You can count on Scott’s Auto if your automatic transmission needs to be serviced or repaired. We are the best auto shop in Litchfield. One sign that your transmission is malfunctioning is an illuminated check engine light. Let’s talk about the other signs of transmission problems below.
Hesitates/Slips Out of Gear
If your automatic transmission is hesitating before it shifts through the gear cycle, it needs some work. It may hesitate to shift out of first gear or hesitate to shift between all of the gears. A faulty transmission will also slip out of gear and into neutral on its own.
Refuses to Shift Out of First Gear
As the transmission gets worse, it may refuse to shift out of first gear. In other words, it will refuse to shift through the gear cycle. In some cases, the transmission may also skip gears in the gear cycle. For example, it may shift from first to third gear.
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Eventually, the malfunctioning transmission will become completely unresponsive. In this case, you will be unable to get it out of Neutral and into Drive or Reverse, or out of Park and into Drive or Reverse. You will be stranded with a dead transmission.
Makes Strange Noises
The automatic transmission may start to make strange noises before any of the above happens. For example, the transmission may clunk when you move the gear shift from Park to Drive or Reverse. It may also grind or squeal when it shifts gears. If the transmission makes a humming noise when it is in neutral, it needs immediate service.
Vibrates the Automobile
Aside from making odd noises, the transmission can also shift the gears roughly if it is low on transmission fluid or in need of repair. Consequently, your vehicle will lurch and vibrate every time the transmission shifts a gear.
Overheats Frequently
Another problem that can occur with the transmission is it can overheat if it is running low on transmission oil, or if the oil has oxidized and is dirty. To avoid this from happening, have the transmission fluid changed every 30,000 miles.
Leaks Transmission Fluid
Finally, an older transmission may start to leak the transmission fluid. When this happens, you will have red or brown spots on the garage floor underneath your automobile. The spots will be located toward the center of your vehicle.
Call Scott’s Auto in Litchfield, MN, today to set up a service appointment for a transmission inspection if you are having problems with your automatic transmission.