Your import’s automatic transmission should be serviced every 30,000 miles and less your owner’s manual specifies a different mileage duration. Uptown Imports would be happy to maintain the automatic transmission so you never have to worry about any of the seven problems listed below.
1. An Overheating Transmission
If you smell hot and burning odors coming from underneath your automobile, it’s possible your transmission is overheating. This is also a sign of a malfunctioning catalytic converter. In the case of the transmission, however, it will overheat if the fluid is low and dirty.
2. An Unresponsive Transmission
Depending on the damage caused to the transmission, it may not respond at all. What we mean by this is that your transmission will not go into gear when you put it into gear. It will refuse to go into Drive, Reverse, or Neutral. This is definitely a sign that the transmission has died.
3. Check Engine Light Warning
You have likely noticed that the transmission does not have a light or gauge on your vehicle’s dashboard. As such, the main computer chip, the engine control unit, will turn on the check engine light if the transmission sensors report an error to it.
4. Leaking Transmission Fluid
Leaking transmission fluid is also a sign that your transmission is in desperate need of service. The transmission fluid can leak out of the pan or the pan gasket. It can also leak from any of the seals or hoses, as well as out of the torque converter.
5. Problems With the Gears
Aside from being completely unresponsive, a dying transmission will also struggle to shift through the gear cycle. It may skip gears as it shifts through the cycle or it may slip out of gear once it is in gear. The latter will cause power loss and high RPMs.
6. Strange Transmission Noises
Strange transmission noises include clunking, grinding, humming, and squealing. You should never hear any noises coming from your transmission, especially when it shifts gears. The gear shifts should be silent with the exception of the changes in your engine’s RPMs.
7. Strange Vibration or Shaking
When the transmission shifts gears, your vehicle should not shake or vibrate, either. Shaking or vibration indicates that the transmission fluid is too low or the gears have worn down. It’s important to have this looked into as soon as possible to avoid further transmission damage.
Uptown Imports in Minneapolis, MN, would be happy to inspect your import’s transmission to see if it needs service or repair. Call us today to schedule an appointment.