Dodge Transmission Maintenance for Efficient Performance

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Transmissions have an undeserved reputation for being expensive to repair. Some drivers will ignore strange behavior from the transmission rather than take it in to get it checked. Most transmission problems are quick and inexpensive to repair, and your Dodge dealer can fix any possible issue. These are some signs you need to visit us for a transmission service.

Signs You Need a Transmission Service at Your Dodge Dealer

Gears Won’t Shift

It’s a scary feeling if you try to shift gears and nothing happens. Your transmission won’t work, and without the transmission, your Dodge isn’t going anywhere. This problem usually develops over time, and you’ll notice a delay in shifting that gradually gets longer. You might also hear strange noises from the transmission.

Low transmission fluid is the most common cause of this problem. Transmission fluid provides the essential hydraulic power that allows gears to shift. A transmission leak will make gear shifting slower and noisy, and will also cause friction damage to the gear teeth. Other possible causes include a broken shift cable, a damaged clutch linkage, or a transmission computer error. We’ll investigate and fix the cause of the problem.

Clunking or Thudding

Odd noises like clunking or thudding as you drive can make you think something is loose and about to fall off. If the noise seems to come from directly below you, one of both transmission mounts could be damaged. The two transmission mounts connect your transmission to the frame. They’re made from rubber and liquid-filled to absorb and dissipate vibrations as you drive.

The rubber mounts can lose flexibility over time, and this can cause cracks. The liquid inside the mounts will leak, and the transmission will move slightly up and down as you drive. It can’t tear free from the frame, but it will sustain impact damage if the problem isn’t fixed. We’ll check and replace your transmission mounts if necessary to fix this problem.

Slipping Gears

This is another scary situation, as your gears may suddenly shift to their previous position without warning. You’ll hear a straining sound from the engine and harsh metallic sounds like grinding as the transmission is forced into the new gear. This situation needs to be fixed ASAP, as it makes driving dangerous and will very quickly cause extensive transmission damage.

Fortunately, one of the main causes of this problem is a lack of transmission fluid. Insufficient fluid prevents the transmission from shifting the gears effectively. Worn gear teeth can also cause this problem as they prevent the transmission from staying in the damaged gear. Our technicians can replace damaged gears or refill the fluid to solve this problem.

Transmission issues will only worsen if they’re not fixed. Contact us today at Acadiana CDJRF in Lafayette, LA.

Posted in Acadiana Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Fiat Service, Lafayette Chrysler Service | No Comments »