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Signs Your Vehicle's Transmission Needs Repair
It happens sooner for some vehicles than for others, but any vehicle driven enough miles, will need a transmission repair at some point. Whether it needs a service, to be rebuilt or replaced depends on how long the vehicle has driven with transmission issues, and how much damage has been done.
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Fortunately, your vehicle will usually tell you when the transmission is starting to fail, the key is to not ignore the symptoms when they occur. Bringing your vehicle to a qualified mechanic or transmission specialist can help you diagnose exactly what your transmission is trying to tell you.
Transmission fluid is normally bright red, you may have heard it referred to as "cherry" because it looks like cherry juice. When the fluid appears dark and opaque, and if it looks burnt/smells burnt, it's a sign of trouble. In some instances the fluid will look like a milkshake - with bubbles in it. This could be a sign that the vent is clogged or partially clogged and air can't escape. You may also have fluid with pink streaks/swirls it, even though the fluid mostly looks red. This is a sign that the fluid has been contaminated with water.
Burnt, Cloudy, Dark Transmission Fluid
Problems Shifting Gears
Your vehicle's gears are an integral part of the transmission. Irregularities with shifting gears are an almost certain sign your transmission is in trouble.
Symptoms may include:
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Jerking when shifting gears.
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Falling out of gear while driving.
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Hesitation when putting vehicle into gear.
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Shifting gears for no reason.
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Not engaging or responding in gear.
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Putting your transmission in gear should require very little effort. If it takes a lot of force to move the gear shifter, you are definitely dealing with a big problem. It is only a matter of time before you become stranded in a parking lot
Odd Sounds - Grinding Gears or Shaking
Manual and automatic transmissions act differently when they are malfunctioning. It is important to recognize any strange sounds your transmission is making to avoid further complications. If you have a manual transmission, a general warning sign is a very sudden grinding noise or feeling when you shift into a different gear. Experiencing a grinding noise after fully engaging a clutch and shift may mean you have worn clutch or might have to get it serviced. Also, your transmissions gear synchronizers may be worn out or damaged.
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With an automatic transmission, you will most likely feel the car shimmy into each gear, instead of having unnoticeable shifts. You may even notice a whining, buzzing, or whirring sound
Strange Smell/Burning Odor
Even if you haven't seen your transmission's fluid, you may smell a strange smell or burning odor. Generally trans fluid has a slightly sweet or tart odor. If you start to notice a light, burning odor it is time to start thinking about your next fluid change. These smells indicate a problem that can quickly go from bad to worse. Transmission fluid is essential in keeping all the transmission components lubricated while preventing the unit from burning itself up. If your transmission fluid is burnt, it could mean your transmission is burning as well which can lead to transmission failure.
Leaking Transmission Fluid
Transmission failure can be caused by leaking transmission fluid. A little liquid on your driveway can swiftly turn into an immense predicament. Transmission fluid is vital to your car’s shifting capabilities. Unlike motor oil, your transmission does not absorb or burn up fluid during use, so if you notice your fluid is running low, it is usually caused by a leak. Keeping an eye on your transmission fluid level is an excellent way to stay on top of this issue.
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Common causes for a transmission fluid leak are:
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A loose transmission pan/pan leak
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Any recent service or part replacement that
involves disconnecting cooler lines
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Out of balance drive shaft
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Worn seals or gaskets
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Damaged bell housings
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Worn axles (FWD), engine and transmission mounts
While travelling on the open highway, your vehicle may suddenly surge forward. Dirty transmission fluid can certainly cause vehicle surging. Not only will your vehicle need to have the contaminated fluid flushed out, but it will also need a new transmission filter.
Vehicle Surging
Warning Light
While the transmission warning light turning on may sound obvious, a surprising number of drivers will ignore their dashboard indicator lights. Some models have a specific transmission warning light, while others will have a general “check engine” light that can signal early transmission failure. Your vehicle's onboard computer constantly monitors the performance of the transmission. The various sensors are able to recognize issues some drivers may not notice. In the event the computer detects transmission problems, it may trigger the check engine light. With the use of advanced diagnostic equipment, a technician can quickly identify the trouble codes. Simply ignoring the check engine light could prove to be an expensive mistake.
Here at AB Automotive Transmissions, you can trust you are getting the best care for your transmission. We can custom rebuild your transmission or transfer case, or do a custom repair, whether it be out of a truck, muscle car, or something in between. With over 35 years of experience and knowledge, AB Automotive Transmissions can put you back on the road with a reliable transmission built right!
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As highly-trained builders, we will meet your needs efficiently, and to the highest standards of quality. When we receive a transmission for service, our builder makes a point of analyzing why and how they failed. A thorough evaluation can determine whether an upgrade is needed or other service options that may be available. Our recommendations are based on our vast knowledge and years of expertise and are model specific. These recommendations and our service go above and beyond dealer specifications. We put every transmission through the same process as any of the transmissions we rebuild:
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Complete disassembly and cleaning
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Complete inspection
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Replacement of any worn or damaged hard or soft parts
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Careful reassembly to manufacturer’s specifications
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Address known manufacturer design weaknesses or deficiencies with the appropriate upgrades.
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Our builder is experienced with stock and heavy-duty applications such as those that tow, plow, haul weight. Heavy-duty builds need experienced hands and an honest builder to guarantee that the parts installed are going to hold up for what the driver uses the vehicle for. Trust only the best and most respected transmission shop in New Jersey to handle your pride and joy.
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We offer a warranty on most units repaired or rebuilt. AB Automotive Transmissions stock our in-house rebuild's for Ford Truck and Van's to help keep those who use their vehicle for work to ensure a day's pay is not delayed. Contact us today for your free estimate.
