Warning! Watch Out For These Five Symptoms of a Faulty Transmission Pump

Your car’s transmission is an integral part of its functionality. Without a operational transmission pump, the transmission system won’t work properly, and the car’s performance will suffer. Worse still, the system can suffer serious damage if the problem isn’t caught soon enough.

Although transmission pump failures are not all that common, it’s important to know the warning signs so you can catch this problem before it’s too late. Look out for the following five signs that could indicate a failing transmission pump.

1. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) Comes On: If the MIL light shows up on your dashboard, it could mean a few different things. In this case, it could be an indication of an insufficient amount of fluid, a clogged filter, or an other fault in the transmission system. If you have a diagnostic reader, you can check what the code is yourself; if you don’t, you should take your car to a repair shop right away and have them check it out.

2. Leaks: A fluid leak can mean several different things, but if it turns out to be transmission fluid, it’s a potential indicator of a bad transmission pump. Examine the source of the leak and take your car to a garage sooner rather than later, so they can plug it up before the rest of the system gets damaged.

3. Burning Smell/Darker Fluid: When the transmission isn’t getting enough fluid from the pump, it will overheat and the fluid will burn. Doing a simple dipstick test can check if the fluid is darker than usual, and the burning smell will give it away immediately.

4. Whining Noises: The lack of fluid going through the system can cause the clutch parts to wear down and make a whining noise when you’re reaching higher speeds. Ignoring this could cause irreparable damage, so don’t wait to get your car looked at by a professional.

5. Poor Gear Shifting/Vehicle Motion: When the transmission gears run very low on fluid, it will start to grind, making it more difficult to shift gears and causing your car to move jerkily. If you notice any of these signs, take your car to a garage as soon as possible so they can assess the situation and make repairs if necessary before the damage becomes too serious.

Remember, replacing a worn-out transmission pump is a much more affordable repair than replacing a whole transmission. So be sure to look out for the warning signs and get your car to a repair shop as soon as you can if you suspect a failing transmission pump.