Transmission Repair

Transmission Repair at Francen & Son

Your transmission is one of the more important parts of your vehicle, making sure that the power from your engine is reaching the wheels of your vehicle. Whether you’re driving with an automatic or manual transmission, it plays a huge role in how your car drives. Over time, wear and tear or lack of maintenance can lead to issues, making repair or replacement necessary. At Francen & Son in Algonquin, IL, we provide transmission services to help keep your car running for miles and miles.

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How Your Transmission Works

In simplest terms, the transmission makes sure that your car takes power from your engine and uses it responsibly. In an automatic transmission, this happens automatically and without shifting gears, while manuals require the driver to shift gears. Both types rely on a series of gears, fluids, and other components to function properly. Keeping your transmission in good condition is an important part for safety.

Signs Your Transmission Needs Repairs

Transmission problems can often start out as small but will grow into bigger problems if left untreated. Recognizing the signs of a failing transmission can help you address issues early and avoid more repairs. Common warning signs include:

Delayed or Slipping Gears: Wear and tear or low fluid levels might cause your transmission to hesitate when changing or slip out of gears.
Unusual Noises: You might notice whining, grinding, or even flunking noises when shifting gears.
Leaking Transmission Fluid: There are red or brown spots under your leak indicating a transmission leak.
Burning Smell: A burning odor might mean your transmission is overheating or that the fluid needs replacing.
Dashboard Warning Light: Many vehicles have a warning light that lights up when there’s an issue.

If you notice any of these signs, schedule an inspection as soon as possible. Ignoring issues could lead to more repairs or even a complete failure.

Common Transmission Repairs

Transmissions are one of the more complex systems in your vehicle, meaning a number of issues could arise. Some of the more common repairs include:

Transmission Fluid Change: Low or dirty transmission fluid can cause poor performance. Changing the fluid can help slow down or prevent wear and overheating.
Seal and Gasket Replacement: Leaks might occur when seals or gaskets wear out. Replacing these parts can stop fluid loss and protect your transmission.
Clutch Repair (Manual Transmission): The clutch allows you to engage and disengage gears when driving with a manual transmission. Over time, these clutches can wear out and need to be replaced.
Solenoid Repair: Solenoids control the flow of fluid. A malfunctioning solenoid can affect gear changes and performance.
Torque Converter Repair: In automatic transmissions, the torque converter transfers power from the engine to the transmission. Issues with this can cause shuddering, slipping, or poor acceleration.

Transmission Services at Francen & Son

At Francen & Son, we offer a full range of transmission repair and maintenance services, including:

Transmission Fluid Changes: Replacing old or contaminated fluid helps keep your transmission clean.
Diagnostics: We use tools to identify issues and offer the right repairs.
Leak Repairs: Fixing leaks and replacing worn seals or gaskets prevents fluid loss and damage.
Clutch Repair and Replacement: For manual transmissions, we handle clutch repairs to keep your gear changes smooth.
Transmission Rebuilds and Replacements: If your transmission has significant damage, we can help rebuild and replace it to restore your vehicle.

Preventing Transmission Problems

While some transmission issues can occur over time, you can prevent some with good habits and maintenance. Here are a few tips to help protect your transmission:

Check Fluid Levels Regularly: Low transmission fluid can cause overheating and damage. Check the levels every so often and top off as needed.
Avoid Overheating: Driving in stop-and-go traffic or towing heavy loads can cause your transmission to overheat. Take breaks when necessary and don’t overload your vehicle.
Shift Gears Properly: For manual transmissions, avoid riding the clutch or aggressive shifting. In automatic vehicles, come to a stop before shifting between reverse and drive.
Follow the Maintenance Schedule: Fluid changes can go a long way in preventing transmission issues.

FAQ

How often should I have my transmission fluid changed?

Most manufacturers recommend changing transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. We always say to check your owner’s manual for more specific guidelines.

Can I drive with a transmission leak?

We don’t recommend it. Driving with a leak could cause your transmission to run low on fluid and lead to overheating or damage.

What happens if I ignore transmission problems?

Ignoring an issue could result in damage, repairs, or complete failure.

Do I need to replace my transmission if it’s not working?

Not always. Many issues can be repaired without a full replacement. Bring your vehicle to Francen & Son for a diagnosis.

Does Francen & Son provide a warranty on transmission repairs?

Yes, we offer a 12,000-mile/12-month warranty on all repairs, including transmission services.

Visit Us Today

If you think there’s something wrong with your transmission or just need a check, Francen & Son is here to help.

We Serve the Following Illinois Locations:

Barrington

Crystal Lake

Huntley

Algonquin

Book an appointment today to keep your transmission—and your vehicle—running smoothly.

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