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Modern vehicles are far more complicated than we often give them credit for being. Even the old Model T was a fairly complicated piece of mechanical engineering. And now with most every vehicle possessing on board computers, automobiles are more complex than ever. We also tend to take our vehicles for granted; we often don’t think about them until something goes wrong.

When something goes wrong, because automobiles are now so complex, and because most of us are not mechanics, it can be really difficult to pinpoint exactly what or where the problem is. You may be able to tell something is wrong, but just not exactly what. Or, you may be able to tell what is wrong, but you don’t know what’s causing the problem, let alone how to fix it. This article will go over how some transmission problems manifest themselves in your vehicle so you can tell if it is your transmission that is acting up.

Transmission problem symptoms

There are several symptoms of transmission problems; things that you can notice go wrong when your transmission is not operating at its peak efficiency. Some of the most common transmission problem symptoms are the following:

Slipping – Transmission slipping is pretty much just what it sounds like: when your transmission slips from one gear into another. This can obviously be very dangerous and, at the very least, annoying. You do not want your transmission slipping gears on you.

Rough shifts – The opposite of slipping can be just as problematic. Rough shifts are when you feel or hear bumps, jolts, and grinding when you shift gears.

Delayed engagement – If your transmission doesn’t engage, or catch, your gear when you shift into it, this is a problem. Many problems within your transmission can cause it to lag behind you when you shift gears.

Leaks – If there is a problem with the seal around your transmission, you will see transmission fluid underneath your vehicle after you’ve parked. A lack of transmission fluid can cause or exacerbate any of these problems, so a leak could be a big problem.

Warning light – Not every vehicle comes with a warning light that is specific to your transmission, but even the generic and common “Check Engine” light, when lit, can refer to your transmission. Regardless, do not ignore this light. When you see it, bring your vehicle into a garage for inspection.

The possible causes for any of the above symptoms are numerous. As mentioned above, a lack or an insufficient quality of transmission fluid can be a contributor to all of these symptoms, so it is important to regularly check and change your transmission fluid. Other problems that can lead to these symptoms can include defective solenoid packs, wear and tear on any given part within your transmission, or errors with your vehicle’s onboard computer. These problems can be extremely difficult to diagnose and fix on your own –even impossible– so if you’re experiencing symptoms of transmission problems, you better bring them into Mister Transmission.

Contact us

If you think you have noticed some symptoms of transmission problems in your vehicle, please bring it into the shop or contact our transmission shop. We should be able to have it up and running properly in a reasonable time for a reasonable price.