If You Want to Become a Mechanic, Know These Signs of Transmission Issues

There is a high demand for professional mechanics in dealerships, large garages, as well as in small mechanic-owned businesses. People regularly visit mechanics looking for help fixing and maintaining their vehicles. Becoming a mechanic requires all kinds of knowledge about how different kinds of engines and transmissions work, but sometimes it’s even more important to know why they sometimes don’t work.
As an automotive service technician, it will be up to you to figure out what is happening under the hood of your customers’ vehicles. Fixing a transmission problem before it’s too late will depend on your ability to spot the signs of trouble with this major vehicle component.
Here are a few common signs of transmission problems.

What’s That Sound?

If you have gone through any automotive technician training you probably know that one of the most common ways a car owner will become aware of a problem is through some weird sounds the car starts to make. Of course, some drivers are more bothered by these sounds than others and they may delay a visit to the auto shop. When they do bring their vehicle in, it’s important to know how to interpret the noises.

When a transmission is running properly it should be very quiet. If the near-silent whir becomes a sound like whining or buzzing it may mean the vehicle is experiencing automatic transmission slipping. Other sounds like clunking could indicate a failing pump or clogged filter. It is also important to ask if the car makes sounds while it is in neutral as this may indicate the need for new transmission fluid. Whatever the sound may be they all definitely call for a closer look.

Puddles on the Driveway

Before you have taken the steps to become a mechanic you may have already personally experienced a transmission fluid stains on your garage floor, driveway or parking spot. This is an obvious sign of a fluid leak. If the fluid is bright or dark red, it is transmission fluid.
After you notice the leak, you will have to figure out where it is coming from. Usually a big piece of cardboard will help you find the source. If the car-owner hasn’t already done so, when the car is parked slide the cardboard under the leak to determine what area you need to service to fix the leak.

After Automotive College You’ll be Familiar with the Check Engine Light

Of course, you know that the “check engine” light is a general warning that something is wrong. While this alone doesn’t point to transmission issues, it is a prompt for you to ask customers questions. Their answers could reveal a problem with the transmission.

For example, ask if the car feels like it won’t change gears normally or smoothly. Another symptom is delayed engagement, which is when there is a delay before the car engages after shifting into drive. A driver may also notice grinding or shaking, which might mean the gears are grinding. And ask if they have experienced a burning smell while driving. A transmission overheating is a huge problem and one that you will know how to fix by checking the fluid levels and quality along with other parts for damage.
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