Troubleshooting any issues with your Chevy S10's transmission should be done immediately when the problem develops. A lot of the time, many transmission problems, including noise and shifting issues, can be solved by simply swapping out the worn transmission fluid for a high-quality, synthetic replacement.
If your Chevy S10 is equipped with a manual transmission, a common malfunction is clutch wear. This happens when the clutch plate wears down over time, not allowing a proper connection between the engine and transmission. Signs of a slipping clutch are inconsistent clutch pedal feel, clutch slippage upon acceleration or a burnt plastic smell from worn clutch components after normal driving.
The Chevy S10 transmission features gear synchronizers, which match the speeds of different gears between shifts, allowing for a smooth operation of the transmission. Worn synchronizers may lead to harsh shifts or gear grinding. Excessive transmission whine under acceleration is another sign of worn synchronizers.
The Chevy S10 features a hydraulic transmission. Hydraulic transmissions incorporate a hydraulic fluid system to operate the clutch assembly. Malfunctioning clutch hydraulic cylinders will not hold adequate pressure, and may leak clutch fluid. This can lead to a soft and inconsistent clutch pedal feel, as well as improper clutch disengagement when pushing in the clutch pedal.
