Jun 6, 2025
Honda transmission shifter

Detecting problems with your car early can save you a lot of money, as it allows you to fix issues before they get considerably worse. So, when you need your Honda transmission serviced, be sure to visit your Honda dealership as soon as your vehicle lets you know that something is wrong.

6 Signs Your Honda Transmission Needs a Service From Your Dealership

1. There’s An Issue with Switching Gears

A vehicle with a faulty transmission might struggle to shift gears or be unable to shift gears at all. Different transmission problems can cause the symptoms, including something as simple as having contaminated transmission fluid. Make sure you stay on top of your transmission maintenance to avoid issues caused by dirty transmission fluid.


2. There’s Grinding or Jolting During Gear Changes

Gear changes are supposed to be smooth and silent. If your car makes a grinding noise, vibrates, or jolts in any way during a gear change, then there’s probably something wrong with your transmission. Grinding during gear changes is more common in vehicles with a manual transmission.


3. There’s a Burning Smell in Your Car

A burning smell in your car is never good news. It can tell you that a component in your car is overheating. It can also let you know that it’s time for a transmission flush, as your fluid may be burning up because it’s old.


4. There’s a Surge of Power When You Shift Gears

Because gear shifts are supposed to be smooth, you’ll never feel a sudden surge of power like your car has suddenly been propelled forward by some kind of super-speed button. If your car leaps forward after a gear change, then there’s probably a problem with your transmission.


5. There’s Noise While You’re in Neutral

Hearing a new sound while your car is running is almost always a sign that your car needs repairs. If your transmission is the component that’s in disrepair, the new noises will usually start happening while your vehicle is in neutral. You could hear any kind of sound in neutral when there’s a problem. Grinding and bumping noises are common.


6. There’s Trouble Trying to Stay in Gear

If your car can’t seem to stay in gear, then that’s a sure sign that something is wrong with your transmission system. Hearing your engine rev suddenly during a gear change or feeling like you can no longer control your acceleration and deceleration are signs that your car is slipping gears. Slipping gears can also make it feel like you’re driving over ice and your wheels have no way to grip onto the road, making the situation scary as well as dangerous.

Come get your Honda transmission examined at Rick Roush Honda. Contact our service department or schedule an appointment online.