Mar 31, 2025

Catching the early signs of transmission failure can save you from costly repairs and prevent more extensive damage to your vehicle. But what are the warning signs you should watch for, and how can you tell when it’s time to schedule a transmission repair at your local Honda dealer?

A person servicing a car's transmission near Orangeburg, South Carolina

You’ve Noticed Changes in the Way Your Vehicle Handles

The transmission, which serves as your vehicle’s gearbox, controls how much power is directed from the engine to the wheels. When the transmission is in distress, you’ll likely notice changes in how your vehicle is performing. Rough idling, poor acceleration, and delays in gear shifting are all signs that your transmission may be due for service.

Grinding or shaking that occurs when your vehicle is changing gears is also a sign that you may have transmission trouble.


Your Transmission Is Leaking

A transmission that is leaking fluid needs service as quickly as possible, but sometimes it can be hard to tell which part of the vehicle is leaking. The next time you park your vehicle in the driveway or garage, try placing a large piece of cardboard beneath it. If the leaking fluid is bright red, dark red, or brown, it’s likely transmission fluid.


Your Transmission Is Slipping

Transmission slipping occurs when your transmission slides out of gear even when you aren’t intentionally changing gears. It happens most often right after you’ve changed gears, and in many cases, the transmission slips into neutral. Transmission slipping tends to happen when you are either climbing or descending hills. If your gears are consistently slipping, that’s a sure sign that your transmission is due for service.


Your Transmission Emits an Odor

A sweet, burning smell could be a sign that your transmission is overheating. It may also indicate that your transmission fluid, which needs to be changed periodically, is old. We can flush your transmission and replace the old fluid with clean, new fluid. Strange new noises coming from beneath your hood, particularly those that are whining or humming in nature, should also be inspected.


Your Check-Engine Light Is On

A faulty transmission will trigger the check engine light or transmission warning light on your dashboard. Whenever these lights come on it’s a sign that something is off with your vehicle Schedule a service appointment when you see this light so that we can diagnose the problem and repair it.

The transmission is one of the most complicated pieces of equipment in your vehicle, so it’s important to take action if you notice signs that it may be failing. If you think your transmission needs repair, schedule a service appointment at Superior Honda.