If you’re in the New Orleans area, there’s no need to worry about finding a traditional auto repair shop. At Mobile Mechanic Pros of New Orleans, we offer convenient clutch and transmission repair services that come directly to you. Our professional mechanics will come to your location at your preferred time!

Two Types of Transmission

Manual Transmission (MT)

In a manual transmission, the driver operates a clutch pedal that disengages the engine from the wheels, allowing the driver to shift gears. The gears are selected manually by moving the gear stick.

Automatic Transmission (AT)

An automatic transmission shifts gears for the driver, requiring no manual input other than putting the car in “Drive.”

An automatic transmission uses a component called a torque converter to automatically change gears based on the vehicle’s speed and engine load. It allows the car to move through gears without the driver needing to operate a clutch or shift gears.

Signs Your Clutch or Transmission Needs Repair

• Difficulty Shifting Gears: If you’re having trouble shifting gears, or if the gears grind when you shift, it could be a sign of a worn clutch or transmission issue.
• Slipping Gears: If your car slips out of gear while driving or doesn’t stay in gear, this is a serious sign that the transmission is failing.
• Burning Smell: A burning smell can indicate that your clutch is overheating, usually due to excessive friction or a worn clutch plate.
• Clutch Pedal Issues: If the clutch pedal feels spongy, sticks to the floor, or requires excessive pressure to engage, there could be a hydraulic issue or a worn-out clutch.
• Leaking Transmission Fluid: Transmission fluid leaks are a common sign that something’s wrong. You’ll typically see a reddish fluid pooling under your car.
• Unusual Noises: Grinding, clunking, or whining sounds while shifting gears or driving could point to a worn transmission or clutch.

Common Problems With Transmission

Slipping Gears

If your car suddenly changes gears on its own, or you feel like it’s shifting without you intending to, that’s gear slipping. This can cause your vehicle to lose power, have inconsistent acceleration, or feel like it’s shifting when it shouldn’t be.

Gear slipping is often caused by low transmission fluid, worn-out gears, or failing clutch components in manual transmissions. It can also be due to issues with the transmission bands or internal clutches in automatic transmissions.

Transmission Fluid Leaks

If you notice reddish or brownish fluid pooling under your vehicle, it’s likely a transmission fluid leak. Transmission fluid is essential for the transmission’s cooling, lubrication, and hydraulic pressure.

Leaks can occur from worn seals, cracked transmission lines, or a faulty pan gasket. Ignoring leaks can lead to low fluid levels, which will cause further damage, including overheating or transmission failure.

Delayed or Rough Shifting

If you notice your car hesitating when shifting between gears or the shifts are rough and jerky, this could signal a transmission problem.

This issue can arise from low transmission fluid, worn clutch plates (in manual transmissions), or problems with the transmission control module (in automatics). In some cases, delayed shifts are due to clogged filters or malfunctioning sensors.

Burning Smell

A burning smell while driving can be a sign that your transmission is overheating, which is often due to low or degraded transmission fluid. This fluid keeps the transmission cool, and the friction between the gears increases when it burns.

Low transmission fluid levels, fluid leaks, or using the wrong type of transmission fluid can all lead to this issue. If not addressed quickly, overheating can cause serious internal damage to the transmission.

Noisy Transmission in Neutral

If you hear unusual noises, like grinding, clunking, or whining, when your car is in neutral, it’s a clear sign something’s wrong.

Noisy transmissions in neutral are often due to worn bearings or internal components. For manual transmissions, it could also be a sign that the clutch needs adjustment or replacement.

Grinding or Shaking During Shifts

Grinding is common in manual transmissions if the clutch isn’t engaging properly, but it can also happen in automatics if the transmission is failing. Shaking during gear changes is another warning sign that something isn’t right.

Worn synchronizers, a failing clutch, or low transmission fluid can lead to grinding in manual transmissions. In automatics, worn-out gears, issues with the torque converter, or a transmission fluid problem could be the cause.

Transmission Warning Light

If the check engine or transmission light comes on, it’s a signal from your car’s onboard diagnostics system that something isn’t right. While it doesn’t always point directly to the transmission, it’s a good idea to get it checked out if you’re noticing any other symptoms.

The warning light can be triggered by a wide range of issues, including sensor malfunctions, fluid problems, or mechanical failures in the transmission.

Transmission Won’t Engage or Stay in Gear

If your vehicle doesn’t move when you put it in gear or slips out of gear while driving, this is a serious transmission problem.

This can happen due to low fluid levels, problems with the clutch linkage or hydraulic system in manual transmissions, or internal transmission damage in automatic transmissions. A failing shift solenoid or faulty transmission control module could also be to blame.

Clutch Problems (Manual Transmissions)

In manual transmissions, a worn clutch can lead to problems like clutch slipping (when the engine revs but the car doesn’t accelerate), or difficulty pressing the clutch pedal.

Clutch problems are usually due to wear and tear. Over time, the friction material on the clutch plate wears down, making it harder for the clutch to engage properly. Hydraulic issues can also prevent the clutch from functioning as it should.

Low or Dirty Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid should be clear red or pink. If it’s dark, dirty, or has a burnt smell, it needs to be replaced.

Transmission fluid gets dirty over time as it picks up debris and metal shavings from the transmission. Leaks often cause low fluid levels, and both issues can lead to overheating or significant damage to the transmission.

Stuck in One Gear

In an automatic transmission, if your car gets stuck in one gear and won’t shift up or down, it could be a sign of a problem with the transmission.

This could be due to a failing shift solenoid, faulty transmission control module, or internal transmission issues. For manual transmissions, it could be due to problems with the clutch linkage or gear synchronizers.