A van gearbox plays an integral role in the overall performance of your vehicle. It can affect anything from the power to the stalling of the engine, so it’s important that you know the signs of gearbox failure and what to do should the worst happen. In this article, we’ll be going through what happens when a gearbox fails, together with the signs that your gearbox is on the way out, so let’s delve deeper into everything you need to know about van gearbox failure.
What happens if your gearbox fails while driving your van?
If your gearbox fails while you’re driving your van, it could have some serious consequences. It can cause your van to lose power or overheat, causing more damage in the long run. It can be even more dangerous if you’re driving at considerable speeds. There’s also the possibility that a manual van gearbox could get stuck in a specific gear, making it difficult to either speed up or slow down. It could also result in the stalling of your vehicle.
Essentially, no matter what goes wrong with your gearbox while driving your van, it’s an extremely dangerous fault that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. VanServ can carry out van gearbox replacement on a range of makes and models, helping you to get back out onto the road as soon as possible. Whether you use your van for business or leisure purposes, we’re dedicated to restoring safety and functionality to your vehicle with van gearbox replacement services.
8 signs your van gearbox is failing
It might be obvious if your gearbox isn’t working as it should, especially if it feels different or more clunky than it normally does. But what are some of the clear signs that your gearbox is in need of a repair or even a complete replacement? Let’s take a closer look at what you should be looking out for when it comes to van gearbox failure.
1. The “check engine” warning light is on
The “check engine” warning light can indicate a multitude of problems, but one of those issues could be a gearbox fault. Should this warning light appear on your dashboard, it’s imperative that you ask a professional to take a look at your vehicle. More specifically, if this light comes on in combination with other warning signs, then you should ask your technician to take a look at the gearbox. While they will perform a general vehicle health check on your van, to make sure there aren’t any other issues, this will give them some direction and a steer towards van gearbox repair or van gearbox replacement – whichever is needed.
2. Acceleration is poor
If you’re finding it difficult to accelerate when pressing the pedals down, it could be linked to an issue with your van gearbox. You might find that, while it will accelerate, the vehicle will do so at a much slower rate, with increased revs. This indicates a general delayed response in acceleration, which could point to an issue with your van gearbox.
3. There’s a fluid leak
This is a common fault with automatic gearboxes, rather than manual ones. If your automatic gearbox is leaking, it will leave a red fluid pool under your vehicle. It can also burn into the gearbox due to friction, therefore meaning the red colour will be more of a brown or even black tone. A fluid leak, as well as leaving a puddle under your vehicle, may also become apparent due to a burning smell, which is something we will get onto in a moment.
4. You have trouble changing gears
If you have trouble changing gears, then this could indicate a problem with your gearbox. If you’re experiencing a disconnect between changing gears, it could be due to a clogged filter, incorrect transmission fluid or even a faulty sensor, among other reasons.
5. Fuel efficiency is poor
You might not realise the correlation between a faulty gearbox and fuel efficiency, but it’s actually down to inefficient power transfer. This will affect the number of miles to the gallon you’re getting. To save your back pocket and to protect your gearbox, make sure you have your gearbox checked over by a professional if you’re experiencing poor fuel efficiency.
6. The gearbox is making strange noises
If there are some strange noises coming from your gearbox, then it could be faulty. Problems may present themselves in the form of humming, buzzing, clunking or whining. While these noises could also indicate an issue with your exhaust, it’s most likely down to a van gearbox failure. If your gearbox is damaged, then it will need to be replaced by a competent professional, such as our team at VanServ.
7. Your gearbox jerks, shakes or grinds
A jerking, shaking or grinding gearbox will indicate issues with it. This is the same whether you drive a manual or an automatic vehicle. Jerking and clunking could mean engine failure or issues with the transmission mounts. In addition, it could also mean that there is a problem with your gearbox bearings. Either way, it’s recommended that you take your van to a professional technician for inspection.
8. The smell of burning rubber
If you can smell burning rubber or if you notice smoke, then you could have an issue with your transmission. It’s even more obvious if this is coupled with a noticeable fluid leak, as already touched upon. This burning smell is a result of burning transmission fluid. So, a fluid leak and burning smell often come hand in hand when there’s an issue with your van gearbox.
How to fix van gearbox problems
Depending on the problem, a van gearbox repair can be made to mitigate the issue. However, in most cases, it’s more appropriate to simply carry out van gearbox replacements for good measure. A brand new van gearbox will restore reliability and safety to your vehicle, ensuring a smooth journey for your absolute peace of mind. Here at VanServ, we are pleased to provide van gearbox repair services and van gearbox replacements when you need them most. Our team of friendly, professional technicians are always on hand to deliver an unrivalled service every single time.
If you would like further information about the van gearbox replacement service or van gearbox repairs we’re able to perform, get in touch with a member of our knowledgeable, specialist team today – we’re always here to help.