Recognizing When It’s Time for Transmission Service for Your CDJR

The transmission is a complex system, and its purpose is to transfer energy produced by the engine to the wheels to enable them to move. Transmission components will wear out due to age and can also become damaged. As your CDJR dealer, we want you to know a few signs it’s time to visit us for a transmission service.

Strange Noises

A healthy transmission works silently and efficiently as it shifts gears. If you hear strange noises like buzzing or humming when the gears change, this is a sign that something is wrong with the transmission. These noises are almost undetectable initially, but they will grow louder as time passes. Depending on the particular problem, the sounds can morph into a high-pitched whining noise.

The most common reason for noisy transmission is a lack of transmission fluid. This fluid is essential for the transmission as it provides the hydraulic power that shifts the gears and lubricates transmission components to protect them against friction damage. Our technicians will need to examine your transmission to identify the source of these sounds, then we’ll repair the problem.

Transmission Leak

As we saw above, transmission fluid plays a vital role in the smooth operation of the transmission. It also helps to reduce the temperature inside the transmission as it has a cooling effect on components as it passes over them. Transmission fluid isn’t consumed as it works, so the only way a transmission can lose fluid is via a leak.

Fortunately, a leak is easy to spot. Transmission fluid is bright or dark red and has a slightly sweet smell. Any transmission leak is serious, as a low fluid level can cause major damage. Without the protection the fluid provides, components will grind against each other. The heat inside the transmission will rise, and it can start to overheat. Our technicians will find and seal the leak and then we’ll replace the lost fluid.

Gear Slipping

The transmission computer shifts gears automatically to ensure your vehicle moves at your desired speed. Once a gear has shifted, the transmission remains in that gear until you or the transmission computer intervenes to change gears. Gear slipping is a potentially dangerous situation where the gear violently shifts without warning.

The unexpected gear change is very noticeable, as the sounds of grinding metal usually accompany it as the transmission is forced into its previous gear setting. A mechanical fault, low transmission fluid, or an error with the transmission computer could cause this problem. We’ll investigate and repair your transmission.

Most transmission problems are quick and inexpensive to repair if detected when they start. Contact our service department today at Bergstrom CDJR or Oshkosh in Oshkosh, WI.

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