Toyota’s transmission has many components that work to regulate and convey power to the wheels. Over time, the parts will experience wear and tear. To maintain the parts and avoid costly damage, here are seven signs your Toyota may need a transmission repair:
1. Unresponsiveness
Your Toyota’s transmission is designed to shift into the appropriate gear at all times, so delayed response is a symptom of failure. Consider booking in for a transmission checkup if your vehicle jumps or has sudden pauses during acceleration when you shift gears and hesitates to go into either ‘park’ or ‘drive’ modes. Also: you’ll want to take action if your engine revs up after a gear change, but the vehicle does not move as fast as the powertrain is running.
2. Transmission Fluid Leaks
A transmission fluid leak is one of the simplest ways to detect transmission problems. Since the fluid is bright red and sweet-smelling, it can easily be identified on your driveway, garage, or parking spot. Leaks can result from faulty drain plugs, damaged fluid lines, cracked gaskets, and loose bolts. Contact your mechanic in the case of a transmission fluid leak to avoid costly repairs later.
3. Burning Odor
A burning smell indicates overheating, often resulting from a low transmission fluid level, incorrect fluid type, or dirty fluid that needs flushing and replacement. It might also signify a leak that is trickling onto the hot engine parts. The transmission fluid lubricates gearbox parts and has a bright red color with a sweet odor when in good condition. Visit your repair facility when the burning smell occurs to avoid severe damage to your Toyota’s engine.
4. Strange Noise
Wear and tear on the gearbox parts causes noise during gear changes. With an automatic transmission, you can detect whining, humming, and clunking noises while in neutral mode. Manual transmissions produce more mechanical and abrupt sounds, characterized by clunking when you shift gears. Take your Toyota for inspection and repair if you notice any strange noises.
5. Transmission Slip
A proper transmission system should maintain your vehicle in one gear until you input gear changes. Slipping is dangerous and occurs when gears shift without your input. Your Toyota might also delay acceleration when you press on the gas, indicating failure to convey adequate power to the powertrain’s internal combustion chamber. If not resolved, the transmission could seize and fail to engage.
6. Shaking During Gear Change
Your vehicle’s transmission should provide a comfortable ride with smooth gear shifts. Low fluid levels may cause your automatic transmission to shift hard or shake when gears change. In manual vehicles, rough gear shifts may indicate a worn clutch or damaged gear parts.
7. Warning Light
Modern Toyotas have computerized sensors throughout the car that can detect even the slightest problems. The transmission sensors pick up minute tremors and jolts that you would not notice yourself. A professional car diagnosis will identify precisely what the dashboard alert is about.
Repairing your car’s transmission as soon as you detect these problems prevents the need for a costly transmission replacement. Visit Fox Toyota of El Paso today for your transmission issues and a professional repair!