1 Whining and Clunking
This may seem fairly obvious, but those are often the symptoms we ignore the most. When your car starts making noises it shouldn’t be making, it’s time to get it checked out. When this happens, don’t wait to bring it in. Fix it as soon as possible before any further damage occurs.
2 Lack of Response
Your transmission was designed so that you can switch gears instantaneously. So when there is a delayed response and it doesn’t immediately do what you want it to, you guessed it. It’s time for a checkup.
3 Burning Smell
The smell of something burning is never a good sign when it’s coming from your car. The cause could be any number of things, but it’s most commonly the overheating of the transmission fluid. Don’t panic when this happens, just get it checked out as soon as possible.
4 Leaking Fluid
Fluid, where it shouldn’t be, is one of the easiest symptoms to spot. The best way to find where the leak is coming from is to lay down a few pieces of cardboard when the car is parked. Then slide out the pieces to see just where your car is leaking. Be sure to share this information with the mechanic or service professional when you take it in to be resolved.
5 Grinding Gears
This symptom manifests itself differently for manual and automatic transmissions. For manual transmissions, when you change gears and you hear or feel a sense of grinding; it may mean that you have just worn out the clutch and you need to replace it. But it can also mean that one of the transmission’s synchronizers is worn out and damaged. For automatic transmissions, a rough shift rather than an unnoticeable one could be caused by a few things. Take it into a professional to diagnose, like O’Neill Auto & Transmission Service.
6 Noisy in Neutral
A bumping sound doesn’t necessarily evoke signs of caution or trouble unless it happens when your car is in neutral. Don’t worry though; this problem can sometimes be easily fixed by replacing the transmission fluid. If however, you continue to hear noises coming from your transmission while it’s in neutral, take it in to see what’s up.
7 Dashboard Lights “SERVICE ENGINE SOON” Aren’t those the last words you want to see when you get into your car?
This sign on your dashboard could mean all sorts of things and should definitely not be ignored. There are sensors placed throughout your car’s engine that can pick up the slightest of problems. Don’t procrastinate when you see this; get your car inspected as soon as you can. A trusted and professional diagnostic shop will be able to educate you on your auto’s needs, and your options for repair.
Transmission repairs can be stressful, especially when you’re unsure what the final price will be. Because costs vary across Michigan, drivers in West Michigan often struggle to tell whether they’re getting a fair estimate—or being overcharged. This guide breaks down realistic pricing ranges, explains what affects your cost, and helps you make informed decisions before authorizing any repair.
Whether you’re a speed enthusiast, a weekend racer, or simply want to boost your daily driving experience, performance modifications can transform your car’s feel, sound, and responsiveness. At Oniell’s Transmission in Grand Rapids, we see firsthand how the right upgrades not only improve your car’s efficiency but extend the life of key systems—including your transmission and engine.
Let’s take a look at the best mods to unleash your car’s potential.
