As a driver on the road, it is important for you to know the ins and outs of your vehicle. That is, you should be able to identify when your car may have a mechanical problem that could pose a potential safety hazard to you and your passengers. Responsible drivers take the time to maintain their vehicles, specifically when it comes to automatic transmissions. Keeping the transmission in proper working order is critical for controlling your vehicle.
When your transmission is slipping, your vehicle may go in and out of different gears, because it means that the gear grips are worn and are unable to lock the transmission into place in one gear. One thing to look for when you think your transmission is slipping is whether you have trouble accelerating when you press on the gas, or whether your vehicle stands still after your foot is on the gas pedal. If either of these things occur, it is symptomatic of a slipping transmission. Another symptom associated with a slipping transmission is the presence of a whining noise.
A whining noise is caused by worn-down grip gears in a transmission. When the gears are so worn down that they start to rub against one another, they produce a high-pitch sound. The whining noise can come and go, or stay constant for the entire time that the engine is turned on. It's also possible for the whining noise to be symptomatic of low automatic transmission fluid. If the fluid empties out and becomes too low in the vehicle, a whining noise is produced.
People who know a lot about cars and their mechanical makeups may be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of slipping transmissions and whining noises. The average person, however, may only recognize the warning signs once the damage is done to the transmission. Troubleshooting can be done by a professional mechanic who will examine the vehicle, take it for a test drive and visually inspect the transmission to see what the specific problem is.
One solution for a transmission that is slipping is to put new gear bearings on or to install a new transmission altogether. Sometimes, a new transmission is the only way to get the vehicle functioning properly again. If the whining noise is due to the worn transmission, this noise will not go away until the transmission is fixed. However, if the whining noise is caused by low fluid levels, the noise will cease after the fluid is refilled.
It is dangerous to continue driving a vehicle with a slipping transmission and a whining noise. When you notice these symptoms, immediately take the car to a mechanic or your car's dealership service center so that you may remain safe.
