You probably already know this, but in case you don’t, CEL stands for check engine light. Mike’s Automotive can determine why the check engine light came on. One problem that will turn on the CEL is a malfunctioning automatic transmission. The reason why the engine control unit uses the check engine light for transmission problems is that there is no transmission light on your dashboard. Bring your car, truck, or utility vehicle to our shop right away if it is doing any of the following things.
Problems Shifting Gears
A faulty automatic transmission will have problems shifting gears. Before it refuses to shift the gears at all, it may hesitate for extended periods before it shifts to the next gear in the cycle. You will notice this because your RPMs will get unusually high.
Slipping Out of Gears
Another thing that can cause the RPMs to get unusually high is slipping out of gear. If your transmission is malfunctioning, it may go into neutral by itself while you are driving. When this happens, the RPMs spike and you lose engine power.
Problems Going Into Gear
As if the above problems were not enough, a malfunctioning transmission can refuse to go into gear and leave you stranded. If your transmission is in bad condition, it may become unresponsive altogether. A tow to our shop will be in order.
Overheating/Leaking Fluid
Your transmission may also start to overheat if it is leaking transmission oil. Transmission oil can leak out of the pan or pan gasket. It can also leak out of the torque converter and the transmission hoses. An overheated transmission will get damaged further.
Making Strange Noises
Your vehicle’s automatic transmission may also start to make strange noises as it malfunctions. You may hear the gears grind when they are changed or they may squeal. You may also hear the transmission hum when your automobile is in neutral.
Making Your Car Vibrate
Finally, a clunking noise accompanied by vibration points to an immediate need to have the transmission serviced. The gear shifts will get rough if the transmission fluid is low or too old. They will also be rough if there is a problem with the gears.
Call Mike’s Automotive in Juliet, TN, today to set up a service appointment for a transmission inspection. We will give you a detailed estimate of what it will take to repair your transmission and then conduct the repairs upon your approval.