When your transmission’s in need of servicing or repair, the signs can at first be quite subtle. The key is to notice that a problem is growing and respond promptly to prevent any serious performance or safety issues. With this in mind, here are eight early symptoms suggesting your car needs transmission service at your local Ford dealership.
8 Signs Your Ford Needs a Transmission Service
Reluctant Engagement
If your gears stop changing quickly and smoothly, there’s probably a fault inside the transmission. A problem with the fluid, solenoid, bands, or gears might create a slight delay as the new gears struggle to engage. And when engagement finally arrives, you might feel the car jolt.
Whining or Grinding
A malfunctioning torque converter or problems inside a planetary gear system could generate whining, whirring, or grinding sounds. Any odd noises from below shouldn’t be ignored.
Burning Smells
Transmission fluid keeps the hundreds of interacting internal parts lubricated while also maintaining hydraulic pressure. When transmission fluid grows too old, it can start to thicken, diminish, and even overheat. If this occurs, you may smell something burning.
Engine Revving
When a transmission falters, power is momentarily prevented from reaching the wheels properly. In response to this, the engine may suddenly rev, ramping up RPMs. Engine revving while shifting is a sure sign of trouble.
Slipping Gears
One of the most extreme indications of gearbox issues is gears suddenly slipping and changing on their own. This is hazardous and should prompt you to pull over at once and call a technician.
Sudden Vibrations
Many different kinds of gearbox faults create vibrations when you shift gears. Your Ford should shift smoothly and easily, so take vibrations as a clear warning sign.
Low Gas Mileage
For optimal fuel efficiency, the car’s entire powertrain must be operating well. If your gearbox isn’t transmitting power as easily as normal, you may find your gas mileage plummeting.
Leaking Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid is usually red, fading to brown as it ages. If a fluid matching this description is puddling under your car, you probably have a leaky gearbox. If you drive with leaking transmission fluid, you’ll cause considerable damage to the system, so have the leak fixed without delay.
Arrange Routine Gearbox Maintenance at Your Ford Dealership
It’s best to have an experienced technician inspect and service your transmission once a year. You or a trusted technician should also check the fluid more frequently. If you drive an automatic, you’ll typically need to flush the fluid every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.
Visit Fernelius Ford, Inc. in Cheboygan, MI, today for quick, hassle-free automotive maintenance or repairs.
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