If your car’s computer detects a transmission issue, the check engine warning light in the dash may come on. If that happens, the first thing to remember is not to panic. If the light isn’t flashing, you still have time to call us to schedule an appointment, where our mechanics can diagnose the problem and recommend a possible solution.
People in the flint and Genesee county area often experience some delay between when the driver puts the transmission into gear and when it actually engages with the engine. That’s called “delayed engagement” and it’s not unusual in colder parts of the world. To fix this, just slow your progression of putting your foot on the gas and accelerating. The delay will dissipate shortly.
It’s also a good idea when you start your car in the morning to run it through the gears with the foot on the brake while the car stands still. That way, you’ll get transmission fluid running through all the gears before you actually start to drive. Just make sure not to rev the engine while it’s cold as this could cause major damage to it!
If it’s not cold out and you notice your transmission has a delayed engagement, it may be something as simple as a transmission filter working improperly. Don’t assume that the transmission as a whole is bad and needs a costly repair like a replacement or a rebuild. Let Applegate’s Service and Transmission Department help you figure that out. We could save you hundreds of dollars.
Transmission fluid is a translucent red color that’s very distinctive. If you see a puddle of it beneath your car, it could be a significant problem, especially if it smells burnt or has a blackish tint to it. A leaking transmission needs to be addressed quickly because the leak will only get worse, and your vehicle will quickly stop running properly without replacing the transmission fluid. Transmission fluid leaks can be caused by a variety of things, such as a gap or empty space in the pan gasket, torque converter, fluid lines, or transmission pan, just to name a few. Determining the exact cause can be tedious and is better left to a professional mechanic.
If your car has been shifting gears on its own or you experience delays in acceleration after pressing the gas pedal, these may be signs that your transmission is slipping. Further symptoms of transmission slippage include the inability to reverse, burnt smells, and difficulty shifting gears.
Any number of things can cause a transmission to begin to slip, but the most common causes are low fluid levels, worn/broken transmission bands, worn out gears, and problems with the solenoid. If you are seeing any of the above symptoms in your vehicle, we encourage you to get in touch with our Service Department ASAP. You may be able to avoid completely rebuilding your transmission, which is a costly and time-consuming ordeal, by replacing or repairing a few key parts.
Rough shifts occur when the transmission fluid is getting clogged as it moves through your transmission or when the vehicle is low on fluid. Transmissions are extremely complicated parts of your car and when the shifting becomes rough, it often jerks you as it shifts from one gear to the next. If you’re experiencing this, bring the vehicle to a mechanic and let them look it over. They’ll be able to tell you if it’s simply a matter of low fluid, or if there is a bigger underlying issue at play that could be affecting your vehicle’s performance.
At Applegate Chevrolet Company, we believe in making it as easy and as affordable as possible for our customers to get the transmission services their vehicles need. We accept all major credit cards, so you can pay and be on your way. You can also use a GM BuyPower card, which allows you to earn perks every time you visit our service lane. That’s great incentive to stay up-to-date on routine services!
Need service financing? One of our team members will be happy to answer your questions and help you find a solution that works for your budget and lifestyle.