My van transmission started slipping and the van is making a whining sound now. I had transmission fluid filled but it is even wor
My van transmission is slipping. I had the fluid filled but it didn't help. It is also making a high pitch whirring noise when driven. It seems worse since fluid was filled, it hesitates to go in drive and reverse. I don't have much money and need the van. Will it need a whole new transmission?
My car has 239000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
It would be a good idea to check to be sure that the fluid level was not overfilled. Too much fluid creates shifting and operational problems just as too little fluid will. So, the level should be carefully verified. If the whirring noise is from the transmission (it could be wheel bearings for example), such noise could be from the torque converter, oil pump, or other rotating elements. The noise would have to be heard first hand by a mechanic to pin it down. If the transmission is not shifting properly, it could be as simple as a valve body issue (typically the valve body is replaceable on the vehicle) but there are also many other causes of shift difficulty such as broken or worn bands, failing clutch pistons and so forth. Some of these faults can be determined by using external gauges to measure internal hydraulic pressures within the transmission when you shift. Transmissions can be repaired; you won’t necessarily need a "new" transmission but yes, admittedly, such repairs can be costly. If you want to get a definitive diagnosis and get information about repair options, just request a transmission shift and noise diagnostic and the responding certified mechanic will help you with that. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
Transmission fluid ensures that the gears shift smoothly, but there will be a clunking sound in manual transmissions and whining sounds from automatic ones if it is low.
This whining sound can be caused by any number of transmission issues. Low transmission fluid or a clogged fluid line/filter are the most likely culprits, but there could be other internal damage causing the noise.
If your vehicle makes a whining noise when you are accelerating, a transmission problem is most likely at fault. Whining when accelerating due to transmission problems can be caused by worn-out gears or low transmission fluid due to a leak.
Manual transmissions often make a loud clunking or grinding noise when you shift gears, while an automatic sounds like it`s whining or humming. Noises could indicate that the fluid level is getting low, but you most likely won`t be able to diagnose the problem yourself.
Clunking, humming or whining sounds are signs of automatic transmission problems. Faulty manual transmissions will also give off loud machinelike sounds that seem to come out of nowhere. A clunking noise when you shift gears is a telltale transmission situation. Have a mechanic look it over.
Noise: A failing transmission pump will often make a whining noise. Because the unit is driven by the engine, the sound usually increases as you accelerate. Transmission slippage: Transmission fluid is used to change gears as you drive.
Rislone Transmission Stabilizer restores bands and clutches to stop slip, eliminate hesitation and reduce rough shifting. It also stops fluid loss and reduces friction and wear to protect internal components.
The short answer to this question is no, you should not drive with a bad transmission. Sometimes, life happens, and you have to keep driving your vehicle even though you know that it needs to be serviced.
Failing alternator bearings:
The alternator has several bearings which allow the alternator`s rotor to spin freely. If these bearings begin to fail, you will notice a loud whining noise, which will increase when you accelerate or the car is under heavier load.
A damaged fuel pump might make a loud, whining sound that you`ll hear from your gas tank. The pump may also make this noise if you`re low on fuel or the fuel in your tank is contaminated. The normal noise your pump makes is a low hum.
A humming or whining noise in an automatic transmission vehicle often means that you are low on automatic transmission fluid. If this is the case, you want to refill that fluid immediately. Transmission fluid reduces friction, which means heat, which in turn is bad news for transmissions.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
My van transmission started slipping and the van is making a whining sound now. I had transmission fluid filled but it is even wor
ANSWER : It would be a good idea to check to be sure that the fluid level was not overfilled. Too much fluid creates shifting and operational problems just as too little fluid will. So, the level should be carefully verified. If the whirring noise is from the transmission (it could be wheel bearings for example), such noise could be from the torque converter, oil pump, or other rotating elements. The noise would have to be heard first hand by a mechanic to pin it down. If the transmission is not shifting properly, it could be as simple as a valve body issue (typically the valve body is replaceable on the vehicle) but there are also many other causes of shift difficulty such as broken or worn bands, failing clutch pistons and so forth. Some of these faults can be determined by using external gauges to measure internal hydraulic pressures within the transmission when you shift. Transmissions can be repaired; you won’t necessarily need a "new" transmission but yes, admittedly, such repairs can be costly. If you want to get a definitive diagnosis and get information about repair options, just request a transmission shift and noise diagnostic and the responding certified mechanic will help you with that. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
Start issues
ANSWER : It really depends on what type, year, make, and model of van you have. In many cases with vans newer than 1996, if the throttle position sensor was faulty and triggered a Check Engine Light, the error codes stored in the ECM need to be cleared before the vehicle is restarted; otherwise, it may cause difficulty starting.
The best option for you is to contact a local mechanic and have them reset the Check Engine Light or error codes to see if that clears up your issue.
There is automatic transmission fluid in a manual transmission. Is it okay to leave or do I need manual transmission fluid?
ANSWER : This would depend on what the manufacturer recommends. Many manual transmissions do take automatic transmission fluid. If your transmission has ATF in it, it is very likely that it is supposed to have that in there. If not, it is likely that the transmission would not function properly with the wrong fluid. Many manual transmissions will also take engine oil as a lubricant. The best way to know for sure is to check your owner’s manual or call your local General Motors dealership to inquire.
My Blazer will crank over but not start by itself. It needs starting fluid to start.
ANSWER : Hi there. If you have not replaced your EGR valve, mass air flow sensor or the TPS on your Blazer, you might want to start with these repairs. It is also possible that the throttle body itself is damaged, especially if you’re able to start it on fluid. If you want to avoid chasing parts and repairs, the best solution may be to have a professional mobile mechanic come to your location and complete a car is hard to start inspection.
Whining noise when starting and rattling while first driving
ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. The whining and grinding sound when turning the steering wheel suggests a weak or failing power steering pump. This can happen when the pump is low on fluid causing it burn up or can happen when the power steering rack forces too much pressure through it as a result of the fluid not flowing freely through small reed valves in the rack. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your home or office to confirm a diagnosis on the issue and make or suggest the necessary repairs or replacements.
Transmission slips out of fifth gear, makes grinding sounds
ANSWER : This is possibly a transmission shifter adjustment issue (5th gear, non-engagement). The noise issue may be related, but it is potentially serious regardless. You don’t mention what kind of "transmission problems" caused you to have the clutch repaired, but that problem may be related as well. Regardless, you should have the slipping issue inspected by a professional, like one from YourMechanic, before driving it further.
Fuel pump engages. Batery good, alternator good volts, jump start helps when wont start. Temp does not matter. Intermittent?
ANSWER : Hello. Thank you for writing in. There are several reasons your vehicle may only start when jump starting. The first and most common is a build up of resistance that is causing you to need a boost of voltage to get the engine started. This may be due to poor battery cables, a bad ground connection, a poor starter solenoid, and a couple of other issues. The first thing you want to do is perform a visual inspection of the starting system. Make sure there is no corrosion build up in the battery cables. You can also check the resistance across these wires and make sure you have a solid connection between components. You then want to make sure the starter solenoid is doing its job. It is responsible for taking the small amount of electricity sent by the ignition and turning it into a huge electrical charge that is strong enough to push over the engine with the help of some gear ratios in its favor. Do some more testing, and stick to the basics before assuming its something seriously complicated.
I just started noticing a rubbing noise anytime I make a right turn. Even the slightest bit turn to the right it makes that sound.
ANSWER : Hi there. In most cases, this type of noise is a common sign of a bad or worn wheel bearing. When wheel bearings wear out or become damaged due to dirt or debris or lack of proper amount of grease, they can make a rubbing, grinding or vibrating sound. This may also be related to other front suspension components as well. If you need help with this, I recommend having a qualified professional from YourMechanic come to your car’s location to diagnose the rubbing noise and verify what needs repair.
