In converting the power from the engine to your wheels, your transmission generates enormous heat and pressure. Should the lubricating qualities of your transmission fluid ever decline, mechanical problems will shortly follow. Even with high levels of fresh fluid, it’s possible for transmissions to develop issues. If you notice any of the following four problems, promptly visit your local Ford dealer for transmission repair.
Does Your Ford Need a Transmission Repair?
Red Fluid Leaking Under Your Car
The fluid in your gearbox not only lubricates, but also helps prevent overheating, corrosion, and a buildup of debris. A leak is a rather urgent matter. You can expect your gearbox to start breaking down within just ten miles of driving with leaking fluid. So it’s best to avoid driving your car until the problem is fixed.
Transmission fluid is dark red in color. As it ages and fills with tiny fragments of metal it dulls to brown. When leaking, this fluid will often drip and pool under your car. If you suspect a leak or any kind of problem with your transmission, take a moment to check the ground behind you when pulling away from parking.
Low Transmission Fluid Levels
The heat and friction inside a gearbox cause even the most advanced transmission fluid to steadily break down and begin to burn over time. Eventually, transmission fluid becomes either too old or too diminished in volume to work effectively. It’s wise to have it flushed out and replaced long before you reach this point.
Have a Ford Dealer Flush Your Fluid Frequently
Most Ford drivers should have their fluid flushed and replaced every 30,000 to 60,000 miles for manual transmissions. Drivers with automatic shifts should have it flushed every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. That goes for those driving under ordinary conditions.
Anyone who usually drives under severe conditions should have their fluid flushed more often. Severe driving conditions include extremely hot or cold temperatures, rough and dusty terrain such as off-road driving, and heavy stop-and-go traffic.
Gears Acting Strangely
When gears begin to experience excessive strain, you’ll hear them grinding when you shift. Not long after that, they’ll start to act strangely, sometimes refusing to shift, sometimes shifting all on their own. You might even hear the engine revving when you shift gears.
These gearbox problems might be caused by low fluid levels, rounded-out gears, problems with the solenoid or torque converter, or something else altogether. You’ll need to visit a technician to have the problem diagnosed.
Clutch Failing to Disengage
The clutch is one other part of your transmission with a very heavy workload. Over enough time, it’s possible for the flywheel or another part of the clutch to malfunction, causing clutch drag. This will make it difficult to change gears as the flywheel doesn’t properly disengage from the wheel axles.
Have your transmission examined and repaired today at Boyd Brothers Ford. We’re a well-established local dealership supporting the drivers of Oxford, Butner, Henderson, Creedmoor, and the surrounding area.
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