3 Signs That Your Transmission Needs Servicing


August 12, 2019

Transmissions are a bit of a mystery to most people. The transmission makes the car go forward and in reverse, but beyond that, whatever happens inside the transmission is complicated and most drivers don't care to know the specifics. But what about when the transmission doesn't work? Here are some signs that you need to take your car in for a transmission inspection.


1. Transmission is Unresponsive


Your transmission should shift into gear easily and the car should then move either forward or backward without hesitation. If the transmission does not respond when it is put in gear, there are a number of things that could be wrong with it. One of the most common causes of transmission failure is a lack of transmission fluid in the transmission pump and oil pan.


An automatic transmission has a pump inside that pressurizes the transmission fluid, and that pressure makes the internal functions of the transmission work properly. If the fluid is low, the pressure will not build up properly, and air will begin to cause voids in lines, valves, and pathways within the transmission.


The simple solution is to add fluid to the system, but it is also important to know how the fluid level got so low in the first place, or it may happen again. If you have a leak somewhere in the system, fluid will continue to disappear regardless of how often it is topped off.


2. Transmission is Shifting Hard


The transmission in your car or truck should not make a banging noise or jump when you put your car in gear. When you put your car in gear it should engage smoothly and you should hardly notice the transmission. If the transmission bangs or jumps when you put it in gear, it could indicate a problem with the valve body inside the transmission, which means that you need to take it into the shop.


Sometimes the linkage can bind or stick on the transmission and cause it to shift into gear too hard. The garage you take your car to will most likely check the linkage, the oil filter in the transmission, and the valve body to determine why the transmission shifts so hard. Metal shavings in the transmission pan or filter can indicate wear inside the transmission and may mean you have a damaged gear set or other moving part.


3. Transmission is Making Strange Noises


If the transmission in your car or truck is starting to make strange noises, you need to take the car in for service. A noise that recently developed inside the transmission can indicate a problem. The parts inside the transmission case rotate, and if the gears are not meshing right or a bearing is excessively worn, you may hear it in the form of a howl or noise coming from inside the transmission case.


Taking the car in for a full transmission service should uncover the cause of the problem and give you some idea of what it will cost to repair your car. If the mechanic has to disassemble the transmission, the cost goes up very quickly, but that may be the only way to determine the problem.


Rebuilding or replacing the transmission may be the only option you have if the mechanic finds damage inside the case or damage to the case itself.


At Letcher Bros. Auto Repair, we can help you determine how serious the problem with your transmission is, and the best way to deal with it. Our mechanics have experience working on all the components on your car, including the transmission. Give us a call today to set up an appointment so that we can get under your car and determine how best to fix your problem.

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