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Leaking. Watch for leaks or stains under the vehicle. If there is a persistent red oil leak, and you're sure its from your car, have your transmission checked. If fluid levels get too low, serious damage can occur, just like running your engine low on motor oil.
Check Engine Light Is On. Most vehicles have "transmission codes" which will make the Check Engine Light come on. This can be checked with a scanner. If there is a transmission related code, have it checked out by a transmission repair specialist.
Check fluid for color and odor. Most manufacturers require that your check transmission fluid level when the vehicle is running on level ground. Pull the dipstick (if the vehicle has one), and check the fluid for color and odor. The fluid should be bright cherry red. If it's dark, cloudy, muddy, or has a burned odor, then you should have it checked by a transmission expert.
Noises. A modern transmission should shift smoothly and quietly under light acceleration. Firmer shifts will result from heaver acceleration and/or towing loads. You hear noises when shifting, you should have it checked out immediately. Whining noises from the transmission are also a cause for concern. If caught early enough, many problems can be resolved without costly repairs.
Delay into gear. If you step on the gas, and there is a delay before the vehicle goes into a gear, this is a sign of an internal problem. Also, if the vehicle takes a few seconds to catch up or "shift" into gear after you've moved the shift lever. This can happen when the fluid is still cold, or indicate that there is an internal pressure loss, a transmission problem. Have the vehicle inspected.
Loss of one or more gears. If you vehicle doesn't have one or more gears, including reverse, this is a sign that you need to have diagnostic service performed to identify the cause of the problem. Like many other problems, early attention may result in a lower repair bill.
Shudder. If the vehicle shudders under acceleration, you may have a transmission or engine performance issue. A trained transmission expert will be able to diagnose the problem and make a service recommendation that will eliminate the shudder. This symptom, if caught early enough, can often be repaired inexpensively.
Slipping. If the engine RPMS climb erratically, and the vehicle doesn't go faster, you may be slipping internally. Avoid driving as much as possible, as slipping results in rapid clutch wear. If the clutches wear out before the problem is corrected, the transmission will require an overhaul to restore normal operation.
No movement. If the vehicle won't move at all, then you may have a transmission problem. Possibly there were early warning signs, but sometimes this happens suddenly. It doesn't always mean that the transmission must be overhauled. There are often external causes, that, when corrected, can restore normal operation.
Unexpected Shifting. If you notice that the shifting sometimes occurs at an unexpected time, or changes every time you drive, this is a transmission sign. In particular, shifting into first several seconds after coming to a complete stop, have the transmission looked at.
Early or Late Shifting. If your car is not shifting at the same engine RPM's it used to shift at, then that is an early sign of a transmission problem.
No Passing Gear. If you press the pedal to the floor, but the vehicle doesn't downshift, then you may have a transmission problem. A trained transmission diagnostician can determine the cause of this problem.
Gear Shift Lever. If the shift lever is hard to move into our out of any position, or has to be set slightly off "P" or "N" to start the car, you may have a transmission problem.