The lifespan of a transmission can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the make and model of the vehicle, driving habits, maintenance routines, and whether it’s manual or automatic.
On average, a transmission should last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles, or approximately 7 to 10 years for most drivers. However, with excellent care and regular maintenance, some transmissions can last over 300,000 miles.
It’s important to remember that these are just averages, and a transmission can fail sooner or last longer based on the factors mentioned above. Regular check-ups and proper care can significantly extend the life of a vehicle’s transmission.
The question is, how do you know when your transmission is failing? And what are your options? Here are some of the top signs your vehicle needs a transmission rebuild.
1. Check Engine Light
Your check engine light—you know the one that brightens up your dashboard? It’s far more important than just alerting you to engine complications. It serves as a comprehensive warning system for a range of potential issues in your vehicle. Your engine acts as the heart, maintaining a close relationship with all other components, including your transmission.
When the check engine light comes on, it’s the vehicle’s onboard computer system telling you there’s an issue, which could be as minor as a loose gas cap or as major as a failing transmission.
If the light relates to your transmission, it could be due to several factors, including:
- Low transmission fluid levels
- A problem with the solenoid
- A sensor malfunction
Any of these problems could lead to more severe transmission damage, and potentially a full transmission rebuild, if not addressed promptly.
2. Strange Noises
As the primary driver of your vehicle, you are the most familiar with its sounds and behaviours. If you begin to notice unusual noises coming from your vehicle’s undercarriage or hear odd sounds during gear shifts, you could be facing transmission trouble.
These strange sounds might include a high-pitched whining or buzzing, clunking, or humming. These noises are your vehicle’s way of telling you something’s wrong. It could be as simple as needing new transmission fluid, or it could be a sign of a more serious problem. Regardless of the cause, have your vehicle inspected by your Edmonton transmission rebuild specialist as soon as you notice these signs.
3. Stuck in Gear
Experiencing difficulty or an outright inability to shift gears in your vehicle? This is a telltale sign of transmission issues. That said, the problem might not always lie with the transmission itself, particularly if you’re driving a manual vehicle.
In the case of manual transmissions, the issue could be a worn-out clutch. The clutch is a crucial component that disengages the transmission from the engine, allowing you to switch gears. Over time, the clutch plate can wear down, making gear changes difficult or even impossible. If you’re finding it hard to shift gears, and you notice other signs like a burning smell or a clutch pedal that feels loose or spongy, you likely require a clutch replacement rather than a full transmission rebuild.
On the other hand, if you’re driving an automatic transmission and experience issues with gear changes, the problem is most likely within the transmission itself. This could be caused by:
- Failing shift solenoid
- Worn-out transmission band
- Problems with the transmission fluid
If your automatic transmission gets stuck in gear and refuses to shift, take your vehicle to our repair shop as soon as possible.
4. Leaking Transmission Fluid
Noticing a reddish fluid on the ground beneath your vehicle can be a cause for concern. This is often a clear indication of a transmission fluid leak, which should not be ignored. Transmission fluid is usually slick in texture and has a slightly sweet smell. It’s distinct from other vehicle fluids, such as motor oil, which is typically amber or dark brown and has a more oily smell.
A transmission operating without adequate fluid is dangerous. The fluid ensures that the transmission’s moving parts don’t overheat and remain well-lubricated to prevent wear and tear. If these parts are not properly lubricated, they can wear out rapidly, leading to significant damage and a potentially costly transmission rebuild.
5. A Delay in Shifting Gears
In an automatic transmission, gears shift smoothly as you accelerate, thanks to hydraulic pressure and electronic controls. When you press the accelerator, the transmission should shift into a higher gear, allowing you to gain speed.
If there’s a delay, it may point to a problem. Sometimes this comes with jerks, jolts, or clunking noises as the gear finally engages. These issues often mean the transmission isn’t shifting properly, which could be caused by low or dirty fluid, a bad shift solenoid, or more serious internal damage.
6. Burning Transmission Odour
You should never smell a burning odour when driving. A smell resembling burning plastic or toast may indicate a transmission fluid leak or overheating. This is a serious warning sign that your transmission is under severe stress and could fail if not addressed immediately.
The burning odour often comes from the fluid itself, and is a result of the fluid overheating. This can be caused by:
- Low fluid levels
- Warn clutch components
- Towing heavy loads
- Bad cooling system
7. Grinding Sound
If you hear a distinct grinding sound when shifting gears, that’s a pretty good sign your vehicle needs a transmission rebuild. This sound is essentially metal grinding on metal, which typically means crucial internal components are wearing out.
While the grinding sound may be the result of a simpler problem, such as clutch issues or low transmission fluid, it’s best not to ignore it. Contact your transmission specialist to diagnose the problem as soon as possible.
8. Popping Out of Gear
When your vehicle unexpectedly pops out of gear, it’s a clear warning sign that your transmission is in danger. This popping is known as transmission slippage or gear disengagement, and is a serious safety risk, potentially causing you to lose control of your vehicle.
Your vehicle is designed to hold a gear until you, or the vehicle’s computer system, decides to shift. This slipping indicates that something is failing internally and may require a full transmission rebuild.
Your Edmonton Transmission Rebuild Specialists
Since 1978, Dot Transmissions has been Edmonton’s transmission rebuild and service specialist. We take pride in offering honest recommendations, clear pricing, and reliable service—providing you with peace of mind every step of the way.
When it comes to transmission rebuilds in Edmonton, our certified technicians have the expertise to get you back on the road with confidence. For expert care you can trust, contact Dot Transmissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a transmission rebuild cost?
The cost to rebuild a transmission can vary significantly depending on the vehicle’s make and model, as well as the extent of the damage. Contact us for more information and a no-obligation quote.
Is it better to rebuild a transmission or get a new one?
Whether you choose to rebuild or replace your transmission depends on several factors, including the specific issues with the current transmission, the cost, and the age and overall condition of the vehicle.
A full transmission rebuild is typically more cost-effective, while a complete transmission replacement may mean a longer lifespan. However, a new transmission is typically more expensive and may not be necessary if the issues in your current transmission are relatively minor or localized.
How long will a transmission rebuild last?
A full transmission rebuild can last for a long time, often as long as a new one. The lifespan of a rebuilt transmission can vary based on several factors, including the quality of the rebuild, driving conditions, and how well the transmission is maintained after the rebuild.
If a transmission is properly rebuilt by a skilled mechanic, it can often last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles or even more. The key to a long-lasting rebuilt transmission is addressing all the existing problems during the rebuild, using high-quality parts, and ensuring everything is assembled correctly.
Can you trust a transmission rebuild?
Absolutely, you can trust a transmission rebuild, provided it’s done by a reputable, skilled mechanic or transmission specialist. A properly rebuilt transmission can perform just as well as a new one and can significantly extend the lifespan of your vehicle.
