Signs of Transmission Trouble & What to Do

Your vehicle’s transmission is one of the most important—and expensive—components under the hood. It’s responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels, and if it starts acting up, ignoring the warning signs could lead to a costly repair or even a complete replacement. The good news? Many transmission problems show clear symptoms before they turn into major failures.

Here are some of the most common signs of transmission trouble and what you should do if you notice them:

1. Slipping Gears

If your car suddenly changes gears without warning or feels like it’s struggling to stay in gear, that’s a major red flag. Slipping gears can make driving unsafe, as you may lose acceleration when you need it most.What to do: Schedule a professional inspection immediately. This could be caused by worn-out transmission bands, low fluid levels, or internal damage.

2. Delayed or Rough Shifting

Do you feel hesitation when shifting from park to drive, or notice a hard “clunk” when your vehicle shifts? A healthy transmission should change gears smoothly and almost unnoticeably.What to do: Check your transmission fluid—low or dirty fluid can cause these issues. If the problem persists, it’s time to let a mechanic take a closer look.

3. Grinding, Whining, or Humming Noises

Unusual sounds while driving or shifting are often an early indicator of trouble. A grinding sound may suggest worn gears, while whining or humming can mean problems with the torque converter or fluid flow.What to do: Don’t ignore new noises. Get your transmission checked before a minor problem becomes a major repair.

4. Fluid Leaks

Transmission fluid is typically bright red or pink and has a slightly sweet smell. If you see a puddle of this under your car, your transmission is leaking. Without enough fluid, the transmission will overheat and fail quickly.What to do: Have the leak identified and fixed right away. Even a small leak can cause big damage over time.

5. Warning Lights

Most modern vehicles are equipped with sensors that can detect transmission problems. If your check engine light or transmission warning light comes on, don’t dismiss it.What to do: Have a diagnostic scan performed. It could be something minor, but catching it early will save you time and money.

6. Burning Smell

A burnt odor coming from under the hood could mean your transmission is overheating or the fluid is burning. This is often caused by old, low, or contaminated fluid.What to do: Pull over safely if the smell is strong and have your vehicle towed to a shop. Driving further can cause severe damage.

Final Thoughts

Your transmission is too important to take chances with. At the first sign of trouble—slipping, noises, leaks, or warning lights—have it checked by a trusted mechanic. Staying proactive can mean the difference between a simple fluid change and a full transmission replacement.

At Yeargan’s Automotive, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing transmission issues. If you’re noticing any of the above warning signs, bring your vehicle in and let our team keep you safely on the road.