Recognizing Transmission Issues in Your GMC

Slipping Gears

If a transmission fails to shift gears when you want to, the gears may be slipping. The problem of slipping gears can manifest itself in various symptoms, including delays in shifting or acceleration, surging RPMs when shifting, and gears suddenly changing or popping into neutral on their own. 

Slipping gears can be caused by low transmission fluid, worn gears or transmission bands, and faults with the clutch, solenoid, or torque converter. It will usually take an experienced technician to diagnose and repair the cause of slipping gears. 

Sticking Gears

If your gears ever struggle to shift or refuse to shift at all, you might have low or contaminated transmission fluid. Over time, debris can gradually build inside the fluid, eventually causing it to thicken and lose vital lubricating properties. Flushing transmission fluid is usually a quick fix, but sticking gears can also sometimes result from more serious underlying gearbox faults.

Burning Smells From Below

When transmission fluid overheats or begins to lessen in volume, friction inside the system can cause it to burn. You may then detect a burning smell from inside the cabin above. Low or burning transmission fluid is no longer properly lubricating the gears, which means friction will rapidly build unless the problem is promptly resolved.

Shaking and Grinding

Any kind of grinding or shaking while you’re attempting to shift gears is never a good sign. With automatic transmissions, problematic gear sets might also generate a whining sound and suddenly jar as you shift. Likewise, strange gearbox sounds when the transmission is in neutral indicate problems requiring the immediate attention of a technician. 

Leaking Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid is essential to the health of your gearbox and clutch. Should you ever notice a puddle of dark red fluid under your car, you might have leaking transmission fluid. 

Transmission leaks can originate from a worn gasket or seal, a cracked pan, a damaged cooler hose, or elsewhere. Make sure you get the leak repaired before you continue to drive. 

Flush Transmission Fluid at Your Local GMC Dealership

Flushing transmission fluid is an essential vehicle maintenance task for any driver. You can check your owner’s manual for how often GMC recommends flushing the fluid for your particular model. The optimal interval tends to vary from once every 30,000 to every 100,000 miles. 

Visit Coughlin GM of Newark in Newark, OH, today to have your transmission serviced or repaired. Our courteous, experienced staff provide high-quality customer care and an excellent range of new and pre-owned vehicles. 

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