Your automatic transmission makes driving much easier as its computer will automatically select the correct gear for your chosen speed and change it quickly and efficiently. As time passes, components will age or wear out and need repair. We like to make sure that our customers are educated to see the signs of necessary repairs, so with that in mind, here are three signs you need a transmission service at your local Mazda dealership.
Damaged Shifting Cable
The shifting cable connects the shift lever to the transmission. When you or the transmission computer shift gears, the shifting cable pulls the shift selector into the chosen gear and locks it in place until you or the transmission shift again. The cable movement activates the shift valves and transmission solenoids that control the flow of transmission fluid, and this fluid provides the hydraulic power that moves the gears.
The shifting cable can become worn or damaged through use and is usually replaced every one to three years. A damaged cable will cause transmission problems, as gear sifting will sound noisy, shifting will become slower or, if the cable is severely damaged, your transmission won’t shift. Our technicians will examine and replace the cable if needed to fix this issue.
Burning Transmission Fluid
Burning transmission fluid produces a foul smell almost identical to burning rubber. If you smell this stench, it means your transmission is in trouble. We advise pulling over ASAP and containing our service department. Transmission fluid is vital for your transmission, as it provides the hydraulic power that shifts the gears and protects transmission components from friction damage by covering them in a friction-resistant coating.
This fluid is heat resistant and perfect for operating inside the hot transmission. Unfortunately, as the fluid ages, it loses its heat resistance. Since the transmission operates 80 to 100 F higher than the ambient temperature, the fluid will rapidly overheat and burn. Burning transmission fluid will cause damage until we perform a transmission flush to remove it. Once the burnt fluid has been removed, we’ll refill the fluid.
Humming, Buzzing, or Whining
A healthy transmission doesn’t make any noise as it shifts gears. This means any sound from the transmission means something is wrong. This particular issue is often very difficult to identify when it starts, as it produces an almost inaudible humming or buzzing sound. As time passes, the noise will grow louder and can morph into a high-pitched whining noise. The most common cause is a lack of transmission fluid. As we’ve seen, transmission fluid protects transmission components from damage and allows the gears to move. A transmission leak can seriously damage the transmission, as gears and other components will grind against each other. We’ll examine your transmission and fix the issue.
Have you noticed any of these signs above? If so, it’s vital that you contact us today at Auffenberg Mazda of O’Fallon in Shiloh, IL, to schedule a transmission service immediately.
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