Transmission Problems You Can’t Ignore

Your vehicle’s transmission is the component that goes through the most wear and tear compared to any other component due to the amount of heat and friction created during operation. If you see any sign of malfunction within your transmission, it’s very important that you consider a maintenance checkup. What may be a small repair today could turn into a costly replacement further down the road.

How to Know If You Have Transmission Problems

The following is a list of warnings you want to look out for, concerning the condition of your transmission. If you experience or are experiencing any of these signs with your vehicle as you drive around the El Cajon area, visit Norm Reeves Toyota San Diego as soon as possible for transmission services in San Diego , CA.

• If your transmission is having issues, you may experience a slippage feel while on the road.
  • When this occurs it will feel as though the gears are slipping for no reason.
  • This is usually due to a lack of pressure buildup in the transmission that is necessary for smooth operation.
  • As the gears slip, you will hear the noise change in the engine due to the slippage of gears.
  • You could also feel a struggling with the vehicle, as if it is not accelerating as it should.
• Delayed engagement while shifting is another sign of transmission troubles.
  • When shifting your vehicle from park to drive, the gear change should respond quickly.
  • When shifting into drive, if you notice that there is a delay before the vehicle moves or that the engine revs as you apply pressure to the gas pedal, but the vehicle does not move, there is likely an issue with your transmission.
  • If you experience delayed shifting due to automatic transmission problems, or encounter a similar issue with your manual transmission, schedule service right away.
• Your vehicle should also shift in a smooth, effortless fashion.
  • A transmission defect may lead to rough and difficult shifting. For some, their vehicle will refuse to shift altogether.
  • When experiencing difficulty shifting, you may feel and hear either a ‘thud’ or ‘clunk’ noise when going from gear to gear. Your vehicle will also have difficulty getting up to speed.
• Another sign that your transmission may be in trouble is a grinding or shaking sensation.
  • For manual transmissions, a bad transmission may be a grinding noise or feeling when shifting.
  • An automatic transmission problem may create a wiggling as gears shift.
• If you smell a burning in your vehicle, be sure to visit a mechanic immediately.
  • Transmission fluid can burn. This is a sign of low fluid levels or broken down fluids which is evidence of too much heat and friction within the moving parts.
  • A simple ‘topping off of fluid’ could be an inexpensive fix for something that could cost you thousands further down the road.

Toyota Automatic Transmission Problems Explained

Because transmission fluid cycles through the system, a leak is the number one reason for Toyota automatic transmission problems–and for transmission failure in vehicles, more generally. (Manual transmissions can be prone to other types of damage, but leaks are common pain points here as well.) The fluid does not get worked off or vaporize, so a low level is always an indication of a leak!

Here’s how to know if your transmission problems are the result of low fluid levels:

1. Place a single piece of cardboard under your transmission while parked on level ground.
2. Then check for liquids. Bleached cardboard makes it easier to determine the true color, but any type of cardboard is preferable to concrete or gravel for this purpose.
3. Transmission fluid is red in color at first; after time will take on a dark red/brown color. Except where burning has been an issue, it will have a sweet smell. If the fluid is too dark or smells off, it’s time to flush it out.
4. If your vehicle is leaking transmission fluid, get it to the shop right away to prevent further damage.
5. If you have any extra transmission fluid on hand, topping off before you drive anywhere is a good idea.

The final telltale sign that something is wrong with your transmission is indicated by the ‘check engine’ light. The light alone does not indicate that the transmission has failed, but if you are experiencing any of the above problems and the light is on, you should get your vehicle into the hands of your mechanic immediately. Our service center is easy to reach from anywhere near Mission Valley or Lemon Grove.

Let Us Solve Your Toyota Automatic Transmission Problems!

You know how your vehicle drives. If you notice any changes in the operation, have your vehicle checked out. A small cost for a maintenance checkup could save you thousands in the end–whether you drive with an automatic transmission or a manual!

If you’re having issues with your car’s transmission, schedule an appointment at our service center today. We’ll handle your Toyota Camry or Toyota Corolla gear shift problems and get you back on the road in no time.