What Indicates Your Vehicle Is Having a Transmission Issue?

By Karen Johnston July 30, 2013

Quick facts

Delayed engagement (hesitation going into Drive or Reverse) is often the first transmission symptom
Slipping, meaning the engine revs without acceleration, indicates the transmission is not transferring power
Transmission fluid should be inspected at every oil change and changed every 30,000–60,000 miles
Catching a transmission problem early can mean the difference between a fluid service and a full rebuild

As reliable as most automatic transmissions are, they are relatively easy to break and quite expensive to fix. One of the most common signs that there may be a problem is delayed engagement. That is, there is a long moment of hesitation between the time you put a shifter into "D" (rive) or "R" (reverse) and when the transmission actually kicks in.

Other signs of problems with automatic transmissions include slippage or jerking/shuddering of the transmission. It is also not a good sign, certainly, if the transmission gets stuck in a gear. These problems may be more noticeable when the engine is still cold or after the vehicle is warmed up. Take note of either fact when talking to the technician. A check engine or service engine light may illuminate to alert the vehicle driver if the computer sees a problem with the operation of an automatic transmission.

Proper maintenance for transmissions

It never pays to ignore a transmission problem, which may be fixed if caught early. Proper maintenance on transmissions is to service them, replace the filter, reseal the transmission pan and flush new fluid into the lines, transmission and torque converter. This service should be performed about every 2 years or 30,000 miles, or whenever the fluid changes color from the translucent pink that it originally begins with. This service will help to extend the life of your transmission. The fluid in the transmission is designed to clean, cool, and lubricate so it is crucial to the proper operation of the transmission to keep it clean and full.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions

What does transmission slipping feel like?

Slipping happens when the transmission shifts out of gear or fails to hold a gear under load. You will feel the engine RPM rise sharply, as if you pressed the accelerator, without a corresponding increase in vehicle speed. It can also feel like a sudden loss of power going uphill, or the engine revving freely while the car barely accelerates. In automatic transmissions, slipping is usually caused by low or degraded fluid, worn clutch packs, or a failing solenoid.

Is it normal for a transmission to make noise in neutral?

A transmission that makes a rumbling or whining noise in neutral, one that changes when you press the clutch pedal on a manual transmission, typically indicates worn input shaft bearings or a worn pilot bearing. These sounds are worth diagnosing early. Bearing problems that are caught before the bearing fails completely are usually straightforward repairs. A bearing that fails completely can cause secondary damage to surrounding components and turn a simple repair into a major one.

What color should transmission fluid be?

New automatic transmission fluid is typically bright red and nearly transparent. Healthy used fluid ranges from light red to a darker red-brown but should not smell burnt. Dark brown or black fluid with a burnt odor means the fluid has overheated and broken down. This is a sign of either deferred maintenance or an underlying mechanical problem that generated excessive heat. If your fluid is dark and smells burnt, have the transmission inspected, not just the fluid changed.

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