Watch Out for the Signs
Manual and automatic gearbox problems can be incredibly expensive to diagnose and repair. More so, they can be difficult to identify, as there are so many different warning signs and potential problems. Let's take a closer look at the most common warning signs that your car's transmission is about about to kick the bucket.
Your Transmission Is Leaking Fluid
If you notice that your car is struggling to shift gears, be sure to check underneath for any signs of leaking transmission fluid. If your oil levels are low, the fluid may have started to burn, giving it a dark brown or black color. In this case, start by topping up the oil before taking your vehicle to a mechanic.
Dashboard Warning Lights
Don't make the mistake of ignoring your dashboard warning lights! To be more specific, the 'Check Engine' light can warn you about a variety of issues, such as a faulty gearbox. Be sure to check your coolant, oil, and transmission fluid levels. If you can't find any obvious problem, it's better to be safe than sorry and take your car into a garage.
Unresponsive Gearing
If you drive an automatic, you may notice that your car stays in a low gear for too long. If you drive a manual, you will notice a delay in the increase of revs after changing gears. Additionally, the car may accelerate at a slower rate than usual. This is a clear indication that there is an issue with your gearbox, and the car should be taken to a mechanic for inspection.
Unusual Sounds
If you hear any unusual sounds coming from your gearbox, it may be a clear sign that your transmission is starting to fail. Listen out for whining, banging, or clunking. However, it is also worth noting that a variety of other issues can cause these noises.
Your Car Starts to Shake, Jerk or Grind
If you notice that your car is shaking, jerking, or grinding while driving, it is likely to have a transmission fault. Automatic vehicles are more likely to tremble before changing gears, whereas manual vehicles will make a grinding sound.
Your Car Rumbles When in Nuetral
If your vehicle rumbles while in neutral, it is typically a sign that your transmission fluid has broken down and needs to be replaced. However, this symptom can also signify a much bigger issue, meaning that you should be safe and take it to a mechanic to be checked.
You Notice a Burning Rubber Smell When Driving
If you notice a burning rubber smell or smoke when driving, it could be a sign that your transmission is failing. This is especially likely if the smell is accompanied by fluid leakage. If the transmission fluid burns, the gearbox will not receive the necessary lubrication, resulting in friction and heat within the gearing cogs. If left untreated, this problem could lead to a wide array of other issues.
The Car Struggles to Change Gears
This one is pretty obvious, but if you struggle to change gears when driving, it is a sign that your transmission is failing. In fact, any sort of resistance when changing gears is an issue that requires immediate attention.
Gear Slippage
Gear slippage is an easy problem to identify and usually provides a warning that your transmission is failing. In this case, you'd be better off taking your car to a mechanic for an inspection.
A Dragging Clutch
A clutch drag happens when your car's flywheel and clutch disc fail to fully disengage when you press the clutch pedal. This problem often results in noisy gear changes or difficulty engaging the first or reverse gear. Again, this is usually a problem that only a mechanic can solve.
Poor Acceleration
Another common sign of a failing transmission is poor acceleration. If you notice any difficulty when pressing on the accelerator, it is a good warning that you should take your car in to have its transmission checked. Additionally, your car may accelerate at a slower rate than the increased revs would suggest.
Gearbox Oil Contamination
If you notice that your gearbox oil or transmission fluid is discolored or has a foul odor, it may be a sign that your transmission is failing. This suggests that internal damage or contamination is occurring somewhere within the transmission.
High RPMs
If your engine revs higher than normal when driving at a consistent speed, you should probably take your car in to have its transmission checked. If left untreated, it is likely to get worse and cause ever more serious issues down the line.
Difficulty Reversing
If there is a delay between putting your car into reverse and the car actually reversing, it could be a sign that your transmission is starting to fail. Instead of leaving the issue to get worse, be sure to take it to a mechanic to be checked.
Poor Fuel Efficiency
A failing gearbox often leads to increased fuel consumption, mostly due to inefficient power transfer. If you notice that you are suddenly paying more for fuel each month, it may be a sign that your transmission needs to be looked over.
