When a burning smell comes from your car, especially under the hood, low transmission fluid is usually the cause. After all, low fluid levels lead to overheating and degrade the fluid. A worn clutch, a faulty solenoid, a clogged filter, loose or damaged transmission bands, or a failing torque converter can also create heat and cause burning smells. Whenever you notice this smell, immediately stop driving and have the car inspected. Our expert mechanics at Bay Diagnostic can identify the exact cause before the damage spreads.

Your car makes a number of normal sounds, but some noises require your attention. When these sounds begin, they typically indicate transmission trouble and should not be ignored, such as:

• Whining: This occurs when transmission fluid is low, becomes dirty, or internal parts begin to wear out.
• Grinding: This comes from clutch trouble or worn gears that no longer mesh smoothly.
• Humming: Worn bearings create a steady hum that grows louder as speed increases.
• Clunking: A hard clunk during shifting or acceleration signals stress in the driveshaft or U-joint.
• Buzzing: A failing torque converter often makes this sound, especially when parked or in neutral.
• Rattling: Loose transmission mounts or nearby exhaust parts cause rattling at idle.