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Signs of a Bad Transmission
Whether your car has a manual, automatic, or a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), you’ll need everything to shift properly to drive your car. That’s why the transmission is one of the most important systems in your vehicle.
Like any other part or system though, it will occasionally need service. That can range from routine maintenance to serious repairs. To show drivers in Lake Charles, LA, and Port Arthur and Nederland, TX, when it’s time to get yours serviced, Energy Country Ford looked at the signs of a bad transmission.
What Causes Transmission Trouble?
There are several different parts that can cause problems with your transmission. It could be there’s an issue with the clutch, a damaged torque converter, or problem with the solenoid. In most cases though, all of these problems are caused by not having enough transmission fluid.
Transmission fluid is to your transmission what oil is for your engine: It lubricates all the parts that make up your transmission, so that they can run smoothly. It also helps to cool them down and prevent heat and friction from building up.
Getting your transmission fluid checked and filled is part of your maintenance schedule. Sticking to that schedule is the best way to prevent transmission trouble.
Transmission Warning Signs
While bringing your vehicle in for maintenance on a regular basis can prevent most transmission problems, leaks can cause you to lose transmission fluid and need service sooner. Some of the warning signs you should look for include:
Burning Smell—Anytime your vehicle is leaking fluid, there’s a good chance it’ll drip onto other parts and burn up. While this isn’t unique to transmission fluid, you should schedule service any time you smell something burning while you drive.- Dashboard Warning Light—Most cars on the road today can warn you about transmission problems using a dashboard light. It looks like an exclamation point inside a gear.
- Slipping Gears—If you’re maintaining a constant speed, but your transmission randomly shifts anyway, it’s a clear sign that you need to have your transmission looked at.
- Stuck In Gear—On the flipside, sometimes you won’t be able to change gears. With an automatic or a CVT, you’ll step on the accelerator, but you won’t be able to go any faster. With a manual, you’ll actually feel resistance when you try to shift.
- Dragging Clutch—Along the same lines, you may experience a delay when you shift or accelerate, as if the gears need an extra minute to change.
- Grinding Sounds—Much like the burning smell mentioned above, any time you hear strange sounds you should consider calling the service center. If they occur when you shift gears or accelerate, it’s almost certainly a transmission problem.
Schedule Transmission Service
If you see, smell, or hear any of the signs of a bad transmission, head to the service center at Energy Country Ford. Our factory-trained technicians can get your transmission running smoothly and help drivers in Lake Charles, LA, and Port Arthur and Nederland, TX get back on the road.
Contact us if you have any questions about your transmission. If your vehicle is due for maintenance or you notice any of the warning signs highlighted above, schedule service online.
| Monday | 9:00AM - 7:00PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00AM - 7:00PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00AM - 7:00PM |
| Thursday | 9:00AM - 7:00PM |
| Friday | 9:00AM - 7:00PM |
| Saturday | 9:00AM - 5:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
| Thursday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
| Friday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
| Thursday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
| Friday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 9:00AM - 7:00PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00AM - 7:00PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00AM - 7:00PM |
| Thursday | 9:00AM - 7:00PM |
| Friday | 9:00AM - 7:00PM |
| Saturday | 9:00AM - 6:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed |