There are a few simple things you can do yourself if you suspect that your vehicle troubles may be related to your transmission. Going to a mechanic can be costly and may simply not be necessary. Take the following steps at home to save time and money.
Listen For Noises
When there's a problem with your vehicle, usually a noise is associated with the problem. When the transmission is the culprit, it may sound like the vehicle is having trouble shifting into gear. This will feel like the vehicle is pausing and then finally shifting into gear. If you have a manual transmission, the clutch may be impossible to depress and the gears may grind. If you're hearing these noises, the best place to start is to change your transmission fluid to see if it makes a difference in how your vehicle sounds and runs.
Check For Leaks And Smells
Check your transmission fluid level with a dip stick and look under your vehicle for puddles. If you find a puddle it could be as simple as a leaky hose or you might have a bigger problem. However, you can try to find the leak yourself by starting your engine and lifting the hood. Visually inspect to see if there's any fluid leaking. Leaks are often found in the hoses and can be an easy fix.
It's also important to visually inspect and to smell the fluid. If your transmission fluid is bright red and clear and smells sweet, this means your transmission is running properly. If the fluid is dark in color (possibly black) and smells burnt, this indicates a problem. Transmission fluid not only keeps the transmission's many moving parts lubricated and running smoothly; it also prevents the unit from burning itself up by providing much needed cooling.
Don't Ignore "Check Engine" Light
Your "check engine" light can sometimes be an early indicator of a transmission problem. Bring your vehicle to a mechanic or an auto parts store and request them to hook up a diagnostic scan tool to your vehicle in order to pinpoint the problem. The machine will give a readout with a specific code indicating the problem with your vehicle. Sometimes the machine will indicate no problems with your vehicle. If this occurs, you may simply need to detach and reattach your battery to reset the light. Otherwise, the mechanic will provide transmission repair services.
Always be sure to change your transmission fluid along with the maintenance schedule in order to optimize the performance of your vehicle. When you suspect a problem, investigate immediately. You'll be glad you did.
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