10 Signs Your Transmission Fluid Is Low

Call us today or schedule your next appointment online.

At Phillips Toyota, it’s our mission to keep your car running efficiently and smoothly. So, to help our friends in Leesburg, and around The Villages, Apopka, Mt Dora, and Clermont, better understand their motor and its components, we put together this list of the 10 signs your transmission fluid is low.

Read carefully through to learn more about these warning signs and symptoms and if you have any questions or need to set up an appointment, reach out to a helpful member of our automotive service team.

1. Low Fluid Level

Your transmission fluid is vital for maintaining the health of your engine. It provides lubrication that allows all the essential parts to perform efficiently as well as cools things down to prevent overheating. Therefore, you should check your fluid with the designated dipstick in your engine once a month, or more if you have a long commute or have just taken a road trip. If your levels are lower than the indicated line, you need to replenish your fluid.

For further information on how to check your trans fluid, consult your owner’s manual.

2. Transmission Slipping

If your gears are slipping, it’s a clear sign your car’s running low on transmission fluid. When experiencing sudden up and down shifts, high RPMs right before shifting, or erratic shifting, seek assistance from your local service center to prevent your transmission from overheating or becoming damaged.

3. Unusual Noises

Since transmission fluid acts as a lubricant, it keeps vital components from banging together and causing damage or compromising the performance of your vehicle. So, if you hear clanking, clicking, or grinding coming from your transmission, key parts may be rubbing together and you need to replenish your fluid to prevent any issues from occurring.

4. Unpleasant Odor

Transmission fluid has a very distinctive sweet scent. If you notice your fluid has an unusual odor during a check or if there’s a burning smell coming from your engine, your trans fluid is low and may be working overtime to compensate. Seek your nearest service center for the necessary repairs to prevent overheating.

5. Puddles in Your Garage or Driveway

Always check underneath your vehicle or the area where you store it for anything out of the ordinary. If you notice a puddle that’s translucent and bright red in color, your transmission is leaking and you should visit an auto repair center right away.

6. Overheated Transmission

One major sign of low transmission fluid is overheating. If there’s not enough fluid to cool everything down, you may notice a burning smell or see smoke coming from your car. If left alone this can lead to a loss of power or other permanent damage, so seek assistance from a service center right away.

7. Delayed Gear Shifts

Your transmission is responsible for changing your gears either automatically or when you give the signal. So, if there’s a noticeable pause—about two to three seconds—when you shift from Drive to Reverse, there probably isn’t enough hydraulic pressure to initiate the gear change and it’s time to replenish your transmission fluid levels.

8. Irregular Shifts

Additionally, if your shifts become sped up, slam, or surge, there may not be enough transmission fluid and you should have your vehicle inspected right away.

9. Inability to Shift

When there’s a total lack of fluid, you won’t be able to change gears at all. Therefore, make sure to pay attention to anything out of the ordinary, so you can make the necessary repairs before a major issue arises.

10. Transmission Failure

If you have replenished your fluid and are still experiencing these symptoms, you may need transmission repair or replacement. Reach out to a member of our service team today to schedule a consultation, so we can help you to quickly get back to the streets in Leesburg, and around The Villages, Apopka, Mt Dora, and Clermont.

Get Transmission Repair at Our Service Center

Typically, your transmission fluid should be replaced every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, possibly less if you’re towing heavy objects or taking frequent off-road excursions. Always pay attention to your vehicle and take note of anything irregular.

If you have any questions or think you may need a repair or routine maintenance, like a transmission fluid change, reach out to the service center at Phillips Toyota. Our technicians can diagnose any issue within your car and recommend the best course of action to take.

Call us today or schedule your next appointment online.