Our California lemon law attorney knows that it does not matter how new your car is, transmission problems are one of the most common vehicle manufacturer defects. The saving grace may be that if you have a newer car, your manufacturer’s warranty should cover the expense of assessing, diagnosing, and fixing any transmission issue it may have.
Diagnosing a newer vehicle’s transmission problems immediately is essential to your vehicle’s livelihood. Still, first, you must know what to look for to explain what is happening to the dealership’s technicians. Here, our lemon lawyer in Los Angeles explains what to look for.
Signs Your Newer Vehicle Has a Transmission Problem
Though not an exhaustive list, the following are some of the most common signs of transmission problems in newer vehicles:
- Delayed or Sluggish Shifting
If you notice a delay or hesitation when shifting gears or if the vehicle feels sluggish when accelerating, it could indicate a transmission problem. This may manifest as a noticeable pause before the car responds to changes in throttle input.
- Rough or Jerky Shifting
Jerky or rough shifting can signal transmission trouble, especially during gear changes. This may feel like a harsh or abrupt transition between gears, often indicating problems with the transmission’s internal components.
- Unusual Noises
Unusual noises, such as whining, clunking, or grinding sounds when the vehicle is in gear, can suggest issues with the transmission. These noises may occur during shifting or while the car is in motion.
- Slipping Gears
A slipping transmission occurs when the vehicle unexpectedly changes gears or has difficulty staying in the correct gear. This can manifest as a revving engine without corresponding acceleration or a sudden loss of power.
- Fluid Leaks
Transmission fluid is essential for the proper functioning of the transmission. It could indicate a leak if you notice red or brown fluid on the ground under your vehicle or the transmission itself. Low transmission fluid levels can lead to serious transmission issues.
- Warning Lights
If the “Check Engine” light or a specific transmission-related warning light illuminates the dashboard, it indicates that the vehicle’s onboard diagnostics system has detected a problem.
- Burning Odor
A burning smell, particularly one resembling burnt toast, can signal overheating transmission fluid. Overheating can damage internal components, and addressing this issue promptly is crucial.
- Difficulty Engaging or Disengaging Gears
If you experience difficulty getting the vehicle into gear or notice resistance when shifting, it may indicate a problem with the transmission’s linkage, clutch, or other components.
- Unresponsive or Sluggish Acceleration
If the vehicle doesn’t respond promptly or smoothly to acceleration, or if there is a noticeable loss of power, it could indicate transmission issues affecting the power transfer from the engine to the wheels.
What Happens if the Dealership Cannot Fix My Car’s Transmission Problem?
According to the California Lemon Law, if your vehicle is still under the manufacturer’s warranty and cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of attempts — including issues that persist in the transmission — you may be entitled to a legal remedy that fits your needs.
We can help.
Contact our experienced Los Angeles County lemon law attorney at Shainfeld Law, P.C., today by calling (310)-295-1888 or request a free consultation online.