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Sep 23, 2022

Your transmission is a big player when it comes to the components of your automobile. It’s in constant use, working hard to make sure your vehicle runs smoothly and efficiently. With this much use, there comes a time when it’s going to need a little tender loving care. This can mean servicing, rebuilding, or even replacing. Here are a few signs to let you know that it might be time for transmission repair from your Mitsubishi mechanic in Springdale, AR.

1. Burning Smell

Although the most likely culprit of a burning smell will usually be oil, a belt, or your tires, after coming to an abrupt stop, your transmission could be responsible as well. When your transmission fluid ages, it can gradually thin out. Without its proper viscosity, it will begin to heat up too quickly and burn up. You can usually tell that it’s the transmission fluid burning by the sweet smell that it produces.

2. Leaking Fluid

Your transmission fluid isn’t like oil, in that oil burns off and will need to be topped up from time to time. T-fluid should always stay at the same level and shouldn’t need reinforcements until it’s time for it to get flushed completely during routine maintenance. If you check your dipstick and the fluid level appears to have receded, this probably means that you have a leak. You might also notice a pooling of reddish liquid underneath your car.

3. Unfamiliar Sounds

Your vehicle has a wide variety of moving parts, each of which could be responsible for making strange or unfamiliar noises. The way to identify the noise as a transmission problem is when the sound occurs when the vehicle switches gears. Most vehicles are automatics and change gears on their own, but if you hear a grinding or growling sound while this is occurring, it could be related to your transmission.

4. Poor Response Time

When your vehicle shifts gears it should be so smooth that you don’t even notice it happening. If you’re driving along and feel your car slowing down before it jerks back into gear, this is a tell-tale signal that your transmission is struggling. It should be fairly easy to spot, as you’ll feel a lag or a kickback that will make for a choppy and uncomfortable ride. It could be the result of a worn-out gear.

5. Engine Light Comes On

In some cases, newer vehicles will have a designated light to alert you specifically of a transmission problem. But a lot of models will rely on the good old “check engine” light as a blanket warning that could mean a large number of things. If either of these lights come on, it’s in your best interest to take your vehicle to the shop and have a diagnostics test performed.
Like most parts of your vehicle, if you nip a problem in the bud early, it will save you a lot of money and heartache in the end. If you’re experiencing any of these warning signs, call Rath Mitsubishi today and schedule an appointment with our skilled team of professionals.