How to Tell When Your Ford Needs a Transmission Repair

A malfunctioning transmission system can pose a serious risk to your safety, as it limits your control over the vehicle. Luckily, transmissions rarely fail without prior warning, and the quicker you act, the cheaper and easier it will be to get it fixed at your Ford dealer. Watch out for these early symptoms that suggest your Ford may need transmission repair.

Signs You Should Visit Your Ford Dealer for Transmission Repair

Transmission Fluid Leaking

Your Ford’s transmission system requires lubrication and cooling in order to operate smoothly. In fact, the majority of common transmission problems, in both automatics and manuals, are related to old or deficient fluid.

You can recognize transmission fluid by its red or brownish color. Topping it up will help temporarily, but to solve the problem, a Ford service expert will need to locate and fix the leak. 

Gears Slipping

A problem known as gear slipping or transmission slipping occurs when your car suddenly “slips” out of one gear and into another with no action from you. Most commonly, the car will drop into a lower gear without warning, causing the engine to rev and whine and the car to jerk. On automatic transmissions, it’s also typical for a car to drop out of gear completely and into neutral.

This is dangerous for obvious reasons and should never be ignored, especially since it can happen while you’re driving at high speeds or in traffic. 

Engine Stalling

It’s not unusual for older cars to stall occasionally, especially in cold weather or after a long period of being stationary. But if your Ford stalls repeatedly, it may be due to transmission problems, such as a clutch that fails to disengage. 

Grinding Noises and Vibrations

It may take a keen ear and close familiarity with your Ford to notice a slightly unusual sound coming from the engine or suspension, but transmission noises are impossible not to hear. Grinding sounds from the gearbox usually suggest the transmission fluid levels are low, or that the fluid is contaminated. Ignoring the issue will only make it much worse, as friction will quickly wear out and damage the transmission’s internal components. 

Delayed Reaction in Automatic Transmissions

Does your Ford take longer than usual to start moving after you put it in drive? Known as transmission delay or hesitation, this problem could stem from several potential causes, from insufficient pressure to a worn-out clutch system or, again, issues with transmission fluid levels or condition.

Check Engine Light Is On

It’s not just your Ford’s engine that can trigger the check engine warning: a malfunctioning transmission system can do it too. The only way to find out why the check engine light is on is to visit your dealer and have the experts there diagnose the problem. 

Notice anything off with your Ford’s transmission? Looking to check the condition of your transmission fluid just in case? Call Fritts Ford today to book your appointment and get your car back in top condition!

Tags: Ford Service, mechanic near me, transmission repair
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