Signs of a Bad Automatic Transmission

An automatic transmission that slips in and out of gear while driving is a classic sign of a bad transmission. An automatic transmission has a series of gears(normally between 4 and 5) designed for various engine speeds and loads. An automatic transmission that slips between gears affects vehicle performance and is a sign of impending transmission failure.

A bad or faulty automatic transmission will often spin without providing any forward vehicle movement. This normally happens when an automatic transmission clutch fails to properly engage the transmission gears with the engine crankshaft, resulting in a spinning or freewheeling condition.

Transmission lag is defined as a delay in transmission action or engagement. When a vehicle is accelerated, a transmission that lags will fail to engage for a few seconds before "kicking" into gear. Transmission lag normally happens during acceleration from a complete stop.

Normal transmission fluid is pinkish in color and almost transparent. A bad automatic transmission will often burn and/or char automatic transmission fluid and turn the fluid almost black; many times there will actually be a burned, smoky smell to the fluid as well.

An automatic transmission that leaks a large amount of transmission fluid, whether during normal vehicle operation or when a vehicle is parked, is a sign of a bad automatic transmission.