Signs Your Car Needs Transmission Repair
For over 50 years, Sierra Blanca Motors has provided quality transmission repair in Ruidoso, NM, and the surrounding communities. We offer affordable services with precise diagnoses to get you back on the road safely. Let’s examine the six signs that could indicate that your vehicle transmission needs repair or replacement.
Slipping Gears | Popping Out of Gear
The transmission of a vehicle remains in a specified gear until the driver (manual) or computer (automatic) shifts them. Stepping on the gas for a turn or passing a car requires precise gear changes. A car that slips gears or pops out of gear while driving poses a serious safety risk.
Is my transmission going bad? The slipping of gears does not necessarily mean transmission failure, but you should stop driving to avoid making the problem worse and have it inspected by a professional mechanic. Manual transmissions can have problems with their clutch, while automatic transmission issues may have different causes.
Delayed Shifting | Refusing To Shift Gears
While accelerating, you may notice delayed shifting. Faulty shift solenoids can lead to shifting lags due to computer problems. In other cases, valve body issues in the transmission may cause a delay when putting the vehicle in reverse.
Many factors can cause the vehicle to refuse to shift gears, including issues with the transmission fluid, electronic sensors, gears, or linkage. The friction and heat generated from your engine’s moving parts can cause the transmission to wear out. Alternatively, faulty charging systems can result in dead batteries that prevent the transmission from engaging or disengaging.
If you are currently experiencing any of these issues, it might be best to have our team at Sierra Blanca Motors inspect your transmission.
A Burning Smell
A burning smell can compromise the safety and performance of your vehicle. Sometimes, excessive friction in the gears can cause burning smells. In other instances, a leak in your transmission or insufficient fluid can stop the cooling effect, leading to major problems.
When your transmission overheats or the transmission fluid burns, you may smell burning plastic, melting wires, or smoke. Stop driving as the odds of an electrical fire increase, placing you and other drivers on the road at risk. To avoid a full-blown mechanical breakdown, you need immediate transmission repair.
Transmission Fluid Leaking | Low Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid helps the vehicle transfer power from the engine to the drive shaft. Many transmissions have a dipstick to check the fluid levels. Besides checking the fluid level, you should observe the color of the transmission fluid (usually red) and check for burning smells.
You may have a transmission leak if you notice fluid in your driveway or underneath the car. Transmission leaks can occur due to gaps in the transmission pan, torque converter, seals, or gasket. Low transmission fluid levels can result in transmission damage, so consult a professional for regular car maintenance.
Unfamiliar Sounds
Automatic transmissions usually make grinding noises when an issue arises. Grinding noises indicate that the planetary gears have started to malfunction. Planetary gear failure can result in major damage throughout the transmission.
You may hear a gurgling sound when your vehicle has low transmission fluid levels. The excess air trapped in the transmission line causes the sound. Most drivers first notice a gurgling when shifting gears.
Finally, whining sounds can indicate many potential problems with your transmission. Likely culprits include transmission line clogs and the torque converter. If you hear unfamiliar sounds, consult a transmission shop for vehicle repair on your transmission.
Engine Service Light | Vehicle Is Unresponsive
If your vehicle does not respond to the gas pedal, you have a drivability problem. Your vehicle’s engine control modules (ECMs) communicate with system sensors to ensure everything stays in working order. The ECM will illuminate the check engine light when the transmission sensors indicate a problem.
Vehicles with transmission issues remain unresponsive when shifting from park to drive. As a result, the engine may not have enough power, or the transmission may stop responding. You need transmission service and repair if your car does not move when changing gears.
Sierra Blanca Motors | Your Transmission Repair Experts | Ruidoso, NM
Is there a professional transmission shop near me? Sierra Blanca Motors in Ruidoso, NM, provides top-notch transmission repair service with a mileage warranty on all transmission rebuilds. Our team uses advanced computer systems to diagnose vehicle transmission problems accurately. Schedule your appointment today with our team.
