While automatic transmissions are very much the norm today, there are still a variety of manual transmission cars around. These may be older cars still in service, maybe even classic or collector series of some sort, or it may be a specific type of performance car for which a manual transmission is truly preferred and better for. Either way, it is helpful to know some of the basic signs of problems with manual transmissions in Tempe.
One key sign that you may need help with your transmission is if your car refuses to go into gear. This can be caused by a low level of transmission fluid, incorrect viscosity of the fluid or a need for the shift cables to be adjusted. Another symptom to be on the lookout for is a burning smell. Burning transmission fluid has a smell unlike many others and happens when transmissions in Tempe overheat, often a result of low fluid levels.
If you hear odd noises when your car idles in neutral, this could be due to something minor like the need for additional transmission fluid or it could be more serious like the breakdown of some critical transmission components. These are most commonly reverse idler gear or bearings. Gear slippage is another problem that can be very unnerving. To have your car spontaneously come out of gear when you are driving can be a tricky thing to maneuver. If this happens, you should really do nothing other than get your car in for service as soon as possible to someone who works on transmissions in Tempe.
A dragging clutch is another problem that signals it is time to go the mechanic. You typically will be unable to get into gear, or at least fully because the clutch will not disengage and therefore will not allow the car to be shifted into a different gear. While this problem sounds severe, it is one of the simpler to fix as it is mostly the result of too much slack to the pedal and the need for a cable adjustment can do the trick. Leaking transmission fluid should be checked out by an expert that handles transmissions Tempe as checking the manual car’s transmission fluid levels is not as simple as for automatic vehicles. Finally, keep your feelers out for any odd grinding or shaking that could be due to transmission problems. It may only need a minor adjustment or could be a problem with the gear synchronizers.
Luckily all of the signs of manual transmission problems are obvious and you can take notice and action promptly. As with any car repair, the sooner you fix it, the better chance you have of not having other problems caused as well.
