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Symptom Checker.

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Fluid looks pink, milky, or foamyOften means coolant has mixed into the transmission fluid.Car won't move in Drive or ReverseEngages with a delay, or not at all.Grinding or harsh clunking when shiftingA metallic grind, not a soft thud.Burnt smell from the fluid or under the carLike burnt toast or hot oil.Transmission slips (revs climb, speed doesn't)Engine races but acceleration lags.Red or brown puddle where you parkUsually toward the center-front of the car.Delay before the car moves after shiftingA 1–2 second pause going into D or R.Hard, jerky, or banging shiftsShifts feel rough instead of smooth.Whining or humming that rises with speedA new noise that tracks vehicle speed.Fluid is dark brown or blackInstead of bright, translucent red.Fluid hasn't been changed in 60k+ milesOr you simply don't know when it last was.Check engine / transmission warning light is onCould be transmission-related or not.

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