How to Deal With Automatic Transmission Failure in Mini Cooper
Transmissions, along with mostly all the other components of a vehicle, must be maintained and cared for regularly in order to properly function for any extended period of time. Mini Coopers typically experience transmission problems under specific circumstances, such as: when the vehicle accrues a higher mileage, when the car reaches a certain age, or when the driver exhibits specific driving habits. One might think that automatic transmissions aren’t as susceptible to the same issues that manual transmissions might experience; however, automatic transmissions still undergo gear shifting and similar processes that manual transmissions do, and still require ongoing maintenance to run properly.
Dealing with automatic transmission failure in your Mini Cooper is frustrating, as sometimes it can lead to expensive repair bills and time-consuming labor. Not only is it highly inconvenient to deal with transmission problems, it’s draining for your wallet. Noticing the signs of transmission failure earlier rather than later is optimal; it gives you an opportunity to fix an issue before the transmission completely fails and you have to replace the entire thing. Here are some symptoms to be aware of and what you can do for your MINI from now on.
Symptoms of Transmission Failure
It’s important to keep an eye out for these signs of transmission failure and bring your car to a professional Mini Cooper specialist for an accurate diagnosis immediately to prevent further damage to your transmission or engine:
Low or Leaking Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid shouldn’t leak if all is going well. Other fluids may leak from time to time, and it’s important to be able to distinguish between transmission fluid and the other vital liquids your car utilizes. Transmission fluid is distinct in that it’s usually a deep reddish color, typically leaking from beneath the front part of your vehicle. In order for the transmission to remain properly lubricated, it is essential that the transmission fluid is clean, full, and kept contained.
An Overheating Engine
When your transmission begins to fail, it adds a significant amount of stress to the other components of your engine. The added strain on your engine can lead to overheating, which can cause other parts to fail or become damaged. This scenario is highly avoidable if you can detect the symptoms early on.
Check-Engine Light Comes On
When your check-engine light turns on in your MINI dash, it is highly concerning; however, it is simply a way of letting you know that something is not quite right—and the issues could be singular or numerous, dealing just with the transmission as well as other parts that need attention. It’s most important to have a professional use the appropriate diagnostic equipment to read and clear the codes the MINI’s ECU is sending, and address the issue with accuracy.
Trouble with Gear Shifting
This is one of the most notable issues in transmission failure, including revving up to high RPMs without shifting gears, or staying in low RPMs and prematurely shifting gears. If you notice your car hesitates when transitioning to the next gear, you may also experience an intense jolt in your car when it attempts to do so.
Intense Vibration or Shuttering
The transmission has a huge impact on the way your car feels, particularly while accelerating or decelerating. You might notice a vibration or shaking in your entire car when it accelerates, or a sudden, dramatic budge. This symptom shouldn’t go overlooked and is on the more serious end of the spectrum in transmission problems.
Why a Differential Diagnosis is Necessary
Your Mini Cooper requires a high level of skill when attending to its needs—especially when it comes to the transmission. Whether you have an automatic or manual transmission, issues can be difficult to properly isolate and diagnose. A MINI specialist will know where to begin, as some common parts are prone to failure in the brand. A differential diagnosis can eliminate the other possible causes of the symptoms to ensure that the implemented course of action is the correct one. At Ronin Autowerks, serving MINI clients from the areas nearby Fullerton, Anaheim, and Yorba Linda, CA, we pride ourselves on our degree of accuracy and attention to detail in the diagnostic process. Our goal is to provide exceptional quality of care in our repair and maintenance procedures at an affordable rate so that all MINI drivers can experience the capability their car has to offer in performance. If you’re experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms in your Mini Cooper, please contact us at Ronin Autowerks to schedule an appointment right away.
* Yellow Mini Cooper image credit goes to: CasPhotography.