by | Aug 22, 2022 | Transmission
When you are having problems with your transmission you shouldn’t waste any time having it serviced. If your transmission goes out, you won’t be able to drive your car. If you are having issues or aren’t sure if your car needs to be serviced by a Chandler, AZ auto repair shop, be sure to watch for some of these signs and symptoms. They are all signs that there may be a problem with your car’s transmission and that it’s time to take your vehicle to a repair shop. Keep these things in mind when monitoring your car for transmission problems.
Switches Gears On Its Own
During driving, your vehicle will suddenly and unexpectedly switch gears, indicating that your transmission is slipping. Occasionally, the unauthorized switching of gears is accompanied by a pitching change or noise. In the event of your car switching gears out of the blue, while you’re driving, you may be in danger. The car might shake as a result. Is the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while you’re driving? If this is the case, the vehicle is having an increasingly difficult time staying in gear. Do not drive any further if this is the case. The vehicle should be taken to a mechanic who has experience in dealing with these types of shifts. If the vehicle is in neutral, you shouldn’t assume it was accidentally put into it. In most cases, a properly maintained vehicle makes this kind of mistake just won’t happen.
Has No Power
It is possible that your car might have a slipping transmission problem if it is not accelerating quickly or feels sluggish. Other transmission issues may be present as well. This is why you should get your vehicle inspected as soon as possible by a professional mechanic.
Switches Gears Roughly
It may also be difficult for your vehicle to change gear smoothly when it has a slipping transmission. When your vehicle shifts down or up a gear, you’ll hear a thud or clunk. If your vehicle takes longer to start, your transmission could be slipping. If your gear shift is moved from ‘Park’ to ‘Drive,’ then you will immediately experience a lag in your vehicle’s movement. At this point, the car engine revs but does nothing. An alarming sound is always going to go off for any motorist: the grinding of gears. It’s an unmistakable sound that even experienced motorists will find difficult to ignore. When you have a slipping transmission, you will commonly hear this noise.
If you are dealing with transmission problems and are worried that your car may not be able to be driven, don’t waste any time taking your car to an experienced mechanic at a Chandler, AZ auto repair shop. We are happy to help you with all your transmission problems and any other issues you may be having with your car. Give us a call to learn more about all the ways we can help you keep your car on the road and in good condition.
by | Apr 4, 2022 | Transmission
If your car is acting up the best thing to do is have it inspected by a Mesa, AZ auto repair shop. It may be hard for you to identify the problem. Sometimes things can be wrong with your car and you won’t even notice it or maybe ignore the problem because you don’t understand it. If you see any of these things, it could mean you have a transmission problem. Take your car to a repair shop immediately to get the proper repairs.
Vibrations
When you start feeling, vibrating or grinding while driving on the street, you probably have trouble with your driving. Automatic transmission is usually thought to try to move “equal to” instead of liquid while handy gearboxes start with the loop when rotating the clutch and displacement accelerates. If you keep the problem, shaking and grinding will probably be violent. We recommend leaving your mechanics until you start with these problems, check and fix your car.
Color
Check the fluid first. Automatic transmission fluid is usually a red color and has a slightly sweet smell when everything is working correctly. If it is a weird color or has a bad smell, you may need to replace the liquid. You should also check the transmission for problems. Bad-smelling fluid usually means the transmission has overheated and requires the attention of a professional mechanic.
Rough Idle
If the car decides to idle while driving on the road, it means that the clutch that holds the gear in place is faulty in the transmission. Don’t hesitate to have your vehicle inspected if this happens to you. This is a serious threat!
Leaks
A leaky transmission can cause malfunctions in a short time. Fluid leaks can result from crankcase gasket damage, shaft seal leaks, fluid lines, and more. Any system component that is punctured or damaged could be the source of the leak. While losing transmission fluid doesn’t mean you can’t drive a car, it’s not recommended. They can cause permanent damage and make the original problem worse. Immediately check for gear oil leakage.
Lights
Sensors are in cars for a reason and shouldn’t be ignored. When the check engine light is flashing, it can indicate several things, including the transmission. It may not seem like a problem, but these sensors can start picking up issues long before you notice them.
If you want to make sure your car is in good condition or if you think something is wrong and want to make sure it’s not your transmission, you will need to take it to a Mesa, AZ auto repair shop for an inspection and to ensure that the repairs are done correctly or on time. You can schedule an appointment today to make sure your car is inspected. We are happy to help you and are ready to make sure your transmission problems are behind you, and your car is ready for the road.
by | Dec 27, 2021 | Transmission
Many things can cause transmission oil to leak. Knowing the source of the problem can help determine how to fix the problem or take it to a mechanic for professional repair. Some reasons are obvious and some are difficult to diagnose. If you are noticing that your transmission is leaking, take it to a Chandler, AZ auto repair shop for help. Here are some things that can cause your transmission to leak.
Bad Gasket
Vehicles with automatic transmissions have a crankshaft washing system in which the transmission oil is stored. The seal between the container and the gearbox can corrode and eventually collapse or even melt. In this case, the liquid can run off from the container during transport into the gearbox.
Broken Torque Pump
The pump circulates the fluid torque through the gearbox. If the pump fails, the liquid will remain in one place and can easily leak. This can also lead to transmission problems as the liquid does not reach all of the gears.
Busted Line
If the transmission line is blocked or broken, the liquid may drip or leak. You may notice a spill of fluid under your car when parking, or you may feel the transmission slipping due to lack of fluid.
Damaged Gear
Gear pans contain gear oil and can corrode over time. Holes or cracks may form from which liquid can leak. Frying pans can also rust and break, causing rapid leakage. The transmission seal has cracked. The gearbox seal helps maintain pressure in the gearbox to move the fluid. Seals are exposed to heat and over time can break the seal and cause fluid leakage.
How Often Should I Change The Transmission Fluid?
Most cars don’t need to change gear oil. If there isn’t a problem, the transmission fluid in the automatic car only needs to be changed every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Manual transmissions can require frequent changes from 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Changing the gear oil isn’t a difficult task, but most people prefer the mechanic to do it. Don’t try unless you are sure you can complete the process. if you aren’t comfortable changing your fluid on your own, you can always take it to a repair shop to have someone change it for you. You can also check your fluid often and add more to it when needed. You may not have to do this often, but it should be done as needed to ensure your transmission is properly lubricated and can perform right.
When you are planning to take your car a Chandler, AZ auto repair to find out what is wrong with it, be sure to keep some of the above points in mind. You can make an appointment with Network Automotive Service Center to have your car serviced so it stays running well and in good condition. Give us a call today to make an appointment for services. We are here to help with all of your car repair needs.
by | Dec 20, 2021 | Transmission
When you have a car there are always things that can go wrong. One of the things that can stress you out is figuring out the cause of a leak and how to repair it. Transmission leaks are common and can be a sign of something serious or just something minor. If the transmission is leaking, it is important to repair it. The sooner you notice a leak, the faster you can fix it. If you have a car that is leaking, you should take it to a Mesa, AZ auto repair shop. This will ensure the repairs are made properly and the car is ready to be driven. Here are some things to keep in mind.
What Are The Signs Of A Transmission Leak?
While you might think it would be easy to spot a leak, there are things that can make it difficult to identify. You may notice a leaky spot but not be able to tell where it’s coming form. Sometimes small leaks are difficult to spot, sometimes the problem is obvious, there are several signs of gear leakage. Some of them are:
- Strange smell
- Visible points under the car
- Warning light on the dashboard
- Low fluid level on the rod
- Strange noise
- Delay in shifting gears or moving the car
Is it Safe to Drive a Car with a Transmission Leak?
Leaks in the transmission can cause your vehicle to malfunction. This is not dangerous in itself, but it can damage your vehicle. If the vehicle leaks for a long time, the transmission can be locked or unlocked and the vehicle can no longer be used.
You can get stuck somewhere and have to pay for truck repairs and towing. It’s better to fix a leaky transmission right away rather than walking around with a leak hoping nothing worse will happen.
How Can A Transmission Leak Be Fixed?
How to fix the transmission leak depends on the source of the leak. The most common cause of fluid leakage is a cracked disk or pan. A mechanic can replace the two defective parts quickly and easily. Some people can even replace these parts themselves. If the cause of the leak is more severe. Something like a crack or break in the torque tube, this may require major repairs and an experienced mechanic.
How To Prevent Transmission Leaks
Leaks in the transmission can be tedious and costly. While this can happen to almost any vehicle, there are several ways to prevent it from happening. It is best to take proper care of your car. Check your fluids often and add more as needed. If you notice a change in the shipping method, check for any issues. Use good quality gear oil in your vehicle and make sure you are using the correct type of vehicle.
If you think you may have a transmission leak and you need to get it repaired, take it to a Mesa, AZ auto repair shop. You can call ER or help with all your repair needs.
by | Nov 22, 2021 | Transmission
You back out of the driveway and notice a reddish spot on the concrete where the car was parked. Or maybe the shifts have started feeling a little lazy, and the dipstick reads low. A leaking transmission is one of those problems that seems minor at first, because the car still drives fine, right up until it does not. The truth is that transmission leaks are among the most cost-sensitive problems on a vehicle: caught early, the fix is often simple; ignored, the same leak can lead to one of the most expensive repairs a car can need. Here is what actually happens when your transmission is leaking, and what to do about it.
What Transmission Fluid Does, and Why Losing It Hurts
Transmission fluid is not just lubricant. In an automatic transmission it is the working fluid of the whole system: it transmits hydraulic pressure to engage gears, lubricates fast-moving internal components, and carries heat away from clutches and gearsets. When the fluid level drops, all three jobs suffer at once. Pressure falls, so shifts get soft or delayed. Lubrication thins, so wear accelerates. And cooling weakens, so the transmission runs hotter, which matters enormously in Arizona, where summer heat already pushes transmission temperatures toward their limits. Heat is the number one killer of automatic transmissions, and a low fluid level in a Mesa or Gilbert summer amplifies it.
How to Recognize a Transmission Leak
Transmission fluid is typically red to reddish-brown, thinner than engine oil, and often has a slightly sweet smell when fresh. Signs to look for:
- Red or brown spots under the middle or front-middle of the vehicle after it sits.
- A low reading on the transmission dipstick, on vehicles that still have one.
- Shifting changes: hesitation, slipping, flaring RPMs between gears, or harsh engagement into drive or reverse.
- A burning smell, which can mean fluid dripping onto hot exhaust components or fluid overheating inside the transmission.
- Delayed engagement when shifting from park, especially after the car has been sitting.
Not every driveway spot is transmission fluid; engine oil runs browner and coolant is brightly colored. Placing a piece of cardboard under the car overnight is a simple way to see the color and location of a drip before you call the shop. Note how quickly spots appear as well; a drip that shows up overnight carries a different urgency than a stain that takes a week to form, and both are useful facts for your technician.
Where Leaks Come From
Most transmission leaks trace back to a handful of sources. Pan gaskets and drain plugs seep as gaskets age and harden, a process our desert heat accelerates. Axle seals and the output shaft seal wear over time. Transmission cooler lines, which carry fluid to and from the radiator, can corrode, chafe, or loosen at fittings. And on some vehicles the torque converter or front pump seal can leak, which is a more involved repair because of where it sits. The point is that “transmission leak” covers everything from a simple gasket to a job requiring transmission removal, and you cannot tell which you have without a proper look. A technician puts the vehicle on a lift, cleans the area, and traces the leak to its actual source rather than guessing from a drip that has spread along the underbody.
What Happens If You Keep Driving
This is the expensive part of the story. Driving with a leak means driving with a slowly dropping fluid level, and the failure curve is not linear. For a while the transmission compensates, and you may notice nothing. Then slipping begins, and slipping generates heat, which degrades the remaining fluid faster, which causes more slipping. Internal clutches wear rapidly once this cycle starts. What began as a seep that a gasket would have fixed becomes glazed clutches, burnt fluid, and internal damage, and at that point the conversation is about rebuilding or replacing the transmission rather than sealing a leak.
There is a safety angle too: a transmission that slips or engages unpredictably is a hazard in traffic, especially when merging or crossing intersections. If your car has reached the point of obvious slipping, treat it as urgent and call (480) 444-0242 before putting more miles on it.
Can You Prevent Transmission Leaks?
You cannot make rubber last forever, but you can slow the clock. Regular transmission service replaces fluid before it degrades and gives a technician scheduled opportunities to spot seepage while it is still a stain rather than a drip. Heat management helps too: if you tow or haul regularly in Arizona, ask whether your vehicle would benefit from additional transmission cooling, and avoid prolonged heavy throttle when the drivetrain is already heat-soaked. Finally, fix engine oil leaks and keep the underbody reasonably clean, because a clean transmission case makes any new leak visible immediately instead of hiding under years of grime.
The Smart Response to a Leak
If you spot the signs, act in this order. First, check the fluid level if your vehicle allows it, and top up with the exact fluid your manual specifies if it is low; transmissions are picky about fluid type. Second, do not treat topping off as a fix; it is a stopgap that buys you time to get the leak diagnosed. Third, schedule an inspection promptly, and mention what you have seen: spot color and location, any shifting changes, and any smells. From there, a proper diagnosis will tell you whether you need a gasket, a seal, a cooler line, or something more involved, and you can decide with real information. You can read more posts on this topic in our transmission archive, and it is worth glancing at our current coupons before your visit.
A transmission leak is your cheapest warning about your most expensive drivetrain component. Network Automotive Service Center has been family-owned since 1995, and we would much rather fix your gasket than rebuild your transmission. If you have spotted red fluid under your car or felt your shifts change, explore our services or call (480) 444-0242 to schedule a diagnosis. Catch it while it is still a small story.