What are some signs that a transmission is failing?

Our van is squealing and we took it to a mechanic and he told us it was the transmission. But the transmission has no signs of slipping or anything. So my question is what are some signs that your transmission is failing? Or what could the sqealing be?|||Most of the time, squealing comes from drive belts not transmissions. On rare occasions, a bearing inside the transmission will fail and create such a noise, while the transmission seems to operate properly. This deserves a second opinion.|||nah! that doesnt sound like the tranmission to me. if it only does it while your driving, then it might be a wheel bearing.|||Take it to a transmissin shop (not AAMCO)... You don't go to a dentist when you have "hearburn" do you ? Dentist is a "doctor" too!





If the transmission fluid is not real burnt smelling (pull stick and smell real close), - and is not all "black looking" too, - then you might some some external problem that does not require rtransmission rebuild or replacement!





Some signs work is needed is poor performance when you first start out (possibly need transmission filter and fluid changed), - "bad smelling fluid, - maybe same probelm, could "scorch" fliuid in morning when you start out if filter is mostly plugged, (maybe not hurt insides yet)-- cold fluid much "thicker viscosity" when cold, - compared to when hot, - so will go through plugged filter easier!





Slipping is generally indication that "clutches" need adjusted (some have adjustable ones, some don't)...Slipping when really hot -but not when cooler can be indications of problems, (deterioration of seals) - though the clutches are still good ! It could also be in the torque converter, - which requires removing the transmission to change, - but is just a "link" to transmission from engine! Is filled with fluid from transmission, (and serves in place of a "clutch" in a standard transmission car!) Has your mileage gone down a lot lately, -- that might be sign of "slippage somewhere", - as it has to run fster to pull car along, and burns more gas because of wasted power to wheels!|||you can't go after putting in gear|||I would take it to another mechanic who can actually look at the transmission and not rely on a machine to tell him whats wrong. I think it isn't the transmission, I bet it is a belt that needs to be replaced!|||Look for leaks or maybe the transmission fluid. also you might need to lubricate it or check the clutch/gear...