No, the automatic transmission does not turn on the check engine light. The engine control module does. This being said, the module will turn on the check engine light if the automatic transmission is having problems. Do not worry. Sellers Automotive can rebuild or replace the transmission if it needs it. We can also repair the transmission if the damage is minor.
Hesitates or Slips Out of Gear
Aside from an illuminated check engine light, your transmission may also hesitate to shift the gears or slip out of gear if it is going bad. When the transmission slips out of gear, it automatically goes into neutral. This will cause increased RPMs and a significant loss of power.
Refuses to Shift the Gears
The transmission can get worse and get to a point where it refuses to shift the gears. In other words, it will not shift out of first gear. Unfortunately, you cannot drive your vehicle in first gear because you cannot pick up speed without seriously damaging the transmission.
Refuses to Go Into Gear
The transmission can also refuse to go into gear if it has gone bad. In this case, you won’t get anywhere. The reason why is that the transmission will not go into Reverse or Drive. Rather it will remain in Park or Neutral. Nothing you do will get the transmission into gear.
Makes Strange Noises
You may receive a warning that the transmission is going bad if it starts to make strange noises. For example, the gears should not grind when the transmission shifts them. The transmission should not clunk or squeal either. It also should not hum when it is in neutral.
Makes the Vehicle Vibrate
In addition to being relatively silent, every time the transmission shifts the gears, your vehicle should not vibrate. If you have noticed that the gear-shifting is quite rough, bring your vehicle to our shop right away. This is a sign of transmission problems.
Operates Too Hot
The transmission fluid may be too low and this is why your vehicle vibrates when the transmission shifts gears. If the fluid is too low, the transmission will also overheat. When this happens, you will smell burning odors coming from underneath your car, truck, or utility vehicle.
Leaks Transmission Fluid
Finally, the transmission needs to be serviced right away if it is leaking transmission fluid. The transmission can leak the fluid from the torque converter or the pan. It can also leak the fluid from the pan gasket, the transmission hoses, or the transmission seals.
Call Sellers Automotive in Sanford, NC, today if you are having problems with your vehicle’s transmission.