Mechanic is working on a car.

What Are the Most Common Symptoms of Transmission Problems?

Taking care of your car is important. It has warning lights that come on for a reason when something is wrong. It’s better to take care of the problem right away when you notice your car acting up instead of waiting until it’s too late. If you take the correct precautions when caring for your car, it is likely to get you where you need to go without any issues. Continue reading to learn some common symptoms to look out for when dealing with transmission problems. 


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up close of transmission part

What to Look Out for With Transmission Problems

  • Dashboard Lights
    • No one likes to see dashboard lights come on when they get in their car, but the lights do serve a purpose. Dashboard lights are meant to warn you when something isn’t right in hopes that you will pay attention to it and get it fixed before it causes more problems or gets worse. If there is a problem with the transmission, most cars have a “Check Engine” or “Service Engine Soon” warning light that will come on.
  • Rough Gear Shifting
    • For automatics, if your car shifts and it is choppy instead of smooth and unnoticeable like usual, then this should raise a red flag. For manual transmissions, if you feel grinding when shifting gears then this could also be a sign of a transmission being worn out.
  • Unusual Noises or Whines
    • The noise will be a little different for everyone, but it will not sound good or like any other sound that your car has made before. It is likely you will hear a whining, buzzing or humming sound. These sounds are likely dealing with the transmission and it is best to take it to a mechanic to fix the problem right away.
  • Burning Odor
    • Never ignore a burning smell that is coming from your car. If it smells like something is burning, it might be your transmission fluid. The fluid breaks down over time and the system will run hot. If not investigated right away, it could lead to an expensive replacement later down the road.
  • Leaking Transmission Fluid
    • Finding out if your car is leaking transmission fluid might be one of the easier symptoms to check. Pay attention to any spots or leaks that might be under your car when it is parked. If your car is leaking transmission fluid, the fix could be as easy as a patching the leak. Be sure to get the leak taken care of, as running out of transmission fluid will cause your vehicle to stop working.
  • Transmission Slipping
    • If the link that holds your gears is worn or broken, then this can cause your gears to slip. It’s no secret that a car being unable to stay in gear will result in problems. If you notice your transmission slipping gears, take it to an expert right away.

If you start to notice any of these symptoms, bring your car to Mercedes-Benz of Scottsdale. Our service team will take a look and help you take care of the problem to get you back on the road. Contact us with any questions or to set up an appointment.