Symptoms of a Failing Transmission

A transmission that is failing will exhibit a variety of symptoms, ranging from audible sounds to mechanical dysfunctions to visual signs. With careful attention, a failing transmission is easy to identify. What follows are the most common signs and symptoms of a failing transmission.

Gear Slippage

A transmission that fails to stay in a selected gear or slips between gears may be on its way to failure. Transmission gear wear and tear, transmission bands that are frayed and/or worn-- these are two of the more common causes of transmission gear slippage.

No Gear Shifting

Failing to shift into any gear, whether from park into drive or from drive into a lower gear set, is a major sign of transmission failure. Broken transmission bands, broken or worn transmission gear linkages, and many other internal transmission problems can prevent a transmission from shifting.

Movement in One Direction

Many times a transmission on the brink of failure will allow vehicle movement in only one direction, either forward or backward but not both.

Transmission Noises

A healthy transmission functions with little to no mechanical noise. Audible clunks or whining sounds, especially during downshifting or under heavy acceleration, are a classic sign of impending transmission failure.

Transmission Wear Debris

Transmission fluid that has large amounts of metallic and/or rubber particles is indicative of serious wear and tear. Metal shavings from transmission gears, pieces of broken transmission bands or leakages--these are the most common components that can pollute transmission fluid with particulate matter.