If you’ve been driving your car around and suddenly notice there is a problem with the transmission, you might be worried that this is due to a manufacturing defect. After all, it would be heartbreaking to have your new car break down on the side of the road just a few months after purchase.
If you’ve been having problems with a new or used car, you may be wondering whether you’re covered by the lemon law. If you’ve had problems with your car and you live in California, chances are you will be protected under the lemon law. In this article, our California lemon law lawyer will tell you if a bad transmission is covered under the lemon law.
What is a transmission?
A car transmission is one of the most important components of a vehicle. They get the power from the engine to the wheels and can be used to disconnect the engine when the vehicle is stopped. Transmissions also enable quick acceleration and help reduce wear on the engine when driving for long periods of time.
Signs your transmission has stopped working properly
Now you know that your transmission is just as important as the engine. But how do you know when something is wrong? Use the warning signs below to start watching for potential problems.
Leaking Fluids
If you notice a red, sweet-smelling fluid on the ground underneath your car in the garage, parking lot, or anywhere else, let your mechanic know they need to check the transmission fluid level. They may find leaks and other problems with the transmission.
Grinding or Shaking
It can be difficult to understand whether or not your car has a problem with its transmission just by inspecting it. You may be able to hear your car grinding or shaking when the gears change, which is usually a sure sign of a transmission issue. It’s important to have your vehicle inspected by a professional as soon as possible when this happens.
Lack of Response
Transmission trouble can manifest in a variety of ways, including hesitation or refusal to shift into gears. Automatic transmissions may experience a delay when shifting from drive to park. Manual transmissions can experience a disconnect between the revving of the engine’s RPMs and the actual speed of the vehicle. This is usually called “slipping”.
Engine Light is On
The check engine light on your car might seem like a nuisance, but it is actually there for a good reason. It will let you know what the problem is, whether it’s a transmission problem or something else.
Vehicle Won’t Start
Most often, a car with a faulty transmission won’t start. This is because the car is designed to stop when there’s trouble with the engine, preventing you from getting into a dangerous situation. A bad transmission can be cause for concern, so it’s time to call the auto dealership or manufacturer of your vehicle.
Burning Smell
A burning smell is never a good sign. You’ll want to take preventative measures so that you can stay safe on the road. The internal parts of your vehicle may be damaged if you don’t do something soon. There may also be a serious buildup of sludge inside of the gearbox which leads to even worse issues. This can be a good indicator that your vehicle is a lemon.
What Can Cause the Transmission Issue in a New Vehicle?
Automatic transmission problems can occur for numerous reasons. The most common reasons for a problem with the transmission in older cars are wear and tear or low transmission fluid levels. But if a brand new car within its warranty period has a transmission issue, the cause is likely not related to these reasons. If a new car has a transmission problem, the issue could be due to computer issues with how the engine is controlled, or it could be that an engine sensor isn’t working correctly. Regardless of what is causing the transmission issue, it should never happen in a new vehicle.
It may be best to stop driving a vehicle with a defective transmission until you can have it looked at by a qualified mechanic. If any repairs are needed, your lemon law California attorney will make sure you keep a copy of all receipts and correspondence. These documents and evidence can help demonstrate that the car was an obvious lemon before the final repair effort.
Do You Have Relief Under the Lemon Law for a Bad Transmission?
You may be entitled to a replacement or refund of your vehicle if it falls under the California lemon law. If you think you see signs of transmission problems, it is important to know that time is running out. Your first 4 years are important because you have only this many years to file for a lemon law case. Manufacturers are usually given a reasonable amount of attempts to repair problems with the car. Our lemon law attorney California will be able to help you if you ever have an issue with your transmission.