Sep 5, 2025
A transmission ready for Toyota service at Seeger Toyota St. Louis in St. Louis, MO

As long as your transmission fluid is always fresh, the gears should shift smoothly without any problems. However, any vehicle can experience occasional gearbox trouble. Here are five signs you need transmission service at your Toyota dealership. 

Your Gearbox Becomes Noisy

When transmission fluid is low, you may hear the transmission grinding or whining. This complex piece of machinery can also emit humming, buzzing, or clicking when low on lubrication or malfunctioning. Apart from bad or leaking fluid, these noises could come from faulty parts in a planetary gear system, worn bearings, or a bad solenoid, which controls the flow of fluid. If you hear strange sounds from below, have the problem figured out and resolved before it gets worse. 

You See Fluid Leaking Under Your Car

The most urgent fluid problem is a leak. Leaking transmission fluid means a plummet in lubrication and hydraulic pressure, which leaves the gearbox unprotected and soon leads to all kinds of dysfunction.

Transmission fluid is typically a red or light brown color, unless it’s dirty, when it turns dark brown or even black. If you notice any fluid of this description puddling under your car, use the dipstick to check the transmission fluid’s level and top it up or flush it. 

Your Gearbox Is Hesitant When Shifting

Any type of problem inside the transmission will eventually impede your car’s ability to shift gears. The first problem could be delays in engagement, where you find yourself waiting for several seconds for the new gears to lock in. When gears finally engage, the car might jolt or grind noisily. 

Your Engine Revs When You Shift Gears

When a malfunctioning gearbox struggles to change gears or send power smoothly through to the wheels, the engine may start revving loudly. This jump in RPMs is your car struggling to get the wheels turning despite a problematic gearbox. 

Come to Our Toyota Dealership for Expert Transmission Repair

Your Toyota’s gearbox will be best-served by highly trained Toyota technicians. The professionals at our service center are familiar with all Toyota models and can have your car shifting smoothly and reliably again in record time.

Visit Seeger Toyota St. Louis in St. Louis, MO, for prompt, courteous car service. Since 1969, we’ve been providing our customers with great vehicles and maintenance services. 

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