Pearl Chrysler Jeep Dodge and Ram

Jun 30, 2022

The thought of needing a transmission replacement can strike fear into the heart of any car owner. However, if you are aware of the signs that something may be amiss with your transmission, you can have it repaired. Not only can this prevent you from having to pay for a replacement, but it will also keep you from ending up stranded. So look for these red flags that signal it’s time for a transmission repair at your Chrysler dealer.

1. Strange Smells

If you smell burnt rubber and haven’t been completing any burn-outs, it’s time to have your transmission checked. A pungent rubbery odor is a tell-tale sign that your transmission suffers from an accumulation of dirt and metal detritus.

When your transmission fluid is thick and debris-filled, it can’t lubricate your transmission as intended. Since this condition can cause your transmission to overheat, you’ll want to schedule a servicing immediately.

2. Grinding Gears

You should barely feel your car cycle through gears as you accelerate in a vehicle with an automatic transmission. If you notice that you’re hitting high RPMs, but your vehicle refuses to shift into the appropriate gear, a transmission issue is likely to blame.

These symptoms can be caused by low transmission fluid or a more severe problem, so it’s best to play it safe and seek an expert opinion. In cars with manual transmissions, this issue will often show up in the form of increased engine noise paired with poor acceleration.

3. Unusual Sounds

When you drive a vehicle regularly, you become familiar with the sounds it makes while running. So if you notice new noises, you want to take note. Clunking, humming, whining, and buzzing are all sounds that accompany a failing transmission.

While the sounds could accompany something more innocuous, having the noise evaluated by a trained technician never hurts. If the noise results from an ailing transmission, you’ll be glad you caught it right away.

4. Service Light

Even though it may be tempting to pretend you don’t see the light glowing on your dashboard, you’ll regret it in the long run. Procrastinating in addressing your car’s problems will cause them to become more severe and expensive to fix. It takes only minutes for a professional to diagnose the source of the light, and having them repair a small problem will be much less costly than waiting until you’re dealing with significant issues.

5. Colorful Leaks

If your vehicle has a deteriorating transmission pan gasket, you may experience leaking. Transmission fluid is bright red, which makes it easy to distinguish. Since the transmission fluid keeps your transmission from overheating and seizing, take this sign seriously. The sooner you can take your vehicle for repair, the better, as running your car until it is out of fluid will ruin your transmission.

When you know what signs spell disaster, you can take your car to a professional before your only option is replacing your transmission. Whether you need your transmission checked or another service performed, our skilled team is ready to help. Contact Pearl Chrysler Jeep Dodge and Ram today for your automotive needs.