• Home
  • Denver Auto Repair Services
    • Full Service Oil Change
    • Expert Mechanics
      • Expert Honda Mechanics
      • Expert Toyota Mechanics
      • Expert Subaru Mechanics
    • Automatic Transmission
    • Fuel System Cleaning
    • Radiator Flush Service
    • Wiper Blades
    • Air Filter
    • Cabin Air Filter
    • Gearbox Service
    • Brake Repair
    • Clutch Repair
    • CV Boots
    • Tune-Up
    • Steering & Suspension
    • Tires
  • Auto Diagnostic
  • Contact Us
    • About Us
  • Shop Specials
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • 303-691-2760

Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

  • Brake Service
  • Car Maintenance
    • Heating-Air Conditioning
    • Suspension
    • Transmission
    • Engine
    • Tires
  • Oil Change
  • Tips & Tricks

Do I Have a Blown Transmission?

March 18, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

What does the transmission do on your car?

The transmission has a very important job – it ensures there is enough power moving to the wheels to drive at the speeds you desire. The transmission is your car’s gear shifter, moving energy as you navigate your daily drive.

The best way to understand it is to think about your ten-speed bicycle. When you power up, add speed, or start climbing a hill, you shift to different gears. The chain moves from gear to gear, giving you the power to accomplish every need and desire.

The same applies to your vehicle. Different gear ratios allow you to do different things while driving your car. Want to go faster? Want to climb into the Rocky Mountains? Want to slow down for the changing stoplight? The gear ratios help control speed and RPMs for a smoother ride.

A manual transmission

There are two kinds of transmission systems: manual and automatic. With a manual transmission, you take charge of the gear changing process. Using a third foot pedal, the clutch pedal, you manually disengage the transmission from the flywheel and change gears. It works similarly to the bicycle chain process, without the chain. It temporarily disconnects the engine and the transmission, adjusts by moving the gear shift, and reengaging into the new gear you desire. Release the clutch pedal and drive.

An automatic transmissionDo I Have a Blown Transmission?

An automatic transmission automates the gear shifting process. Instead of having to push in a clutch pedal and manually moving the gear shift to the appropriate gear, the automatic transmission does everything for you through a combination of fluid pressure and electronics. You put the car in drive and go; the automatic transmission ensures you are in the right gear.

Next to the engine, your transmission is one of the most complicated systems within your vehicle. Keeping it in good working condition is a must. Even one small problem can wreak havoc on your vehicle and turn into a very expensive repair.

How do you know if you blow a transmission?

Like all the major systems used to create your vehicle, your transmission will give you clues it’s not operating the way it should. The sooner you act, the greater the chance of lower repair bills.

Are there ways you can tell if you have a blown transmission?

The dashboard lights up with a transmission error – today’s vehicles are sensitive enough to notice basic problems. Don’t ignore warning lights as they may cost you a lot more when you finally drive it into the shop.

Your car won’t move in drive or reverse – you might have trouble moving the gear shift at all, it simply won’t move into drive or reverse. In some cases, you have the ability to move the gear shift, but your car won’t operate. No matter what you do, it just sits there.

You’ll notice vibrations or sounds as you’re driving – pay attention to what you feel and hear. You might notice strange vibrations while you drive, or hear a grinding or whining noise especially while your car is attempting to change gears.

The gears can slip – it creates a definite clunking noise. When you try and speed up, your car won’t accelerate because it can’t shift into the right gear. There might be a hesitation as it tries to react. You might even notice a sudden surge as it clicks and connects with the new gear. As you can imagine, both of these are of concern for safe driving; you should bring your car in for an inspection as quickly as you can.

Extreme heat – if you drive a rear wheel drive car, the transmission transfers energy from front to back to give the rear wheels their necessary power. If the transmission starts to overheat, you’ll feel it in the passenger compartment. It might impact the temperature gauge on your dashboard as well. Because the transmission fluid continues to heat up, you might notice a burning odor, some say it resembles burnt toast. If your transmission is overheating, it still might be a simple repair. The key is getting it into a mechanic to be checked immediately.

Some cars have poor design – not every make or model is built the same. If you do a search on Google, you’ll often find one make or model that stands out from the rest. Maybe they decided to use cheaper parts, or they simply didn’t pay attention to quality assurance during a certain production cycle. Whatever the case, if you chose to buy during that year, you’ll pay the price by having to repair or replace more frequently.

Poor maintenance – it doesn’t matter how poorly or how well a make or model is built if you don’t take care of it from the moment you drive it home. Your car needs regular maintenance to ensure it stays in good working condition. That means adding fluids when it’s necessary. It means having a mechanic check out how well your car is operating and making the necessary changes as needed. It means upgrading parts for normal wear and tear – from oil changes to adding new belts.

What about transmission fluid?

While your transmission fluid doesn’t need to be changed out regularly like motor oil, it is important to pay attention to it. Start by checking your owner’s manual; how often does it say it should be changed? Some manufacturers may suggest every 30,000 miles or so while others push it back to 100,000 miles or more. In most cases, you’ll need to follow guidelines to ensure your warranty remains valid.

You can check to ensure you have enough transmission fluid and that it’s still in good condition. It’s similar to checking your motor oil, but each vehicle has its own recommendations for how to check it. How you drive determines frequency too. Someone who drives up and down the mountain each day will have different needs than someone who drives urban conditions just a few miles.

Are there different kinds of transmission fluid?

Each make and model has its own requirements; it’s important to check your owner’s manual for guidance and to ensure best performance. Don’t forget that the wrong fluid can void your warranty.

If you have any questions about how your vehicle operates, or if you think you might have a blown transmission, give us a call today.

Filed Under: Transmission Tagged With: Transmission

Express Car Care
4200 E. Evans Ave. Denver, CO (map)
Phone: (303) 691-2760
Located just southeast of the Colorado Light Rail station

Follow Us Today!

  • Facebook
  • RSS

Shop Hours

Monday: 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Tuesday: 8:00AM – 5:o0PM
Wednesday: 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Thursday: 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Friday: 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Saturday: Closed – A note from the owner
Sunday: Closed

Last car oil change time  – 5:00PM

Click for the BBB Business Review of this Auto Repair & Service in Denver CO

Recent Articles

Warning Signs Your Brakes Need Immediate Attention

Warning Signs Your Brakes Need Immediate Attention

The humdrum of the daily drive. You sit at more stop lights than you can count. You slam on your brakes a time or two as the traffic turns into chaos. And hills - you might have a few of them thrown … [Read More...]

  • Finding a Family-Owned Auto Shop You Can Trust in Denver
  • The Most Common Car Repairs in Denver—And How to Avoid Them
  • The Top 5 Reasons Cars Fail Emissions Tests in Denver
  • Check These 6 Fluids Regularly to Keep Your Car Running Smoothly
  • How to Know If Your Vehicle Needs a Cooling System Check

Search Our Site

Brakes Service

Warning Signs Your Brakes Need Immediate Attention

Affordable Brake Pad Replacement in Denver: What You Need to Know

How to Prevent and Fix Uneven Brake Pad Wear

Oil Change

Oil Change Specials in Denver: Save Money and Keep Your Car Running Right

Why Regular Oil Changes Are Crucial for Denver Drivers

The Benefits of Using High-Quality Motor Oil for Your Engine

Suspension

How to Know If Your Car Needs Suspension Repair in Denver’s Bumpy Roads

A Guide To Understanding Bushings on a Car

Tips for Preventing Wear and Tear on Your Car’s Suspension

Transmision Service

Transmission Trouble? Common Signs and When to Visit Our Denver Shop

How to Prevent Common Issues with Automatic Transmissions

Understanding the Signs of Transmission Problems and How to Fix Them

Engine Service

Is Your Car Hesitating During Acceleration?

How to Troubleshoot a Rough Idling Engine

Signs Your Car’s Water Pump Might Be Failing

Auto Tips & Tricks

Check Engine Light On? Here’s What Denver Drivers Need to Know

The Importance of Regular Wheel Alignment for Tire Longevity

The Benefits of a Well-Maintained Suspension System

"Denvers Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube" - Copyright © 2025 - 4200 E. Evans Ave. Denver, CO 303-691-2760