Back To Blog
Your truck’s transmission is at the heart of its performance. A failing transmission can spell trouble for your truck and budget when it starts acting up. Left too long, it can lead to unexpected breakdowns, stress and time lost on the road. You may even need a complete transmission replacement.
Whether you’re a truck driver hauling heavy loads cross-country or last-delivery driver navigating city routes, keeping your transmission in good health is crucial for staying on the road.
To make sure you stay safe on the road, we’ll break down some key warning signs of transmission problems in commercial trucks. We’ll also offer practical tips to help prevent issues before they start and help you protect your pocket and well-being.
7 Common Signs of Transmission Problems
Truck transmission failures usually come with warning signs. Being aware of these warning signs can help you spot a failing transmission as it’s happening and save you a lot of time and money down the road.
1. Slipping Gears
Slipped gears are a clear sign that your transmission might be failing. Gear slipping happens when the transmission cannot stay engaged in the selected gear, which can cause a sudden loss of power and create dangerous situations on the road.
If your truck starts to pop in and out of gear or slips unexpectedly while you’re driving, this is a strong indication that something may be wrong with your truck’s transmission.
2. Delayed or Rough Shifts
Delayed gear shifts or abnormally rough shifts are usually a warning sign of an internal transmission issue. Ideally, your truck's transmission should shift smoothly, whether you’re driving an automatic or manual.
If you shift and it feels strained, it could be due to worn-out transmission parts, fluid issues or faulty sensors. Rough shifts also place extra stress on transmission components, compounding wear and tear. So it’s always best to get it checked out ASAP for timely repairs.
3. Unusual Noises
A faulty transmission has a distinct sound. If you hear grinding, whining or clunking noises when shifting or while your truck is in neutral, you could have a transmission issue. Similar to the delayed shifting issues, these strange noises are characteristic of worn-out gears and low transmission fluid.
4. Leaking Transmission Fluid
One of the more obvious signs of trouble is a fluid leak under your truck. Transmission fluid is essential for cooling and lubricating as well as maintaining hydraulic pressure. If there’s a leak, it could signal a potential issue.
A leak could lead to overheating and accelerated wear if the fluid levels drop too low. Always treat a leak seriously and ensure the fluid levels are at the right level for your specific make and model.
5. Burning Smell
A burning or acrid smell coming from your truck could mean that the transmission fluid is overheating. Overheating transmission fluid is a red flag. It’s a sign that the transmission fluid is breaking down and no longer has all its lubricating properties. This can result in disproportionate friction and damage to your transmission’s parts.
6. Dashboard Warning Light
Most modern vehicles are equipped with dashboard warning lights. If the “check engine light” or another warning light related to transmission issues comes on, don’t ignore it. Trust the engineers. These lights mean the truck’s onboard diagnostics have detected an error in the transmission system.
While it doesn’t always mean there’s a serious issue, it’s best to treat every incident with a healthy dose of caution. Leaving it for too long can lead to costly problems.
7. Unresponsive Transmission
If your transmission fails to respond when you put your truck in gear, it’s usually a sign that your transmission is struggling. Most often, this is caused by low transmission fluid or other internal component failures. Getting these issues sorted quickly is the best way to prevent any severe damage.
Tips for Preventing Transmission Problems
Transmission failures don’t have to be an inevitable issue. Using preventative measures, you can keep your transmission failures and downtime to a minimum.
Here are some tips to keep your transmission in good working order:
- Routine Transmission Maintenance: Prevention is the best cure. Schedule routine maintenance checks to keep your transmission in tip-top shape. This way, you can swap out transmission fluid at recommended intervals, and maintain proper lubrication and cooling. Mechanics can also catch wear and tear before it escalates into dangerous problems.
- Check Transmission Fluid Levels Regularly: Low or dirty transmission fluid can lead to overheating and increase wear and tear. Make it a habit to check your fluid level and ensure it’s at the right level and color. Fresh transmission fluid is usually bright red or pink in color, while dark or burnt-looking fluid needs immediate attention.
- Avoid Overloading Your Truck: Excessive weight puts strain on your transmission and can lead to overheating and premature wear. Make sure your loads stay within your truck’s weight limits.
- Be Mindful of Driving Conditions: Driving in extreme weather, rough terrain or frequent stop-and-go traffic is tough on a truck’s transmission. If you regularly drive through rugged terrain or sit in traffic, consider swapping out your regular transmission fluid for one designed for heavy-duty use.
- Don’t Ignore Warning Signs: When it comes to transmission issues, immediate action can make all the difference. Address any unusual sounds, smells or performance issues quickly. A small repair now can prevent a major one in the future.
Schedule Preventive Maintenance at Rush Truck Centers
Transmission troubles can take your truck off the road and lead to time-consuming and costly repairs. Recognizing the signs early on and getting them checked out can help you avoid unnecessary downtime and expense. If you notice any signs of transmission failure we mentioned above, don’t wait. Taking care of your truck’s transmission is essential to its performance and your peace of mind.
Noticing signs of transmission failure or strain on your commercial or semi truck? Request a service appointment at one of our more than 140 Rush Truck Centers locations nationwide, and we’ll get you back on the road in no time.
COME ALONG FOR THE RIDE. Sign up to receive email updates with our latest promotions, blog posts and news from Rush Truck Centers.
