What are the symptoms of transmission failure?
2 Answers
Transmission failure symptoms include: 1. Transmission warning light illuminated - if the warning light on the dashboard comes on, try restarting the engine to see if it returns to normal. If it doesn't return to normal or if there's gear shifting impact, this usually indicates a genuine transmission system failure requiring roadside assistance; 2. Sluggish response - a properly functioning transmission should shift quickly and accurately to the correct gear; 3. Difficult acceleration - if you notice significantly harder vehicle acceleration, or when pressing the accelerator increases engine RPM but doesn't produce noticeable acceleration, this may indicate transmission fluid leakage.
My old car had previous transmission issues, with the most noticeable symptom being a sudden jerking forward during gear shifts, like being kicked in the rear. It was particularly unbearable in city traffic when frequently shifting between 1st and 2nd gear—the whole car would shake. Another time on the highway, I pressed the accelerator to overtake, and the tachometer shot up to 4000 RPM, but the speed just wouldn’t increase—the engine roared but lacked power. Later, I also noticed a metallic 'clanking' sound when shifting into reverse (R) while parking, which scared me into rushing to the repair shop. The mechanic said the transmission fluid had deteriorated, causing clutch slippage. After changing the fluid, the issue improved. If left untreated, the entire transmission could have been ruined.
