If your automatic transmission is grinding, Village Autoworks recommends you have your automobile towed to our shop. Grinding noises are an indication that there is something seriously wrong with the transmission. The other noises that a faulty transmission will make our clunking, humming, and squealing. We are going to list the other signs of a bad automatic transmission below.
Jerking or Vibration
Aside from the strange noises, your automobile might also jerk or vibrate when you put the vehicle into gear and as the transmission shifts through the gear cycle. You should only feel and hear the difference in your engine’s RPMs. There should not be any other movement.
Leaking Transmission Fluid
One of the things that can cause this problem is low transmission fluid, and if your transmission has a leak, the fluid level will be reduced. Generally, the transmission will leak fluid from underneath your automobile toward the center. Transmission fluid is red. If you see red spots in this location on the garage floor, your automatic transmission is leaking transmission fluid.
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Your automatic transmission definitely needs to be serviced right away if it refuses to go into gear. Unfortunately, this is a sign that the transmission is in serious trouble. Consequently, we may need to rebuild the transmission in order to resolve the problem.
Refuses to Shift Gears
Another sign that the transmission is in serious trouble is if it refuses to shift gears. If you continue to drive your automobile when the transmission is in this condition, you will end up with the unresponsive transmission we just talked about.
Slips Out of Gear
A precursor to these problems is the transmission slipping out of gear and into neutral. This will happen by itself. You will be driving along and suddenly you will lose power. You will also hear the engine’s RPMs increase significantly. These are signs that the transmission has slipped out of gear.
Smells Extremely Hot
In addition to the above, your transmission may also start to overheat if it is going bad. This can be caused by problems internally or by low transmission fluid. You will smell the hot odors wafting from underneath your automobile.
Dashboard Warning Light
Finally, when the transmission is malfunctioning, the engine control unit may turn on the check engine light to make you aware that something is wrong. If your transmission is really acting up and you end up with the illuminated light, again, have your vehicle towed to our shop.
We are Village Autoworks in Woodbury and Roseville, MN, and we’d be happy to inspect your automatic transmission and make any necessary repairs.