Transmissions are intricate systems with many moving parts, and when something goes wrong, you need to act fast to avoid expensive repairs and replacements. Below are signs that will warn you when your Lexus needs a transmission repair from the experts at your Lexus dealer in Silver Spring, MD.
Transmission Fluid Issues
Your vehicle’s transmission fluid is essential for lubrication, cooling, and preventing corrosion. The level, consistency, and color will give you a good indication if you have transmission problems.
Low Transmission Fluid
The transmission fluid lubricates the mechanical parts to reduce friction that causes wear and overheating. Regularly check the transmission fluid level and top the fluid off if necessary. If the fluid is low, it could cause overheating and gear shifting issues.
Discolored Transmission Fluid
When you check the transmission fluid level, also look at the color of the fluid. Transmission fluid is a transparent bright red color, and if you notice that the fluid is cloudy or brown, it means that it’s contaminated and can’t properly perform the task of lubricating the parts.
Thick Fluid Consistency
The transmission fluid should also be of an oily and slick consistency. If the fluid gets too thick, it will cause friction and overheating.
Transmission Fluid Leaks
It can get pretty hot under your car’s hood, and eventually, because of heat, wear, and age, the seals or the coolant lines could crack, causing a transmission fluid leak. If you notice a reddish puddle on the ground under your car, transmission fluid is likely leaking.
Gear Problems
Transmission problems cause issues with your gears. You will find it hard to shift gears, and your gears will slip.
Automatic Transmissions
When an automatic transmission’s gears slip, it could be due to a lack of lubrication that will lead to overheating and cause even more damage.
Manual Transmissions
It will be hard to shift into gear if your car’s manual transmission is having issues. The problem could be the shifter itself, the shifter cable, or the valve body, but low transmission fluid will also cause gear problems.
Shaking and Jerking
Another sign of a failing transmission is when you shift gears and your car jerks or shakes. If your car is a manual, abnormal gear shifts could be from various issues, including damaged gear synchronizers and worn clutches. If you drive an automatic, a transmission fluid top-off or replacement should sort out the problem.
High Revs and Loss of Power
High revs also indicate a problem with our car’s transmission. Your engine might be revving high due to low or contaminated transmission fluid, a clogged transmission filter, worn or broken parts, or a worn-out clutch. Your engine might be revving just fine, but when you step on the accelerator, your car feels slow to respond. A faulty transmission could be causing the problem.
Horrible Noises and Awful Burning Odors
Faulty transmissions make horrible sounds, and low or contaminated transmission fluid will not sufficiently lubricate the parts. The friction will cause overheating, and you will smell a burning odor.
Whining, Humming, and Buzzing Sounds
If your car’s automatic, you might hear whining, humming, and buzzing sounds when the transmission fluid is low or contaminated, the fluid line is clogged, or the transmission fluid pump is malfunctioning.
Clunking and Grinding Noises
Faulty manual transmissions make horrible clunking and grinding noises. Various issues could cause noise, from low and contaminated fluid to the planetary gear system.
If your car shows any of the signs above, prevent extensive damage and costly repairs and get your transmission fixed as soon as possible. Trust us at DARCARS Lexus of Silver Spring service center to care for your transmission issues, and schedule service online today. Want to keep learning about how to take care of your Lexus? See more automotive tips & tricks now!
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