This intimidating problem can seem costly and maybe scary to most vehicle owners. The transmission is a complicated assembly with a lot of intricate pieces.
Noticing problems with the function of your engine doesn’t automatically mean there is something wrong with the engine or the transmission. There are a lot of sensors that translate information throughout your car, these signal or operate within the transmission and overall function of a vehicle. When something goes wrong with these, it can create a series of what appear to be engine malfunction or engine failures ranging in severity.
Our advanced diagnostics tools help us quickly identify whether these issues stem from sensors, electrical connections or a system ground. If or when we do find more serious complications, we can find practical solutions ranging from new or used replacement engines.
When your vehicle starts acting up, it almost always causes a mountain of stress when you don’t know what the problem is, or how serious it is. Vehicles are complicated and made of a lot of interconnected systems and moving parts. Some people are tempted to wait and see how the problem they are experiencing progresses before they seek assistance. This can make the problem worse. If the transmission is in question, you could cause permanent damage.
There are many transmission issues that are easy fixes – as long as you address them as soon as they come up. To avoid costly transmission repairs, make sure you pay attention to some of these issues and seek servicing quickly:
An obvious sign that you should seek assistance is when the warning light appears on your dashboard. Sometimes it might be a faulty sensor, but it's best to get it checked out immediately to make sure.
Seeing fluid on the ground underneath your vehicle means you need to have a crack or leak addressed to prevent further damage. There are a number of reasons transmissions leak fluid. Many leaks are cheap and easy fixes when done quickly. Allowing a leak to continue will only grow the problem and can lead to further internal damage to your engine.
If you notice that your transmission seems to be slipping from one gear to the next or feels rough moving between gears, it might signal the beginning of a transmission problem. It can be hard to tell in automatic vehicles, however, noticing that your vehicle feels sluggish, hearing loud “thuds”, unusual noises, or you don’t feel the usual acceleration, your transmission may be in need of repair.
Smell something burning? Don’t panic, but schedule an appointment with CFM NAPA Autopro. The transmission fluid is likely overheating, signaling there’s a problem with your transmission.
Hearing grinding gears or noises coming from the engine when your vehicle is in neutral, you could be dealing with transmission issues. Make a note of what it sounds like, or if possible, record the noises to help us in our initial inspection.
These are all possible early warning signs of transmission trouble. Schedule an appointment and we can provide fast and accurate diagnostics.
We’ll diagnose your problem, offer the best solutions, and complete any repairs needed to get your vehicle back to normal as soon as possible.
Yes, a bad transmission can potentially damage the engine, but this situation is rare. The transmission is mounted on the engine and is responsible for moving the power from the engine to drive the wheels. If your transmission is failing, it’s only a matter of time until your car won’t be able to accelerate at all. When you press on the gas pedal, your engine powers up, but your wheels won’t turn.
The common signs to look out for that can indicate a failing transmission:
Rebuilding a transmission is a major service and can take anywhere from 2-4 days, depending on the vehicle model, transmission type, and if other parts need to be repaired. In most rear-wheel drive vehicles, replacing a transmission takes a day or two, while older, front-wheel drive vehicles can take up to 4 days. A transmission repair typically days one full day to complete.
A winter car service generally focuses on testing the battery, inspecting tire tread, topping up coolant and antifreeze, inspecting the windshield wipers, assessing headlights and brake lights, and an oil and filter change. The main priority of winter car services is to prep your vehicle for the colder days ahead, prevent a breakdown in freezing temperatures, and make sure your tires are equipped to handle ice and slippery roads.
An automatic transmission does not require the driver to manually change gears under normal driving conditions. It uses sensors and internal oil pressure to automatically shift gears at the right time.
