A transmission is a vital part of a car. The transmission is a network of parts working together to transfer the correct amount of power from the engine to the wheels. When a transmission operates correctly, power is delivered smoothly and efficiently. However, a bad transmission will cause shuddering or hesitation.
A bad transmission is dangerous and impairs the overall safety of a car or truck. Also, a bad transmission is likely to result in your car being a lemon. Under lemon law, a lemon vehicle is required to be repurchased by the manufacturer. It is extremely important to know the four signs of a failing or bad transmission, and your rights in obtaining relief under the lemon law. Let’s review the 4 signs of a bad transmission, and the options you have available.
4 Signs of a Bad Transmission:
-
Shifting Problems – Shuddering or Shaking
The number one sign of a bad transmission is a shaking or shuddering when shifting between gears. Transmission shudders are also known as a torque converter shudder.
Transmission shudders can occur when your vehicle attempts to shift into a lower gear when driving up a hill or accelerating onto a highway. A shudder can also occur when shifting into a higher gear, such as a overdrive. Repeated jumping of gears is a sign that you have a transmission problem.
According to Road Runner Converters (RRC), a leading manufacturer of transmission torque converters, an easy way to know if you have a torque converter shutter is to lightly apply the brake with one foot as you maintain speed with another foot. If the shudder stops automatically, then the clutches in the torque converter are at fault. Per RRC, when the operating system sees the brake being applied, most vehicles will release the torque converter clutches.
The good news is that not all transmission shudders are serious. Some transmission shudders are merely due to contaminated dirty transmission fluid or low transmission fluid, which prevents proper pressure in the transmission. Repairing low or dirty transmission fluid, through a transimission flush and fluid replacement, is a very easy way to fix the shudder.
However, sometimes a shuddering transmission is due to serious condition that is not related to dirty fluid. In that case you may need to replace or rebuild the entire transmission or torque converter.
-
Unusual Sounds Between Gears
Strange sounds between gears is another easy sign of a transmission problem.
If you notice a grinding, whining, or gurgling noise from your transmission, especially when shifting into gear from a neutral gear while in park, this can be a vital indication that you have a bad transmission.
Certain odd sounds will indicate a specific problem. Here are three odd transmission sounds and the associated problems:
Whining while reversing
A whining noise coming from your transmission while your vehicle is in reverse, means that the transmission fluid line is clogged. A clogged transmission transmission line is a very serious condition and needs to be repaired as soon as possible to prevent complete failure of the transmission.
Grinding
Automatic transmissions depend on a planetary gear system to function correctl. A grinding noise while shifting between into gear indicates a serious problem with the planetary gear system. If the planetary gear system fails, it can result in major transmission damage.
Gurgling
A gurgling sound is a direct result of excess air in your transmission line. Transmission gurgling sounds will be most noticeable when shifting between gears. The gurgling noise you hear, especially when shifting gears, may mean that your fluid levels are low enough to cause transmission damage.
-
Fluid Leaks
Leaking transmission fluid is a clear sign that you have a problem, and is also the easiest transmission condition to spot. You can check under the car for leaks or simply check the level of fluid with the transmission dipstick to spot an issue. A small, uncorrected leak can easily turn into a bigger problem resulting and ultimately result in transmission failure.
Transmission fluids are bright red and sweet-smelling. It’s very easy to spot a leak when fluid is found on your driveway or on the ground under your car. If you find a puddle of transmission fluid on your driveway, this is a clear warning sign that you have a leak.
You can check the level of transmission fluid in your car to see if it is leaking. Unlike motor oil, transmission fluid does not get consumed or burned during use. If you notice a low level of fluid, then most likely you have a leak. Also, if you notice the color of the transmission is brown, and not red, on the dipstick then you most likely have a burning problem.
Common reasons for a transmission fluid leak are:
- Worn seals or gaskets
- Damaged bell housings
- A loose transmission pan/pan leak
- Out of balance driveshaft
- Worn axles (FWD), engine and transmission mounts
-
Engine Warning Lights – Transmission Overheating
All new cars have transmission sensors that can easily spot transmission problems. The sensors are very sensitive and can recognize early transmission problems such as the ones mentioned above. One of the most frequent warning signs is a high transmission temperature alert. High transmission temperature alerts refer to the transmission fluid being too hot. The ideal transmission temperature should be 175 degrees Fahrenheit, and overheating occurs when the temperature reaches 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures above 200 degrees Fahrenheit will cause the transmission to become defective and result in a hardening of the plates, shaking, and ultimately transmission failure.
It is estimated that close to 90 percent of automatic transmission failures are caused by overheating.
Car Models with Bad Transmission
There have been many lemon law complaints related to bad transmission. Transmission related lemon law complaints have been reported in:
Lemon Law Relief for Bad Transmissions
The Pennsylvania Lemon Law, New Jersey Lemon Law, New York, and Hawaii Lemon Law all have protection for new cars with bad transmissions. Many owners have been able to get relief through the lemon law and force the manufacturer to repurchase their new car or truck that has bad transmissions.
The New Jersey Used Car Lemon Law does provide relief for transmission problems for used cars. The New Jersey Used Car Lemon Law covers the following transmission parts
- internal lubricated parts,
- seals
- transmission mounts
- gaskets
- torque converters and vacuum modulators on automatic transmissions
Unfortunately, not all states have protection for used cars with bad transmissions. Pennsylvania does not have a Pennsylvania Used Car lemon law.
Even if you don’t have protection under the lemon law, you still can get lemon law relief under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
Are You Experiencing Bad Transmission Problems?
If you are experiencing transmission problems, or think your car or truck has a bad transmission, you may be able to seek recourse through your state lemon laws. The Lemon Law Attorneys can help you.
As one of the country’s largest and most successful lemon law firms, our attorneys can provide you with the legal assistance you need at no cost to you. Contact us today to discuss your case at 1-800-MY-LEMON (1-800-695-3666).
