Don’t ignore the warning signs. A damaged transmission can be dangerous to your safety. Here are 9 signs that you need a new transmission.

1. The Check Engine Light Comes On

If the check engine light appears on your dashboard, that could be your first sign that you need a new transmission. The check engine light covers the vehicle systems that don’t have their own light on the dashboard. If this light comes on, have a mechanic diagnose it as soon as possible, because the light is not always related to the engine.

2. Your Vehicle Starts Shaking, Vibrating, or Grinding

If you have a manual transmission and your vehicle starts jerking, shaking, or vibrating then hard shifting could be the problem. This issue happens in a manual transmission when the gears aren’t properly lubricated or the clutch is worn out. To fix this, you might need a new clutch or a new transmission. If your vehicle is lurching or shaking with an automatic transmission, you need to have it inspected as soon as possible.

3. There’s a Burning Smell

If there is a burning smell coming from your vehicle, pull over right away and shut off the engine. This happens when the pump in your vehicle isn’t circulating fluid through the transmission like it should. Without proper circulation, the transmission will overheat and the fluid will start burning. If left unchecked, you’ll need a new transmission. At worst case scenario, burning fluid can cause a fire. To diagnose this problem, check the fluid dipstick, and the fluid will be lower and darker than normal.

4. Your Vehicle is Leaking Transmission Fluid

If your car is leaking fluid then that could be a serious sign that you need a new transmission. Check under your car for a puddle of bright red, slightly sweet smelling fluid. If there is a red puddle, then your car is leaking transmission fluid. If the fluid is pink then your transmission fluid could’ve been diluted from engine coolant entering the transmission through a breach in the system. When this happens, this means your transmission is seriously damaged and you need to replace it with a new transmission.

5. You Hear Strange Noises

Common sounds you can hear if you have a problem with your transmission is whining, clunking, or humming while shifting or in neutral. The problem could be worn out or improperly lubricated gears. If your gears are not replaced or lubricated properly then it could cause friction or slippage which makes the strange noises. To fix this, you might need a new transmission pump.

6. Your Vehicle is Unresponsive

A sign that your transmission has failed, or is failing, is if your car won’t start or won’t shift gears at all. For example, if you try to put the vehicle in park or reverse and it refuses. The transmission is in charge of regulating the power of your engine by shifting the gears. Without a working transmission, your vehicle will not function. But if your engine isn’t starting, take it to a professional as it could be a sign of many other issues as well.

7. Your Vehicle is Slow to Start

Another potential sign you could need a new transmission is that your vehicle is slow to start. If your transmission is going bad, then your acceleration could be inconsistent or have high engine revving. This problem is more common in colder weather, but having a delay in your start or break isn’t safe and should be examined quickly.

8. Your Gears are Slipping

If your engine revs, then loses power, then runs again, your gears could be slipping. A gear slip happens when your automatic transmission is going bad. It takes your vehicle out of gear and forces it into neutral. Whether the vehicle is automatic or manual, this can be dangerous for you and others, especially when heading downhill. It’s best to get a new transmission as soon as possible.

9. You Have a Dragging Clutch

In manual transmissions, the clutch is in between the transmission and the engine. When you press the clutch pedal, it allows the gears to shift. If your clutch is sticking or its difficult to switch gears then your clutch could be dragging. When this happens, you could need a new clutch or there’s a problem with your transmission.

Get a Quality Transmission from a Quality Company

Don’t put off a new transmission because you’re worried about cost. We offer quality parts at reasonable prices. You need a reliable transmission for your car, which is why you should only get it from a reliable source. We offer one year warranties on all of our used car parts, so you can rest assured that your investment is protected.

Don’t spin your wheels. Contact us now to get a free quote on your new transmission.

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