Does Your Chevy or Cadillac Need a Transmission Repair?

Most drivers worry about a transmission repair. They believe this type of repair is expensive and time-consuming. Fortunately, most transmission problems can be fixed quickly and inexpensively. As your Chevy dealer, we’d like you to know some of the signs that you have a transmission problem.

Damaged Transmission Mount

Your transmission is anchored in place by the transmission mount. The transmission is filled with constant movement as your gears change. If the transmission isn’t securely attached to your car, the movements in the transmission can shift the whole unit and cause damage. If you start hearing clunking or clanking from your engine, you may have a damaged mount.

We check your transmission mount during a regularly scheduled service. On average, a transmission mount needs to be replaced every five to seven years. If the mount hasn’t been checked according to schedule, it may have suffered damage. Other possible signs of the damaged mount are excessive vibrations while you’re driving or noises when you shift from park to drive.

Whining, Clunking, or Grinding Noises

Your transmission should operate silently as it shifts gears. This means that any noises from the transmission are a sign that something is going wrong. Whining sounds usually indicate a lack of transmission fluid. This fluid is essential for your transmission. It prevents the transmission from overheating, enables your gears to shift, and protects the components against friction damage.

Grinding noises can also indicate a low fluid level, as they suggest friction between parts in the transmission. A transmission has hundreds of fast-moving parts. Damage to one of these parts will affect the whole transmission. Clunking noises suggest that one of your transmission sensors has failed. This damaged sensor is preventing your computer from shifting gears correctly.

Leaking Fluid

As we’ve seen, transmission fluid enables your transmission to work correctly. A lack of fluid can cause serious damage to your transmission. Luckily, a transmission fluid leak is generally easy to spot. Transmission fluid is bright or dark red, and it has a sweet smell. You can check for a possible leak by placing a large piece of clean cardboard under your car at night.

If there are no marks on the cardboard in the morning, there are two further tests you can try. Start your engine and put your gear into neutral. After a few minutes switch off the engine and check the cardboard. If you don’t see anything, keep your foot on the brake and shift into drive. If you don’t see any marks on the card you may have a transmission leak into your engine.

If you’re worried about your transmission, call us at Orr Chevrolet of Fort Smith.

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