Often (though not always) a faulty transmission will trigger an engine diagnostic code and trip the Check Engine Light to let you know. Same goes if your engine overheats because of a bad transmission. Problems with a solenoid, speed sensor, slippage, and more can cause the Check Engine Light to come on.
If your transmission fluid gets low enough, the check engine light could pop on. It's important to have this checked out to make sure it doesn't result in any serious damage.
If your vehicle feels like it's trying to change gears on it's own and you can't stop it, that's a classic sign of a bad transmission. Shifting is rough. This common symptom of a failing transmission is easily noticed.
Often (though not always) a faulty transmission will trigger an engine diagnostic code and trip the Check Engine Light to let you know. Same goes if your engine overheats because of a bad transmission. Problems with a solenoid, speed sensor, slippage, and more can cause the Check Engine Light to come on.
Luckily, transmission failure doesn't usually happen without warning. There are several warning signs that your transmission's going out.
The short answer to this question is no, you should not drive with a bad transmission.
Transmission Repairs
Often with a transmission repair, you are only fixing one specific part of the transmission. This repair can take place without having to rebuild the entire transmission. This option typically costs less than a rebuild or a replacement.
The automatic transmission warning light, also known as the gearbox warning light, denotes a transmission issue that could be brought on by a fluid level, temperature, or pressure issue.
Typically, when your transmission begins to fail you may start to notice some form of difficulty when changing gears. Occasionally you may hear or feel a clunk noise when you shift gear. Another sign of a rough shifting is difficulty in accelerating to the speed for the gear that it is in.
Transmission Mileage
One of the most important factors is the age and mileage of the transmission. Automatic transmissions often fail between 80,000 and 150,000 miles. Manual transmissions can fail even sooner than that, especially when routine maintenance is neglected.
The transmission supplies the vital torque that the engine needs to maintain performance, and without it, the car literally won't be able to move. Thankfully, the transmission won't fail without giving off some clear warning signs of trouble first.
A new transmission may cost more than the car is worth, depending on how old the car is and how many miles the vehicle has accumulated. Generally, if the car is relatively new and in great shape apart from the transmission, it may be worth repairing the transmission, especially if you own a limited car.
The #1 cause of transmission failure is low fluid, which causes overheating. In automatic transmissions, it causes delayed engagement, harsh shifts, and slippage.
Replacements can range from $1,800 to $3,400. Depending on the repair shop and technicians, labor charges can range from $500 to $1,200. Here's a quick overview of the average transmission replacement cost: Remanufactured transmission – $1,300 to $3,400.
To put it briefly, no you should never drive your vehicle if you believe there to be an issue with your transmission in any case. Once a transmission starts slipping it needs to immediately be repaired. Every time you drive it after you feel your transmission slip, it is a risk.
If you drive manual, most manufacturers will recommend changing your transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. If you have automatic, you can typically boost that range up to 60,000 to 100,000 miles. There's no harm in changing your fluid early.
A basic repair will cost between $200 and $500, with the price point increasing depending on the usual factors (complexity of repair, make and model of your vehicle). Extensive repairs, on the other hand, can cost anywhere between $1,000 and $5,000+.
The transmission of a modern vehicle is not one solid piece but a jumble of several moving parts. This is the primary reason fixing a vehicle's transmission is more expensive. Other factors that influence the overall costs of replacing a transmission include: The age of the vehicle.
If you don't replace your transmission fluid, it will break down much like engine oil and lose its lubricating and cleaning properties. This leads to high temperatures, sludge buildup, and excess friction, which can damage the internal clutches that shift the gears.