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If your gearbox is making strange noises and no longer shifting smoothly, you may be in need of transmission repair. As with any car trouble, it’s best to catch and fix transmission problems as early as possible in order to avoid a more costly repair job down the road. The following early warning signs of a failing gearbox should prompt you to visit your local Chrysler dealership for repairs as soon as you can.
Grinding Sounds
When bad transmission fluid stops lubricating the gears properly, you’ll start to hear them grinding whenever you shift. If you ever hear grinding gears, check your fluid right away and have it refreshed before the problem worsens.
Humming Sounds
Modern transmissions may also start to emit humming or whining sounds when a problem arises. Humming might point to a low fluid, a clogged transmission line, a faulty torque converter, worn-out gears, or another problem inside the planetary gear system. A technician can help you diagnose it.
Leaking Transmission Fluid
It’s possible for transmissions to spring a leak at one of the driveshaft seals, an axel seal, the pan gasket, or the torque pump. Excessive heat, debris from the road, or improper sealing might cause damage to these parts.
If a leak occurs, you’re likely to see a reddish liquid dripping under your car. It’s best to have it repaired before driving more, as leaking transmission fluid can rapidly result in serious gearbox malfunctions.
Dirty Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid naturally degrades over time. As the fluid degrades, it thickens and becomes contaminated with bits of debris. It also starts to burn and loses its ability to lubricate the gears.
You can use the dipstick to check the condition of your transmission fluid at any time. If it ever looks dirty, or you notice a burning smell of the fluid burning, have it flushed and refreshed right away.
Flush Transmission Fluid Frequently at Your Chrysler Dealer
Transmission fluid should usually be flushed out and replaced every 30,000 miles, or every two years, whichever comes first. If you regularly drive in more strenuous conditions for your gearbox, such as heavy traffic or frequent short trips, you may need to flush it more often.
Delayed Gear Shifting
More serious gearbox issues may cause problems when shifting gears. You’re likely to first notice a delay of a second or two while your malfunctioning gears try to find the new setting. Whenever gears stop shifting promptly and smoothly, take it to a technician before the problem worsens.
Engine Revving While Shifting
When a faulty gear set struggles to shift, your engine might also start revving unexpectedly. This sudden revving often means rounded-out gears have slipped, and the engine is trying to transmit power to the wheels that it’s lost connection with. This is another potentially severe transmission problem that should be repaired without delay.
Have your transmission examined and repaired by qualified professionals at Ed Martin Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM. For decades, we’ve been serving the drivers of Indiana with great cars, great deals, and great customer service.