The most important component in your car’s drivetrain is the transmission, which transfers the engine’s power to the wheels. Most modern cars have automatic transmissions, which seamlessly change gears in accordance with the car’s speed to protect the gearbox from overloading. If this vital and complex piece of machinery runs into trouble, you’ll soon notice the following symptoms. Technicians at your local Chevy dealership can give your transmission attention, maintaining and repairing it as required.
7 Signs Your Chevy’s Transmission Might Be Failing—And What Your Chevy Technology Will Tell You First
Whining Sounds
Faulty transmissions make all kinds of strange noises. A common one is whining, which typically indicates the transmission fluid is low, old, or leaking. Whining could also point to a more serious fault, such as a bad torque converter or rounded-out gears, so never ignore this sound.
Grinding Sounds
Your Chevy’s transmission might emit a high-pitched whine when fluid is degraded. In newer models, you may also receive a dashboard notification or a warning from your MyChevrolet app.
Delayed Shifting
If gear shifts feel rough or you hear grinding, especially on automatic transmissions, it may indicate internal wear. Look for transmission alerts in the Driver Information Center. Modern Chevys may log this behavior and store diagnostic codes that service techs can scan in minutes.
Sticking Gears
An even more serious problem is gears that refuse to shift at all. As with most gearbox trouble, this might be due to low or bad fluid. However, you could also have a worn-out shift linkage or some more severe fault. Whether it’s stuck in Park or sluggish in Drive, this issue can often be predicted by real-time transmission temperature readings and alerts on newer models.
Slipping Gears
One potentially hazardous result of a faulty transmission is slipping gears. This is where the gears change on their own at inopportune moments, sometimes slipping into neutral. It’s best not to continue driving until your slipping gears have been repaired. In 2025 models, slipping gears might activate StabiliTrak® warnings or limp mode, especially if linked to fluid pressure drops or sensor faults.
Leaking Fluid
Transmission fluid lubricates the hundreds of moving parts inside the system. It also helps to control heat, clean the gears, combat corrosion, and maintain essential hydraulic pressure. If your gearbox springs a fluid leak, your car will experience immediate problems. You may also see a pink, red, or brown liquid puddling under your car. Today’s Chevys include underbody cameras or warning sensors that may detect drips before you even see them on your driveway.
Revving Engine
Transmission problems interrupt the smooth delivery of power from the engine to the wheels. When this occurs, the engine sometimes starts revving loudly in an attempt to get the wheels to turn properly. This may trigger a powertrain alert or reduced engine power mode. If your Chevy suddenly revs without acceleration, it’s time for immediate service.
Get Professional Transmission Attention at Your Chevy Dealership
Modern transmissions are enormously complex. It’s therefore advisable to leave any gearbox servicing to the pros. Our experienced technicians can diagnose your transmission troubles and repair the fault in record time.
Don’t guess—let your Chevy help you detect transmission problems early.
Schedule your transmission diagnostic today at First State Chevrolet in Georgetown, DE. Our certified technicians use factory-grade tools to keep your Chevy shifting smoothly. We provide a fine range of vehicles and comprehensive automotive services: a one-stop shop for all your driving needs.
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