6 Signs Your Ford Needs a Transmission Repair

Leaking Transmission Fluid

The intricate mechanical components inside your gearbox are kept in fully functioning form in large part by the transmission fluid. The fluid lubricates, reduces heat, combats corrosion, and cleans out metal debris. On the rare occasion when a Ford car’s transmission develops a problem, some sort of fluid issue is usually to blame.

If your transmission ever springs a leak, the transmission can rapidly break down. So it’s important to notice and repair leaks quickly. Watch out for any red or brown sweet-smelling fluid pooling under your car. If you ever suspect leaking transmission fluid, don’t drive any farther than to reach your nearest technician.

Aging Transmission Fluid

When transmission fluid gets too old, it breaks down, thickens, and burns, losing its function. As a result, your transmission will begin to overheat, potentially leading to a cascade of costly problems.

Aging transmission fluid starts to burn in the growing heat of the gearbox. In this case, you’re likely to detect a burning smell. You’ll also quickly experience the other warning signs listed below.

Sounds of Grinding Gears

A struggling gearbox will begin to emit awkward grinding sounds while shifting. This is very noticeable as a Ford car’s transmission is usually smooth and silent.

Delayed Gear Shifting

When gears wear down or valves stick to valve shafts, you might notice a strange delay of several seconds after shifting before the new gear properly engages. In more severe cases, the gears might refuse to change altogether.

Unexpected Gear Slippage

The most worrisome sign of gearbox issues is when gears begin to slip all on their own. This might be caused by a faulty torque converter or rounded-out gears losing their grip. Needless to say, you’ll need to have slipping gears repaired right away.

Engine Revving While Shifting

When gears fail to shift properly, the engine sometimes responds by boosting RPMs. This sudden revving while shifting gears is another surefire indication that your gearbox needs professional attention.

Change Transmission Fluid at Your Local Ford Dealer 

You can prevent most gearbox problems by flushing fluid frequently. Transmission fluid should usually be flushed every 60,000 miles or so.

Consider doing this more often if you drive under more challenging road conditions than the average driver. Manual transmissions also need more frequent flushing: every 30,000 miles or so.

Visit Coughlin Ford of Heath today to have your transmission fluid flushed, or your gearbox inspected and repaired. We’re a trusted local dealership providing personalized customer service and top-of-the-range used and new Ford vehicles.

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