One of the most frustrating vehicle defects consumers experience is transmission issues. Every year, vehicle manufacturers produce thousands of vehicles with defective transmissions. And even if regularly maintain your vehicle, there is still a chance that you may encounter transmission problems.
Below are some of the most common transmission issues drivers should pay attention to in order to avoid costly repairs. On top of that, failing to act on upon the key signs of transmission problems can put you at risk for a serious accident!
Fluid Leaks
Transmissions contain fluid in order to function properly. If the transmission is in good condition there should be no way for the fluid inside to leak. Thus even a small fluid leak can indicate major problems in your vehicle. Leaks can occur due to damaged seals, gaskets, or other components in the transmission systems. Low fluid levels can lead to further damage and potential engine failure if left unaddressed.
To find out whether you are experiencing a leak in your transmission, look out for red fluid on the floor in the areas where your car has been parked.
Difficulty Shifting Gears
Trouble shifting gears is another common sign of transmission problems. Grinding noises or resistance when shifting gears may indicate a problem in manual transmissions. On the flip side, you may experience hesitation, jerking, or slipping between gears with automatic transmissions.
Noisy Transmission
In vehicles with defective manual transmissions, drivers will often notice unusual noises. These noises tend to include grinding, clunking, whining, or humming sounds. Grinding noises can be a sign of worn gears or synchronizers in manual transmissions. Clinking or banging sounds can indicate issues with the torque converter or transmission mouths. Whining or humming noises could be a sign of low transmission fluid or problems with the transmission pump.
Transmission Overheating
Signs of an overheating transmission include burning smells, fluid discoloration, and the vehicle going into limp mode.
Transmission overheating is a serious problem. For example, a burning smell can result in a vehicle fire. Overheating can happen for several reasons, such as low fluid levels, a malfunctioning cooling system, or excessive strain from towing heavy loads.
Transmission Slipping
Transmission slipping can occur in both automatic and manual vehicles. Typically with transmission slipping, it may feel as if your gears are changing for no logical reason. Your engine may start to create a whining sound or pitch when it occurs. It may also feel like you haven’t got enough power to drive at the desired speed.
If left untreated there may come a time where your transmission will not engage at all.
Think You Have a Lemon? Contact the Margarian Law Firm!
If you’re experiencing transmission problems and suspect your vehicle may be a lemon, contact the lemon law experts at the Margarian Law Firm to discuss your case. Our lemon law attorneys will fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve!
Call us today at (818) 553-1000 to schedule a FREE consultation.
