5 Signs of a Bad Transmission

Your vehicle’s transmission plays a vital role in delivering power from the engine to the wheels, allowing your car to move efficiently at various speeds. Whether you're driving a manual or an automatic, your transmission must operate smoothly to ensure safe and reliable driving.

Manual transmissions rely on the driver to shift gears, while automatic transmissions use a torque converter to shift gears as speed changes. With so many moving components, transmissions are complex systems prone to wear and damage especially if regular maintenance is skipped.

Here are five warning signs that may indicate your transmission is beginning to fail:

1. Sluggish or Delayed Acceleration

If your vehicle is taking longer than usual to respond when you hit the gas, the transmission may be slipping gears or running low on fluid. While other issues (like fuel delivery or ignition problems) can also affect acceleration, a diagnostic inspection will pinpoint the exact cause.

Concerned about performance? Schedule a transmission check-up with our team in Burien.

2. Check Engine Light Is On

That glowing check engine light doesn’t just mean engine issues it can also signal transmission problems. When the onboard computer detects trouble in the drivetrain or shifting system, it will alert you.

Visit us for a full diagnostic scan to determine if your transmission is the culprit or if something else needs attention.

3. Difficulty Shifting Gears

Whether it’s a manual transmission that won’t shift easily, or an automatic that jerks or hesitates between gears, this is a red flag. Gear shifting should always feel smooth and controlled.

Any grinding, hard shifting, or delayed gear engagement could mean low transmission fluid, worn synchros, or internal failure. Catch it early to avoid a major transmission repair.

4. Spongy or Soft Clutch Pedal (Manual Transmission Only)

If you drive a manual and notice the clutch pedal feels soft, spongy, or slow to return, this points to problems within the clutch engagement system one of the key components of your transmission.

This issue may be due to air in the hydraulic line, a worn clutch disk, or even internal damage. Let our experts inspect your clutch system before it leaves you stranded.

5. Unusual Noises from the Center Console Area

Grinding, whining, or clunking noises coming from the center of your vehicle especially when shifting often indicate worn gears, bearings, or internal transmission components.

Strange sounds shouldn't be ignored. Bring your vehicle in for a transmission inspection before minor damage turns into a major repair bill.

Need Transmission Repair in Burien, WA? We’ve Got You Covered.

At ABC Auto Repair, our ASE-certified technicians handle everything from fluid flushes and clutch replacements to full transmission rebuilds. If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, don’t wait get your transmission inspected before it becomes a bigger issue.