How to Check for Transmission Problems

September 20, 2019 | By Mister Transmission

How to Check for Transmission Problems

Transmissions don’t just go from operating at peak efficiency to imploding and falling out of your vehicle the next day. As with most things in this world, there is a progression. Transmission problems progress from bad to worse and, ultimately, to non-functional. And, as with most things, you can spare yourself a lot of stress and save yourself a lot of money if you can spot these problems early on and nip them in the bud. But how do you do that? How do you check for transmission problems?

Check Your Transmission Fluid

Automatic transmissions use transmission fluid. Manual transmissions are different. They usually use something called “transmission oil”. Because most vehicles in Canada are automatic transmission, we will focus on them, but if you drive a manual transmission please know that the oil or fluid you use serves much the same function as automatic transmission fluid does for automatic transmissions.

Transmission fluid is the lifeblood of the transmission. Fluid is needed to lubricate your transmission, to help it keep cool, and to avoid grinding. Without transmission fluid your transmission won’t work. While not every single transmission problem is the direct result of an insufficient amount of or insufficient quality of transmission fluid, there really isn’t a transmission problem that can’t be caused or worsened by a lack of fluid. That’s why you should check your transmission fluid every month.

How To Check Your Transmission Fluid

Using your dipstick, check the level of your transmission fluid. Is it where it needs to be? If not, top it up. If you notice that you have to top up your transmission fluid every single month, something is likely wrong. You shouldn’t be losing fluid that quickly. Check under and around your vehicle for leaks. Pools of reddish liquid indicate that you have a transmission leak. Do not procrastinate getting these leaks sealed.

But quantity isn’t everything. The quality of your fluid can tell you about the quality of your transmission. Is your transmission a reddish clear color with a neutral odor? Great! You should be good. But what if it smells bad and looks opaque? Then you got a problem on your hands. Bring your vehicle to a Mister Transmission repair shop as soon as possible.

Listen To Your Transmission

Transmissions generally don’t make any noise that can be heard above the hum of your engine (assuming you drive an internal combustion vehicle and not an electric car). If your transmission is making noise, listen to it. Whirring, humming, grinding, and clunking noises are not good. They suggest something is amiss with your transmission. Get it checked out.

Feel Your Transmission

You don’t need “spidey senses” to feel if your transmission is developing a problem. You can feel it when you shift gears. Hard gear changes or grinding gears are not what you want. These suggest you have a transmission problem. And if your transmission slips out of gear into neutral? Then you definitely have a transmission problem.

Mister Transmission

To learn more about transmission problems, please contact us. We can check for transmission problems in ways that the average person cannot. Our unique Multi-Check Inspection will be sure to determine whether or not you have a transmission problem.

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Customer Reviews
Experience and knowledge in all...
Eduardo Gallon
Experience and knowledge in all aspects of transmissions, with fast turnaround time on repairs
Date: July 11, 2025
Website: Google
Mister transmission was absolutely amazing...
CheriPie
Mister transmission was absolutely amazing to work with. I was freaking out and stressed knowing how expensive a transmission issue can be. I was referred from my mechanic for transmission issues and from the beginning of the referral, I was informed of everything that was going on and what they were doing. They were amazing to answer my questions and concerns and were very patient with me while I was able to work out a payment. The lady at the front desk was amazing and so professional and wonderful to talk to. They were able to get my jeep in very quickly and diagnosed. Once they Started the repair. It was so fast. Thank you so much for getting my vehicle back on the road so quickly. I highly recommend them for any transmission service or repair. Just an all around amazing experience. Thank you Mister Transmission!!!
Date: July 10, 2025
Website: Google
Always a great experience here....
Crystal Garbutt
Always a great experience here. The manager goes above and beyond to make sure you are satisfied with the outcome. Special thanks to Dan and his team for making sure my daughter’s car was safe for her and my grandbabies to drive. It’s nice to find a mechanic you can trust and feel confident in. Highly recommend this location.
Date: July 10, 2025
Website: Google
My car faced a shifter...
Victor Fernandes
My car faced a shifter malfunction related issue. I was referred to Mister Transmission and I must say that Aki and his crew went above and beyond to assist. Every member of the team including Aki, Victor at Front Desk, the Technicians working diligently on the workshop floor were all supportive and keen to assist. Aki also took the time to explain the issue in detail and also demonstrated the problem my car faced with a diagrammatic representation to help me better understand. I am extremely pleased with the levels of service, support and reassurance offered. In addition, Aki’s knowledge of transmission systems reigns supreme and it is evident that this expertise has been acquired practicing his trade over decades. Customers benefit most from this experience as Aki has an extremely thorough understanding and a deep sense of what is causing the issue on hand. Would strongly recommend Mister Transmission (Dundas and Shawson/Britannia) in Mississauga.
Date: July 10, 2025
Website: Google
Mister transmission was absolutely amazing...
CheriPie
Mister transmission was absolutely amazing to work with. I was freaking out and stressed knowing how expensive a transmission issue can be. I was referred from my mechanic for transmission issues and from the beginning of the referral, I was informed of everything that was going on and what they were doing. They were amazing to answer my questions and concerns and were very patient with me while I was able to work out a payment. The lady at the front desk was amazing and so professional and wonderful to talk to. They were able to get my jeep in very quickly and diagnosed. Once they Started the repair. It was so fast. Thank you so much for getting my vehicle back on the road so quickly. I highly recommend them for any transmission service or repair. Just an all around amazing experience. Thank you Mister Transmission!!!
Date: July 10, 2025
Website: Google
Everyone was exceptional! Very transparent...
Stephanie B
Everyone was exceptional! Very transparent about each step and what they found and what it would cost before hand
Date: July 10, 2025
Website: Google
My first experience with Mister...
Natalie And
My first experience with Mister Transmission was great! Their inspection was thorough and they were honest about what actually needed fixed and didn't try to push unnecessary work. Highly recommend
Date: July 9, 2025
Website: Google
Great customer service, got in...
Marc S.
Great customer service, got in quicky, problem solved on time and on budget.
Date: July 8, 2025
Website: Google
Exter road mister transmission was...
Brian Linhares
Exter road mister transmission was great in servicing my vehicle. Sanjay was great and kind in helping me and fair in pricing. Overall great place to take your vehicle and great customer service
Date: July 8, 2025
Website: Google
Barry is one of the...
Josh Anderchek
Barry is one of the best. Straight up, tells you how it is, no swerves or anything.
Date: July 8, 2025
Website: Google
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