Why is My Check Engine Light On?
The check engine light can come on if you have engine problems, low motor oil, exhaust system issues, a bad oxygen sensor and many other automotive concerns. It can also illuminate when you have a transmission problem. Many customers who visit Ralph’s Transmission looking for a transmission inspection and diagnostic testing report that their check engine light is on. However, they can tell from driving—or from inspections at other auto shops—that it’s actually a transmission issue.
Signs of Transmission Problems
There are many different signs of transmission problems. You could notice a transmission fluid leak under the vehicle. Acceleration may feel unusually sluggish. You could hear strange sounds (clunks, vibrations, gears grinding, etc.).You might have trouble shifting into certain gears. Or, the vehicle tends to slip out of gear when driving. All of these are clear signs that there is probably a transmission issue that you should get checked out. The sooner you can catch and fix the problem, the less likely you are to have major internal transmission damage that will be more costly to repair.
Transmission Warning Lights
Most vehicles also have transmission-specific warning lights and computer messages. There will be a transmission temperature gauge. If it is running hot, you will want to get your transmission system inspected as soon as possible. An overheating transmission is a very bad sign that something significant is wrong. And, of course, a transmission problem can also trip the check engine light. This warning signal is essentially a “catch all” that will illuminate for both minor and major automotive issues.
What to Do if the Check Engine Light is On
If your check engine light comes on and you aren’t noticing any transmission problems like noted above, you’ll probably want to take your vehicle to a general auto repair shop for diagnostic testing. If they find a transmission concern, you may want to visit a transmission specialist. If that check engine light is flashing or bright red in color, that generally means there is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. In this case, you should avoid driving your vehicle and call for roadside assistance.
If your check engine light comes on in conjunction with signs of transmission problems (weak acceleration, fluid leaks, shifting issues, etc.) then you may want to visit Ralph’s Transmission first. We can run free diagnostics and perform an external inspection of the transmission. If it appears there is a major transmission problem, we can dig deeper with a thorough internal inspection to get to the source of the damage.
Your vehicle will generally let you know when something is wrong. It’s best not to ignore your check engine light or other warning messages. Catch minor problems before they evolve into major issues.
For all your Central Valley transmission inspection, maintenance and repair needs, call Ralph’s Transmission today at 209.526.1909 or schedule your service appointment online.
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Driving your car through a low transmission fluid level is dangerous to you and the vehicle. Failure to top up the fluid is a hazard that might cause extreme damage to the transmission, the engine, and essential components that keep the car running.
What is Transmission Fluid
Most people have no idea what transmission fluid is and how it functions. The transmission fluid is the fluid that lubricates the transmission, the gears, the bearings, and metal parts of a manual or automatic gearbox. It keeps the parts from grinding down during movement, ensuring they don't eat away and tear.
In an automatic transmission, the transmission fluid causes lubrication to the moving parts and provides hydraulic pressure making internal parts function better. It allows a vehicle to shift gears with ease and without wearing out important parts. Whether your vehicle's transmission is automatic or manual, you use different transmission fluid types according to the vehicle's manual.
The transmission fluid serves other functions that include;
Cleaning metal surfaces
Condition gaskets
Reducing high operating temperatures
Enhances the rotational speed
Low-level transmission fluid
Sometimes, a malfunctioned transmission might trigger leaks of the transmission fluid. It causes the levels of the fluid to go low, which affects the functionality of the vehicle. Driving through low transmission fluid levels might result in permanent and costly vehicle damages and expensive repairs.
How do I know when the levels are low?
Warning light
When the level of transmission fluid goes down, you will get a warning light on the dashboard. The warning light indicates hotter temperatures than normal of the fluid, and there is a need to get the fluid checked.
Other Warning Signs
Apart from the check engine light, other signs could indicate low levels of the transmission fluid. They include
Color changes from its usual clear red color to another color such as brown.
Puddles under the car that might be a red liquid
A burning smell in the vehicle
If you detect any of these signs, you can use a dipstick to check the fluid level. Do this on a regular basis. If you need any transmission troubles diagnosis or repairs, we invite you to bring your car to our auto repair shop today for an inspection.