For your vehicle to run smoothly, you need to keep your transmission in top working condition. Notice and address the signs of transmission failure mentioned in this post by Hartmans Inc in Wichita, KS.

Your vehicle’s transmission is one of its most critical components, responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels. Whether you drive an automatic or manual, a failing transmission can lead to expensive repairs and even complete vehicle breakdowns if left unchecked. The key to avoiding major issues is catching the warning signs early.

If you notice any of the following five signs of transmission failure, it’s time to get your car checked by a professional.

Call Hartmans Inc in Wichita, KS at (316) 686-1069 or visit AMSOIL’s online store to keep your vehicle (including the transmission system) working perfectly for longer.

Signs of Transmission Failure

1. Slipping Gears

One of the most noticeable signs of transmission trouble is gear slipping. If your car unexpectedly changes gears or struggles to stay in gear while driving, this could indicate an internal problem.

What It Feels Like:

• Your car may hesitate or jerk when accelerating
• The engine revs higher than usual, but the car doesn’t pick up speed properly
• In severe cases, your car may suddenly shift to neutral while driving, which is a serious safety hazard

Possible Causes:

• Low or contaminated transmission fluid
• Worn-out clutch components (for manual transmissions)
• Damaged transmission bands or solenoids

2. Delayed or Rough Shifting

If your vehicle hesitates, jerks, or makes a clunking noise when shifting gears, it could be another sign of transmission trouble.

What It Feels Like:

• A delay in acceleration after shifting from park to drive or reverse
• The car may feel like it’s struggling to change gears or is stuck in a specific gear
• Hard shifts that feel rough or aggressive

Possible Causes:

• Low or old transmission fluid
• A failing transmission control module
• Worn-out clutches, gears, or bearings

3. Unusual Noises

Your car’s transmission should operate smoothly and quietly. If you hear strange noises—especially when the car is in neutral or shifting gears—it’s a red flag.

Common Transmission Noises:

• Whining or humming – Could indicate a problem with fluid levels or internal components
• Grinding noises – More common in manual transmissions, possibly due to a worn clutch or damaged synchronizers
• Buzzing or clunking – Might signal internal damage or a failing torque converter

Possible Causes:

• Low or dirty transmission fluid
• Worn-out gears, bearings, or torque converter
• Loose transmission mounts

Use AMSOIL's Top-Quality Line of Transmission Fluid, the top-quality products in Wichita, KS, so you can maintain your vehicle perfectly.

4. Fluid Leaks and Burnt Smell

Transmission fluid is essential for keeping the transmission lubricated and cool. A leak or burnt-smelling fluid could indicate a serious issue.

How to Spot a Transmission Leak:

• Look for red, pink, or brown fluid under your car
• Check your transmission fluid dipstick (if your car has one) for low levels

What a Burnt Smell Means:

• Transmission fluid should have a slightly sweet scent
• If it smells burnt, it could be overheating or breaking down, leading to increased friction and internal damage

Possible Causes:

• A worn-out transmission pan gasket or seals
• Overheating due to low or old fluid
• Internal clutch wear or metal shavings in the fluid

5. Warning Lights and Error Codes

Your car’s dashboard warning lights are designed to alert you to potential problems. If your "Check Engine" or "Transmission" warning light turns on, it’s time to get your vehicle checked.

How to Identify Transmission Issues Through Warning Lights:

• Many modern cars have specific transmission warning lights
• The Check Engine light can also indicate transmission-related issues, especially if paired with symptoms like rough shifting or overheating
• Use an OBD-II scanner to check for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to the transmission

Possible Causes:

• Faulty transmission sensors
• Overheating due to low fluid levels
• Internal transmission damage or software issues

What Should You Do If You Notice These Signs?

If you experience any of these transmission warning signs, don’t ignore them. Catching problems early can save you thousands of dollars in repairs.

Steps to Take:

• Check your transmission fluid – Low or dirty fluid is a common cause of transmission issues
• Schedule a diagnostic check – A mechanic can scan for error codes and pinpoint the problem
• Avoid driving if the issue is severe – Continuing to drive with a failing transmission can cause permanent damage
• Consider a transmission service – A fluid change, filter replacement, or minor repairs can prevent major failures

Call Hartmans Inc in Wichita, KS at (316) 686-1069 or visit AMSOIL’s online store to get all the products you need to ensure your vehicle’s performance is as expected.