related problem with your vehicle. But before you get too worked up, let’s try to figure out just how bad your transmission problem is.

Transmission Fluid

The first thing you should do if you think you have a transmission problem is check your transmission fluid, as insufficient levels or poor quality of transmission fluid can cause more damage to your vehicle and transmission. Transmission fluid is the lifeblood of your transmission. It keeps everything well lubricated and running smoothly – it is so important to have this checked if you are sensing you have transmission related issue.

Checking your transmission fluid is easily done. You can bring it in to Mister Transmission and we’ll do it for you quick, or you can do it yourself if you feel comfortable doing so. You want to check both the level of fluid and its quality. The fluid should be transparent with a reddish tint to it. If it is opaque or smells unpleasant, the fluid is degraded and should be flushed out and replaced.

Transmission Leaks

Topping up or replacing your transmission fluid could be all the fix you need for your transmission problem. However, problems with the fluid are often a symptom of a larger problem. For example, let’s say you top up your fluid but then two weeks later, your transmission problems reemerge. You check your fluid levels once again and are aghast to discover the fluid level has dropped once again.

In such a case, you have a fluid leak. With leaks, you will probably notice patches of transmission fluid on the pavement under where you parked your car. Leaks can be a minor transmission problem…or a big one. It depends on the size of the leak. A total reseal is obviously a much bigger job than a smaller, isolated area that needs resealing. But as far as transmission problems go, it could always be worse.

Wear and Tear

If your transmission fluid is foul smelling and opaque, your transmission problem might be caused by normal wear and tear. This would require an inspection to diagnose. Sometimes it’s as simple as replacing one or two accessible parts that have worn down and impacted the transmission fluid. Sometimes, it’s a bigger problem, and a more extensive repair job is required. To be sure, please bring your vehicle to your nearest Mister Transmission and we will be happy to complete a free multi-check to properly diagnose your vehicle.

Computer Problems

Nowadays, many transmission problems are, effectively, computer problems. If your vehicle has a computer-controlled transmission that is not shifting properly, it is often the result of the onboard computer sending incorrect signals due to a faulty sensor, or the transmission is not reacting to the command because of a bad connection or defective solenoid pack. These are not necessarily big transmission problems, but it will require a visit to a transmission shop that has the special equipment required to interface with your vehicle’s computer.

Contact us

If your vehicle is experiencing what you think might be a transmission problem, please do not hesitate to contact 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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