What are the symptoms of a broken gearbox?
3 Answers
The symptoms of a broken gearbox include: inability to engage gears, failure to move when in D gear, jerking, etc. The gearbox is what is commonly referred to as the transmission. Transmissions are divided into manual transmissions and automatic transmissions. Manual transmissions generally do not experience many faults; automatic transmissions include torque converter transmissions, CVT transmissions, dual-clutch transmissions, and AMT transmissions. Manual transmissions mainly consist of gears and shafts, achieving speed and torque changes through different gear combinations. Automatic transmissions (AT) are composed of a torque converter, planetary gears, a hydraulic torque variation system, and a hydraulic control system, achieving speed and torque changes through hydraulic power transmission and gear combinations.
Last time I was driving, I noticed there was a problem with the gearbox. The main symptoms were rough and hesitant gear shifts, such as feeling sluggish when starting or accelerating, and sometimes it even got stuck. Worse, I heard a clicking noise while driving, especially noticeable during gear shifts. Another common issue is slipping—you press the accelerator, but the RPMs spike while the speed doesn’t increase, as if power is being lost. If you see red fluid stains under the car, it might be a transmission fluid leak, which needs immediate attention, or else running out of fluid could cause the gearbox to fail completely. The warning light on the dashboard might also come on, indicating a trouble code that needs decoding. If you notice these signs, don’t push it—get it checked by a professional repair shop promptly to avoid breaking down on the road or facing even costlier repairs.
The most obvious symptoms of transmission failure are difficulty shifting gears or complete unresponsiveness, with the car shaking or making clunking noises when you shift as if in protest. Slipping is even more dangerous—the engine revs up when accelerating but the car speed doesn't increase, which can easily lead to accidents on highways. Additionally, transmission fluid leaks leave oil stains under the car and, over time, may cause overheating or even a burning smell. A warning light on the dashboard is also an alert. If you experience shaking or delayed response, it's best to pull over and check the transmission fluid level. Top it up if low, but for serious issues, head straight to a repair shop. In short, these symptoms not only damage the car but also endanger safety, so don't delay in addressing them.
