Rough Grinding Sounds
When all’s well in your transmission, shifting gears should be quiet and smooth. Any grinding sounds at all might indicate low fluid or possibly a worse problem with the shafts, bearings, reverse idler, planetary gear system, or something else altogether. The faster you have the issue diagnosed, the better for your car.
Delaying, Sticking, or Slipping Gears
If you shift gears and notice a delay of a second or two before the new gears fully lock in, then you have some sort of gearbox problem. Have a technician take a look at the first sign of delayed shifting; hopefully, it’s just a damaged clutch linkage or shift cable. Needless to say, any more severe shifting issues like sticking or slipping gears should also be repaired without delay.
Revving Engine While Shifting
When a problematic gearbox fails to shift gears smoothly, sometimes the engine ramps up RPMs as it struggles to transmit full power to the wheels. So any unexpected revving while shifting is a sign of trouble.
Aging Transmission Fluid
Many minor transmission problems are due to low, burnt, aging transmission fluid that hasn’t been changed as frequently as it should. You can check the level of your fluid by using the dipstick under the hood while the engine’s warm.
When new, transmission fluid is light red in color. It gradually darkens in hue as it ages. If your fluid looks too dirty, it might be time to flush and refresh it. Transmission fluid should usually be flushed every 60,000 miles for automatic shifts and every 30,000 miles for manual transmissions.
Leaking Transmission Fluid
If the pan gasket or an axle seal cracks or loosens, transmission fluid can leak out. This is potentially disastrous as sufficient fluid is required to keep the gears lubricated, pressurized, cool, and clean.
When transmission fluid leaks, the gearbox will rapidly overheat and break down, leading to the most expensive repair jobs. If you notice any of the above warning signs, always check under your car for signs of a leaking reddish liquid.
Have Your Gearbox Serviced at Your Honda Dealership
Any driver can keep their transmission far healthier with regular servicing. Once every 30,000 miles or two years is generally considered a good interval for having a transmission serviced. More severe driving conditions necessitate more frequent servicing visits.
Have your transmission serviced and repaired today at Tony Honda Hilo. We’re a family-owned business that’s been a part of the local Hawaiian community of drivers for decades.
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