The longer you’ve had an Allison transmission, the more wear and tear the machinery has had to endure. Chances are, you’ll eventually need a transmission repair or a new one entirely. To avoid being caught off guard or endangering yourself, it’s important to learn to recognize the signs that your Allison transmission is having trouble.

Red Flags for Your Transmission

There won’t always be a clear cause of the problem. The best thing you can do is learn to identify the warning signs that your Allison transmission needs a little work. Some of the most common red flags could be: 

1. Slow response time
2. Leaks
3. Warning lights
4. Clunking or grinding 

1) Slow Response Time

If your Allison transmission takes a few seconds to respond after you’ve switched gears, something’s wrong. Not only is this inconvenient, but it’s also a potential safety hazard if you’re unable to stop or start the vehicle in time. Have a professional examine the transmission immediately.

2) Leaks

Leaking fluid is the universal sign on just about any vehicle that something major needs work. While it doesn’t necessarily mean you should stop using the vehicle, you should keep an eye on the leak and make sure things don’t get any worse. 

3) Warning Lights

Of course, a warning light requires immediate attention. During your periodic tests of your machinery, watch for any warning lights and take note of the indicated problem. Depending on how severe the issue with your Allison transmission is, you may have to stop using the vehicle entirely while you wait on repairs.

4) Clunking or Grinding

Loud, unnatural sounds could mean that your Allison transmission needs maintenance or replacing. If you begin to hear concerning noises from the engine while operating a vehicle, stop using that particular vehicle until you can have a professional assess the transmission. You may also feel pressure as you try to shift gears or turn your vehicle on or off. This is a similar problem and should be handled similarly–stop using the vehicle in question until you know what to do.

Pro Tip: A burning smell from your Allison transmission could mean the transmission fluid is overheating. Stop the vehicle, let the fluid cool down, and get the transmission professionally examined as quickly as possible. 

Handling Allison Transmission Trouble

Your Allison transmission comes with a full guarantee of repairs or replacement when necessary. By taking advantage of the resources available to you, you’ll guarantee a long life for your vehicles and safety for yourself and coworkers. Don’t wait to get your transmission repaired–call a professional immediately!

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