You may be reading this article because you suspect that something is wrong with the automatic transmission in your car. Oftentimes, people experience what they feel may be a transmission concern but are not sure. At Elite Auto Repair we advise you to address these problems early on than let them evolve into catastrophic transmission failure.
The automatic transmission is the most complex piece of machinery in your entire vehicle, by no means can a list of warning signs be all-inclusive. With that said, here are the most common problems that have been observed by car transmission repair specialists over the years. These are some of the early warning signs that you want to look out for before it gets too late.
1) Leakage.
That small pool of oil that you see when you move your vehicle from its parking point in the morning is a sign of trouble. Transmissions can leak from nearly 20 different external points. Some are very simple to repair, while others require more involved service procedures and technicalities. In any case, the idea is to have the vehicle looked at right away by a qualified transmission repair shop because like Elite Auto Repair, much like an engine that gets low on oil, a transmission that is low on fluid can fail completely in a very short time.
2) Shaking.
Sometimes a shaking or bucking sensation is experienced, especially at high speeds. While this may be an issue of poor engine tune, it may also be a malfunction in the transmission. Take it to an expert like Elite Auto Repair that can tell the difference and diagnose it for you.
3) Delayed drive or reverse.
A visibly longer than normal hesitation for your transmission to engage a gear once the shifter is put in “D” or “R” is another sign of a transmission malfunction. These delays can be caused by anything from a low fluid level or a band that needs to be adjusted to an internal transmission seal or clutch pack that is failing. Again, sooner rather than later is the right time to get it checked out.
4) Brisk Acceleration
A neutral condition on a fast acceleration from a stop or when going around a turn. This is a classic sign of a very low fluid condition. Remember, unlike an engine where it may be normal for some oil to be consumed over time if a transmission is low on fluid it is surely leaking.
5) Burning smell.
A burnt smell can be a sign of a transmission that is overheating or leaking fluid onto the exhaust. This needs to be addressed immediately. If engine oil or transmission fluid drips onto a little hot exhaust it could catch on fire.
6) Check the engine light.
Today’s transmissions are computer controlled and a check engine light can be an indication of a car transmission problem, even if you don’t have an issue driving. Modern automobile computers are extremely sensitive and can detect a transmission slip or malfunction that would be unnoticeable to the driver. The light comes on to tell you that something is wrong somewhere- listen to it and get your car checked out!
7) Transmission Slipping.
Slipping is a condition where the engine is reviving but full power is not getting to the wheels. Slipping can be caused by a variety of transmission malfunctions. none of the transmission malfunctions should be ignored.
8) Harsh shifting
Harsh shifting and a wrong gear start. A hard shift or wrong gear starts either by itself or in concurrence with a check engine light may be a sign that your transmission is in a computer-commanded fail-safe mode. This can be triggered by your vehicle’s computer when it detects a transmission issue. The reason for this computer strategy is to let the driver know that there is a problem and to help protect the transmission from further damage.
While we often fall into the trap of hoping that problems with our vehicles will somehow go away or will fix themselves, it doesn’t work out that way Paying attention to and addressing your vehicle’s small problems before they turn into larger ones can help you to avoid costly transmission repairs. 
For all transmission-related issues and repairs visit any of Elite Auto Repair locations in Florida
