Clutch or Transmission Repair? Here’s How to Run a Transmission Diagnostics

How often do you actually go to the doctor when something seems to be wrong with your health? If you have a common cold, nicks, cuts, bruises, runny nose, allergies, and such, you do a great job diagnosing the problem on your own.

However, when it comes to something more serious, such as sharp stomach pain or a broken leg, you run to the doctor. The same works for your car. Clogged filters, empty gas tanks, and a flat tire can be diagnosed and fixed on your own. However, clutch problems and transmission failures warrant a visit to a transmission repair shop.

How to Check for Transmission Failure

So how can you diagnose an automatic transmission problem? Here are a few signs you need a clutch repair specialist.

The Transmission Fluid Changed Color

Transmission fluid is vital to operating the clutch and band required for gear changes, cooling, and lubrication. Many car owners forget that this fluid needs to be changed on a regular basis. At the same time, the color of the fluid can tell you whether you have transmission problems. The most common color of transmission fluid is pinkish red. However, it comes in bright green and blue as well. You need transmission repair and/or fluid change if the fluid looks brown or black and has a burnt odor.

The Transmission Fluid Level is Low

The transmission starts to malfunction when the transmission fluid level gets too low. You may experience slipping, overheating, and full transmission failure. By using a transmission fluid dipstick, you can measure the fluid level. While the problem can be fixed by adding new fluid, you still need to take the vehicle to a specialist since the reason for low levels may be a leak.

The Transmission is Leaking

When getting a transmission diagnostics done, the staff will tell you to look around and under your car for leaks. This is the fastest way to find a problem. Make it a habit. Usually, transmission fluid leaks occur due to a faulty part. Replacing the part can eliminate a problem. If the leak is diagnosed in time, the damage to the vehicle may be minimal. Otherwise, such issues may lead to serious problems, including transmission failure.

The Transmission is Overheating

Another transmission failure sign is overheating. Overheating can lead to a transmission failure. That’s why it’s important to prevent this problem. One of the ways to prevent overheating is to avoid low transmission fluid levels. If your transmission is overheating, you can experience shaking and slipping. If you encounter one of these signs while driving, stop immediately and seek help.

Other Transmission Failure Signs

• Shaking, clunking, and whining – Even if the sounds are quiet, it’s the first sign to get help.
• Slow response – Both manual and automatic transmissions should change gears quickly.
• Burnt odor – Usually means overheating of the transmission.
• Leaks – Look around and under your car on a regular basis.
• Bumping sound in neutral – May mean transmission fluid needs to be replaced.
• Grinding gears – May mean a variety of problems for both manual and automatic transmissions.

Automatic Transmission Repair Reno

Do you live in the Reno area and are experiencing a transmission failure? For the best Reno automatic transmission repair, contact General Transmission at (775) 399-8389 or request an online repair quote.