Free Estimate
NC / SC Residents only

Newsletter Sign-up

Connect With Us

Browse by Tag

Transmission Repair & Auto Repair Blog

Current Articles | RSS Feed RSS Feed

3 Signs Your Timing Belt Needs to be Replaced | Charlotte NC

  
  
  
  

When you own a vehicle, it requires routine proper maintenance. This can help prevent against any costly repairs. Just as though you would change your engine oil, you also need to change your transmission oil, routinely inspect your brakes and tires, and perform proper maintenance on your timing belt. 

The timing belt is a belt, restrain or girdle which operates the camshaft in your vehicle's engine that keeps the whole mechanism running smooth. This belt is located in the engine with overhead cams that are properly turned time after time to keep the engine fully functional and must be adjusted accordingly to move with the pistons.

Your timing belt should be replaced between 50K - 70K miles. Some common indications when you need to replace your time belt are as below:

  1. The most common reason indicating the replacement of the belt is reduction in engine power. Start up your vehicle and keep the engine running idly, if getting hot or causing the vehicle to jolt and tremble while creating rattling noise, replace the belt immediately.

  2. Almost all cars and vehicles have average mileage suggestion when you should change your timing belt. Typically that is 50 - 70,000 miles. If you have over 100,000 miles, even if there are no current issues, you should change the timing belt just for safety.

  3. Another way to scrutinize is through driving the car in a small area, if a gun-shot like noise is heard, the belt needs to be changed. Similarly if the vehicle is moving slow or fast contradicting with the pressure applied by the driver via feet, then this is a sign for the belt to be replaced.

Other Symptoms of a Timing Belt Going Bad include but are not limited to:

  • Excessive Exhaust If your car fires more than a typical amount of exhaust, your timing belt could be worn out.
  • Difficult to Start If your car has high mileage and is difficult to start, the timing belt could be going bad.
  • Leaky Engine Older rubber timing belts degrade in hot temperatures and with exposure to motor oil. If your car runs hot and has a leaky engine, the life expectancy of your timing belt is lowered. Newer timing belts are made of heat-resistant materials and do not have this problem.
  • Shaking or knocking sounds A working timing belt is perfectly timed with the valves and pistons. If the belt is going bad, the timing will be off, causing the car to shake.

Timing Belt
Replacement - $395!

Save on your timing
belt replacement or
timing belt repair.

Includes: Timing Belt,
Water Pump,
Anti-freeze and Labor

*6 Cyl is additional

Ready to replace your timing belt? Call us at 704-821-3460.

3 Reasons You Need a Transmission Service | Charlotte NC

  
  
  
  

The transmission in your car is used to transfer power over to the driving mechanism which functions the car and allows it to move. It is usually located in a box form which is known as a "gearbox", which converts speed of power into torque. 

Experts recommend that a transmission needs to be flushed or serviced once a year or after the vehicle has covered 20,000 miles. Some vehicles require you to flush it sooner in order to keep your car tuned to its full capacity.  Here are 3 main reasons you need a transmission service:

Grinding or Rattling Noise

If a transmission has been tainted with grease, dirt, grit, sludge or any other pollutant, it can affect the transmission fluid. You might also experience grinding or rattling sound while driving. If this happens, bring your vehicle in immediately for a transmission service.

Transmission fluid is red in color which can be observed while the engine keeps on running. In the event your transmission fuild changes color to either brown or black, this is a sure sign your transmission fluid needs to be cleaned. The color would change due to being contaminated with different pollutants, such as the ones mentioned above.

transmission fluid flush charlotte nc chart resized 600 

Trouble Shifting Gears

No matter if your vehicle is a manual or automatic, clean transmission fluid is necessary to keep your vehicle running. If you’re having a problem shifting gears or they’re responding slowly, this can also indicate you are due to have your transmission fluid flushed and changed. 

Surging Vehicle

You must have observed the jump start of your vehicle while it jerks back and forth, this is due to the transmission getting over polluted with dirt and impurities! To overcome this issue, simply get your transmission flushed up for a smooth performance.

Did you know...Over 80% ignore the signs for a transmission service? If you ignore the signs for your transmission fluid service, you could end up with a costly transmission rebuild. 3 in 5 transmission rebuilds are caused by improper maintenance or service to the transmission.

Do you need a transmission service? Call us today at 704-821-3460 and schedule your transmission service today. 

2006 Acura TL Transmission Repair | Charlotte NC

  
  
  
  

2006 acura tl transmission repair charlotte nc 410Only a few cars under $40K offer a rare combination of luxury, style and comfort. The 2006 Acura TL is certainly one of them – where you can enjoy all the traits of a luxurious car without spending a great deal of money. The 2006 Acura TL has a magnificent interior, a V6 engine and is well-equipped with features.

Today we are discussing 3 common transmission problems with the 2006 Acura TL. The Acura Transmission can be compared to the Honda Transmission, in the fact that many of the same transmission problems can occur. Here are the top three:

1. Rough Transition

In manual cars, jittery transition was observed when shifting gears. It was rougher while changing gears from first to second and from second to third. Another similar problem was reported where the third gear was instable and was popping out continuously without any apparent reason.

2. Problem With Transmission Solenoid
One of the top transmission issues with the 2006 Acura TL is that it has been repeatedly reported that when going upward the transmission gears will start to slip. The gears pop out continuously and the problem typically reoccurs when the weather is hot.

3. Fluid Leak
There have been complaints of leakage in the gasket between outer and inner transmission cases. Unfortunately, this leak is often misdiagnosed for axle oil leak. If you have a fluid leak of any kind, please have it looked at immediately. If the transmission is leaking for any reason, ignoring the leak will cause severe transmission problems which result in broken or damaged gears.

It is not the first or the second time that Acura TL is diagnosed with transmission problems. In its 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000 and 1999 models are well known for their transmission issues. There are over 296 transmission problems that can occur with the 2006 Acura TL. If you think you have a transmission problem or are in need of a transmission repair, call Charlotte NC’s best Transmission Repair Shop. We offer Free Transmission Diagnosis, Free Towing (with Transmission Rebuild repair) and Free Estimates.

Used vs Rebuild Transmission | Transmission Repair Charlotte NC

  
  
  
  
used transmissions vs rebuilt charlotte nc

When your transmission starts giving you a hard time, there usually aren't many options, especially if the transmission has caused your vehicle to lose gears or it will not move. Two options are to either A) have the transmission rebuilt or B) buy a used or remanufactured transmission.

Though both the solutions are viable, the best choice is to rebuild the transmission. Rebuilding your transmission is one of the only ways to ensure that broken and worn parts are replaced to restore the transmission to a "like new" condition. Used transmissions, as well as remanufactured transmissions, can be a pricy path to take, as well as risky. Here are three reasons why rebuilding your transmission is a better idea than buying used:

1. Cost Efficiency
A rebuilt transmission is cost-efficient and time-efficient at the same time. When you purchase a used transmission, most likely this was one of many transmissions found inside a vehicle at a junkyard. Most used or remanufactured transmissions come with a low warranty or no warranty at all. Our transmission rebuilds always come with the longest warranty available - 3 Years / Unlimited Miles. A used transmission that fails after only 6 months to a year after installing will cause you to start at the beginning for another transmission, or finally a rebuild.

2. Assurance
When your transmission is rebuilt, we disassemble the entire unit. We look through each part, clean all the parts, replace any worn or broken parts and add new transmission fluid. A transmission rebuild will return your transmission to a 'like new' condition. When buying a used transmission, you are buying a unit that could be in worse condition than your already broken unit, or may have parts inside that are already broken, worn or damaged.

3. Warranty
Every transmission we rebuild comes with Charlotte NC's best Transmission Rebuild Warranty. Your warranty is covered for 3 Years / Unlimited Miles. This is very different from the warranty or lack of warranty that may come with a used transmission unit.

By and large, the pros of having a transmission rebuilt outweigh the risk of buying a used or remanufactured transmission. We have been repairing and rebuilding transmissions in Charlotte NC for over 30 years. Our warranty is by far the longest transmission rebuild warranty offered in the Charlotte NC and surrounding areas. Call us at 704-821-3460 for a free estimate or diagnosis.

3 Top Transmission Problems | 2003 Ford Taurus Transmission Repair Charlotte NC

  
  
  
  

2003 ford taurus transmission repair charlotte ncThe Ford Taurus is a sturdy automobile from the much renowned Ford Motor company. It was first introduced in 1986 and has remained in production since its first year, with modifications and upgrades being introduced almost yearly. The Ford Taurus was known as a milestone in car manufacturing design and has remained an icon in the Ford history. It was at one point the best-selling car in all of America and the 1986 to 1995 point especially is recalled in its successes. While being a beloved design, it eventually lost out to Toyota Camry in 1997 in its ranking for best-selling.

The 2003 Ford Taurus is a vehicle known for its sturdiness and power, and was quite famous when it came out. However, there have been some problems in the car’s transmission that have gradually come to light. The 2003 Ford Taurus has had numerous Transmission Problems, however this article highlights the top 3 that are most commonly experienced.

Internal Transmission Pumps
A few incidences have been reported where the pumps have broken down mid-drive which have led to further problems in the function of the car. As the transmission is vital for safety in maneuvering the car, it could be quite dangerous for the stick shift to stop functioning on its own. This problem has led to a large number of Ford Taurus models to be pulled out of the market.

Transmission Shaft
Another problem quite often observed Is the main shaft being broken down easily, that goes into the Torque converter. While there have been some refurbishments in the internal system of the car, this problem has sometimes persisted even with constant body work. The 2003 Ford Taurus is known for being sturdy and for being able to withstand shocks, thus these problems came as unprecedented and need to be taken care of accordingly. Some models seem to work better once they have had an upgrade in the braking and steering systems, but the transmission sustains.

Control Regulator Valve
Finally, there have been certain problems with the control regulator valve, but this is a less known problem that has occurred in only particular models. Acceleration can get severely affected through this problem, thus quick solutions need to be found for it.

As Charlotte's Transmission Repair Specialists, we have seen many Ford vehicles, including the Ford Taurus enter our shop with transmission problems. We know the problems that this transmission commonly experiences and can help you with your 2003 Ford Taurus Transmission Repair. Contact us at 704-821-3460 for a Free Estimate --- mention this blog for a $200 OFF Transmission Repair Coupon.

We provide Charlotte NC's best Transmission Rebuild warranty - 3 Years / Unlimited Miles.  

2 Top 2005 Nissan Pathfinder Transmission Problems | Charlotte NC

  
  
  
  

2005 nissan pathfinder transmission repair charlotte ncThe Nissan Pathfinder is a popular SUV that is a crossover model by Nissan Motors. The pathfinder itself is sized between the Murano, Armada and the Patrol, with a price range between the Xterra and Murano. Nissan Pathfinder’s transmission has been getting somewhat stilted reviews due to a common problem with the transmission. Below, we look at some of the reasons why Nissah Pathfinder’s transmission is likely to fail and need either a transmission repair or transmission rebuild.

Nissan’s Pathfinder has been at the hub of complaint forums due to its transmission problems. One of the reasons that users have lodged the complaint for is the fact that the transmission starts to vibrate at higher speeds and letting up on the gas pedal leads to deterioration in its speed. This is a common problem among the owners of Nissan Pathfinder. (There are several solutions to repair and we highly suggest if you are experiencing this to contact us at 704-821-3460.) 

The 2005 Nissan Pathfinder transmission problems have been consistent in several different models. Another problem coming up consistently through the Nissan Pathfinder Transmission is that water from the radiation enters the transmission fluid during long trips in the car. This makes it harder for individuals to trust the car’s long term performance.

Changing your transmission flluid regularly can help avoid major problems like the ones described above. Transmission problems are not suggested to be ignored as they worsen with time. A small vibration today could easily turn into a lost gear tomorrow. 

As Transmission Repair experts in Charlotte NC, we have repaired many Nissan vehicles, including the Nissan Pathfinder. We specialize in solving transmission problems and can repair or rebuild your transmission. Mention this blog article when you call us at 704-821-3460 for $200 OFF Transmission Rebuild coupon!

2005 Honda Odyssey Transmission Repair | Charlotte NC

  
  
  
  

2005 honda odyssey transmission repair charlotte nc twin resized 600It’s a well known fact in the automotive industry that since 1999, Honda Odyssey vehicles have had problems with their transmissions. In 2006 the transmission problems were so bad that Honda had to settle a class action lawsuit and several recalls were announced.  However, even although Honda decided to replace the transmission in 2007 with one that was similar to a Ridgeline model, the transmissions still were failing or having problems. 

As experts in Transmission Repair and Transmission rebuild, we can tell you the top signs that your 2005 Honda Odyssey may need a transmission repair. At the first sign of a transmission problem, we recommend you bring your vehicle in for a diagnosis. Transmission problems only worsen with time. (Insider tip: Remember to bring your Honda Odyssey in for routine maintenance, including transmission fluid checks! Over 90% forget to replace or refill their transmission fluid, leading to costly repairs.) 

Here are some sure signs that your 2005 Honda Odyssey Transmission may need repair:

There is a strange chemical odor in your car while driving.  This is one of the first signs that something might be quite wrong with your transmission; a chemical smell that was never there before will permeate the interior of your car.  Once you’ve eliminated all other possible causes of the odor’s origin, chances are you have a problem with your transmission.

The transmission slips between second and third gear.  This is the most common sign that people notice before their transmission fails and stops moving the car completely.  If this happens while you’re driving, it’s time to call Twin Transmissions at 704-821-3460. Do not ignore signs of a transmission problem like slipping gears - it will only worsen until your vehicle stops moving entirely. 

The Traction Control System light and Check Engine light are on after a gear slip.  Both of these lights indicate that there may be something wrong with the transmission. This is especially true if the TCS light goes on while driving.

We have been providing Charlotte NC car owners with quality transmission repair, transmission rebuild and transmission services for over 30 years. We are experts in transmission repair for al makes and models, including the Honda Odyssey Transmission.

Call us today for a Free Transmission Repair Estimate and Diagnosis of your Transmission Problem. Also, don't forget to mention our special $200 OFF transmission rebuild repair coupon, free towing availability and ask about our warranty. (We carry the longest transmission rebuild warranty in NC - 3 Years / Unlimited Miles). 

2004 Honda Accord Transmission Repair | Charlotte NC

  
  
  
  

The Honda Accord is2004 honda accord transmission repair twin charlotte nc notorious for their transmission problems, and specifically the 2004 Honda Accord is one of the most common vehicles we see brought into the shop. Usually, transmission repair issues start happening before the vehicle has reached 80,000 miles.

Here are three signs your 2004 Honda Accord transmission may need a transmission repair or transmission rebuild.
(Should you witness any of these signs, it’s time to bring in your Honda Accord for a Free Transmission Diagnosis. We are Charlotte's best Transmission Repair and Transmission Rebuild shop. Call us at 704-821-3460 for an appointment.)

Sign #1:  Your Honda Accord transmission is slipping gears.  Of the three signs in this list, this is probably the most serious; 2004 Accord owners on various automotive forums on the internet state that when the transmission starts to slip, total transmission failure quickly follows.  The moment your transmission slips gears, in order to avoid a dangerous breakdown, call us at 704-821-3460 immediately. (We offer Free Towing throughout the Charlotte NC area if your car is not safe to drive directly to our shop.) 

Sign #2:  You have problems shifting gears; the gear shift may get stuck.  This sign can sometimes occur independently or can occur at the same time as Sign #1 on the list.  This is also a sure sign that your Honda Accord needs a transmission repair or transmission rebuild.

Sign #3:  The transmission fluid is black or dark brown.  If you suspect that your transmission is about to fail, check under the hood.  When you check the transmission fluid levels, a normal color is anywhere from very light brown to a nice solid red.  Black or dark brown fluid indicates that the transmission was neglected or is malfunctioning.  If the transmission fluid is dark and dirty, you’re going to need repairs.

There are other signs that your Honda transmission may need a transmission repair or transmission rebuild; should any of these occur, call us immediately at 704-821-3460.

Common signs your 2004 Honda Accord Transmission needs Repair include:

  • A chemical, burning smell in the car
  • A dragging clutch
  • Leaking transmission fluid
  • The “check engine” light is on
  • The gears grind or your car shakes
  • The car makes a racket when it’s in neutral
  • A lack of response.

The signs listed above are also some of the most common signs a transmission of other makes and models may need repair. As Charlotte's best transmission repair and transmission rebuild center, we have repaired over 2000 transmissions per year. We offer Charlotte's Longest Transmission Rebuild (go on ahead, call around and check :) ) with a 3 year and unlimited mile warranty on all transmission rebuild repairs. We are experts in Transmission repair and offer quality service for a great price. Call us at 704-821-3460 for a free transmission repair diagnosis.

Transmission Repair Charotte NC 

3 Signs Your 2003 Acura TL Needs Transmission Repair | Charlotte NC

  
  
  
  

2003 acura tl transmission repair charlotte nc twinWhile there are some universal signs that indicate your car’s transmission is failing, the 2003 Acura TL has some specific warning signs when it comes to transmission failure. When your Acura TL Transmission starts to have problems, you will see some of the signs detailed below. If you are experiencing any of the listed transmission problems, please call us immediately at 704-821-3460. Transmission problems worsen over time and can result in complete transmission failure.

Here are the three signs of impending transmission failure in a 2003 Acura TL:

Sign number one:  The transmission slips from second gear to third gear.  This can be a very scary situation if it happens while driving on speedy I-485 in Charlotte NC. The first time this happens, you need to call us or bring the vehicle in. (As explained above, transmission problems worsen with time - to avoid costly repairs, bring your Acura TL in at the first signs of a transmission problem.) 

Sign number two:  The transmission slips from fourth gear down to third.  This can be horrendously dangerous as the car will slow down far too rapidly, possibly causing an accident.  If this happens once, it’s one time too many.

Sign number three:  A burning or chemical smell is in your car while you’re driving.  This means that the transmission fluid is low and/or the transmission is overheating.   Your transmission may simply have a leak or the transmission fluid might be dirty.  Whatever the reason is, you should immediately call Charlotte's best transmission repair shop, and bring your vehicle in to avoid costly repairs. (Over 90% forget about common transmission maintenance, such as changing the transmission fluid. Do not let this small maintenance allow damage to your transmission.)

There are other signs that your transmission might be failing, such as the transmission refusing to get into gear and making a lot of noise while in neutral.  A dragging clutch might also indicate that it’s time to consider not just a transmission repair, but a transmission rebuild.

A transmission rebuild on your Acura TL transmission is usually necessary to fix all of the problems listed above. The transmission rebuild involves removing your transmission from your vehicle, disassembling the entire transmission unit, inspecting all parts inside and then cleaning and repacing necessary parts. Transmission rebuilds can bring your transmission back to an 'almost new' state.

We are Charlotte's top rated Transmission Repair and Transmission Rebuild center. We specialize in all make and model vehicles, including the Acura TL transmission. Call us at 704-821-3460 for a free transmission repair diagnosis and estimate -- and don't forget to mention our $200 OFF coupon (valid on all transmission rebuilds). We also carry Charlotte's best Transmission Rebuild Warranty -- 3 Years / UNLIMITED MILES.

3 Signs You Need a Transmission Repair | Charlotte NC

  
  
  
  

transmission repair charlotte ncDiagnosing your car's transmission problems can be a daunting challenge. Chances are that if you are looking at this, you have already noticed something is not quite right with your vehicle. Its best to diagnose a problem when it first occurs, than waiting for it to worsen. Some problems can be easily fixed, such as changing the transmission fluid, but how do you tell a minor problem from a transmission problem? Here are three major warning signs that you may need a transmission repair: 

1. Problems Shifting

Has your manual transmission's shifter become difficult to shift when you press the clutch? This can happen at any gear - first, second, third, neutral, reverse - and even while the vehicle is in motion. While this can be a sign that your transmission fluid is low, or a sign you are using the wrong type of transmission fluid it could expose a problem requiring the adjustment of your shift cables or the clutch linkage.

2. Strange Smells or Odors

Have you noticed any unusual odors eminating from your car? An unusual smell can be a sign that your transmission is overheating, that the fluid is low or leaking.

3. Slipping Gears

Does your car ever pop out of gear while you are driving? A slip into neutral while you are on the road can be unnerving and potentially very dangerous. This is a sure sign that you need your transmission examined immediately.

No matter the problem with your transmission, we are here to help. We have been repairing transmissions for over 30 years in the Charlotte NC area. We provide Free Towing on all Transmission Rebuilds, Free Diagnostic services and more. Call us today at 704-821-3460 if you have any of the transmission problems above, or a question about your transmission repair.

All Posts