Transmission repairs or replacements are inconvenient, stressful, and typically quite expensive, so it is important to pay attention to any activity that seems unusual. It is a complex mechanical system that provides power to the engine from the driveshaft. A car’s transmission experiences more wear and tear than other parts due to the friction and heat produced by its many moving components. As soon as you realize something is “off” about your vehicle’s performance, it is time to bring it to an expert.

Here is a list of the most common transmission problems and the signs you should look for:

Shift delay

For automatic transmissions, you might notice that when shifting there is a delay before you feel the gear engage. Manual transmissions can have the same lacking response issue after shifting into gear where the engine’s RPMs surge but the car doesn’t move as fast as the engine sounds like it is going. This is usually caused by a clutch that needs to be replaced.

Odd noises

The sounds that are produced when your car has issues can vary widely, but it’ll likely be a humming, buzzing, or whining noise. Manual transmissions will emit sounds that can be described as slightly more mechanical, louder, and abrupt. A clunking sound when you shift gears almost always lies within a transmission.

Leaking fluid

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is the life-blood of a transmission as it lubricates, cleans, and conditions the seals. Without it, or if it gets too low, the engine will seize up and stop working completely. ATF is bright red in colour, clear, and smells somewhat sweet when working correctly. If this is what you find on your driveway, then all that needs to be fixed is the hole. If the fluid is dark or has a burnt smell then it is time to get the fluid changed or flushed and repairs might be required.

Grinding or shaking

Feeling this sensation as you drive is a sign that there is an issue with the gears. You may need to change the clutch or the gears could be worn out and damaged. Either way, it is something for a professional to inspect.

Burning smell

Overheating transmission fluid is one of the causes of this smell. Its main purpose is to keep parts lubricated and cool so if this fluid breaks down, the system runs too hot and could break down completely. Common causes for this issue are low fluid level or using the wrong type for your vehicle.

Cannot change gears

If your vehicle refuses to change gears then it could mean the transmission fluid is at the wrong level or you are using the wrong type. The source of the problem could also be the computer system so it is best to get an expert opinion.

Check engine light

This light can turn on for a number of other reasons besides transmission trouble, but is a helpful warning that should not be ignored. There are sensors placed all over cars to alert you of unusual activity coming from different processes. Have your vehicle inspected as soon as it lights up.

Noise while in neutral

A transmission that goes “bump” while in neutral could need a simple, inexpensive solution such as adding or changing fluid. This does do the trick for several other problems on the list. If that does not work, your car may need a professional touch to change parts.

Slipping gears

A transmission that is spontaneously slipping in and out of a gear while driving is a serious safety risk that needs attention immediately.

Dragging clutch

This affects manual transmissions and occurs when the clutch fails to disengage the flywheel as the clutch pedal is pressed. This is accompanied by a grinding noise each time a gear change is attempted. Fortunately, this problem has a relatively cheap solution that just involves removing slack in the clutch pedal.

Regardless of which symptoms your car is showing, it is always best to get the problem diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible. If you wait until later a relatively inexpensive repair can easily become a much more costly one.

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