Knowing when it’s time for transmission service from your Ford dealer is key to keeping your vehicle in good condition. Your transmission is the key to your vehicle’s smooth running. It’s every bit as important as the engine itself. Without a smooth-functioning transmission, you simply cannot drive your car. You must understand the signs of issues with your transmission. Learn how to recognize that it’s time to head to your local Ford dealership for transmission service.
Difficulty Shifting Gears
Whether you’re driving an automatic or a manual, the transition between gears should be smooth and effortless. If you notice hesitation, resistance, or any abruptness during gear shifting, it’s a clear sign something isn’t right and you may need transmission service. If you have a manual transmission, you might also notice difficulty putting the gear stick into or out of gear.
Unusual Noises
Pay attention to your vehicle’s sounds; they’re often the first hint that something is wrong. A well-functioning transmission should operate without much noise. If you start hearing whining, buzzing, or clunking sounds, it could indicate that your transmission needs professional attention.
Leaking Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid is crucial for keeping the parts of your transmission lubricated and cool. If you spot a sweet-smelling liquid under your car that is red or brown, it’s likely transmission fluid. A leak reduces the efficiency of your transmission and can also lead to severe damage if not addressed promptly. The key is the smell: transmission fluid will have a sweet smell to it, unlike motor oil. Of course, any fluid leaking from under your car is a reason to get in for service!
Check Engine Light
The check engine light can activate for numerous reasons, including transmission issues. Modern vehicles are equipped with sensors that monitor various systems in the car, including the transmission. Many problems can trigger the check engine light, but it should never be ignored.
Slipping Gears
A transmission that’s in good condition should stay in the selected gear until either the driver or the vehicle’s computer initiates a change. If your car’s transmission slips out of gear when it shouldn’t, or you notice a slipping or thudding sensation when shifting gears, it’s a major safety risk as well as a sign that your transmission requires immediate service.
Delayed Engagement
When you shift from park to drive, your vehicle should respond immediately. If there’s a noticeable delay before your Ford starts moving, it’s referred to as delayed engagement, a common symptom of transmission trouble.
Burning Smell
A burning smell coming from your car is never a good sign. In the case of your transmission, it could mean the transmission fluid is overheating. Overheated fluid can’t protect or lubricate the transmission’s moving parts effectively, leading to accelerated wear and other potential problems.
Visit Your Ford Dealer for Transmission Service
Regular maintenance on schedule can help avoid many of these issues. Service for your transmission typically involves changing the transmission fluid, checking for leaks, and ensuring that the transmission is operating correctly. At your local dealership, our certified technicians have the specialized training needed to keep your transmission in top shape. Your transmission is a complex mechanism, so it’s best to consult the professionals when you notice any of these symptoms or any time something feels off in any way about your vehicle. Call Auffenberg Ford North in O’Fallon, IL, to schedule your next service today.
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