What Are the Symptoms of a Broken Transmission?
2 Answers
When a transmission is damaged, there will be noticeable sounds like clunking noises, along with vibrations that can be distinctly felt. Below are the symptoms a car may exhibit when the transmission is damaged: 1. The vehicle may slip and lack power when starting. 2. There may be unusual noises while driving, such as a rustling sound inside. 3. The engine may stall when shifting gears, or there may be a noticeable jolt during gear shifts or while driving. Here are some habits to protect your transmission: 1. Avoid coasting in neutral. During normal driving, it is not recommended to use the N gear for coasting. Do not shift the gear lever to "N" while driving. 2. To maximize fuel efficiency, when going downhill, it is advisable to use the S gear or a lower gear in manual mode to fully utilize engine braking. This helps prevent the brake pads from overheating and losing effectiveness due to prolonged braking.
With over twenty years of driving experience, I've learned that a failing transmission exhibits many obvious symptoms. For instance, rough gear shifts, severe shaking during acceleration or deceleration—almost like gears are clashing; automatic transmissions may also experience slipping, sudden loss of power, or an inability to gain speed. Another major red flag is increased noise, such as buzzing or grinding sounds, especially noticeable and harsh during acceleration. Sometimes, the dashboard warning light will illuminate, indicating a transmission fault. I recall a long trip where reddish-brown oil stains appeared on the ground; upon inspection, the transmission fluid had completely leaked out, causing overheating and part damage, resulting in repair costs of several thousand dollars. Delaying repairs also carries a high risk of breaking down on the highway. I recommend regularly checking the transmission fluid color—if it changes from light red to dark or contains metal shavings, replace the fluid immediately for maintenance. A full inspection every two years is ideal; don’t cut corners and delay until major issues arise. Safety first—if symptoms appear while driving, stop early and repair promptly.
