Driving a car with whining transmission sounds can mean the transmission is failing. And if the transmission fails midway while driving, then you may not be able to move your vehicle. Further, there is a chance that the whining sound is due to one failed component that can be replaced timely to prevent a complete transmission failure.
So, if you hear a whining sound, get your car to the mechanic as soon as possible to determine the cause and avoid damage. This article explores all the possible causes of whining noise while your car accelerates and what you can do to resolve the issue.
Short on Time – Here’s a Quick Summary
Several reasons for your vehicle making a whining noise while accelerating, including a faulty transmission. Whining noise when accelerating can be caused by friction between transmission components due to low transmission fluid or worn alternator bearings.
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Why should you pay attention to the Whining Transmission Sound?
A whining transmission sound can signal that the transmission fluid is low or some gears have worn out. Similarly, the gear fluid might get clogged, leading to the whining transmission sounds.
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However, if you ignore these sounds and continue driving your car, there is a greater risk of transmission failure. Unfortunately, transmission failure means you must spend $1000 or more on the car’s repair.
However, if you stop driving your car when the whining sounds have just started, then there is a possibility that you can resolve this issue at a lower price. For example, if the gear fluid is low, then it can take around $80-200 to get the gear fluid replaced. Similarly, a gear fluid leakage can also be fixed at around $100-200. But once the transmission fails due to the ignorance of the driver, then there is no way but to spend around 1000 dollars to get your vehicle in a driving state again.
What are the Causes of Whining Noise When Accelerating?
Over time, many car components wear under standard usage, and transmission parts are no exception. As a result, they deteriorate over time, and issues start showing up. When this happens to you, the only solution is to find the root cause of the noise and resolve the issue before it leads to the failure of any component.
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Ideally, there can be many potential causes of whining noise while your car accelerates, which might require extreme attention during the diagnostic process.
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While there are various reasons for whining noises when accelerating, it must be noted not all whining sounds are due to transmission issues. Below are some reasons for the whining noise.
Transmission Issues
Several transmission issues can cause transmission whining noise when accelerating. However, automatic transmission often provides more comfort on roads with congested or slow traffic than a manual transmission.
Automobiles with automatic transmission are expected to account for about one-fourth of the market by 2025 due to the need for better vehicle performance and fuel economy targets. The consumer market today requires better performance of their vehicles as well as reliability. Several transmission issues can lead to inconvenience and compromised vehicle performance if not addressed in time.
Transmission issues that may cause whining noise while accelerating are:
- Failing Transmission Oil Pump: A failing transmission pump can cause transmission whining noise while accelerating. Being an essential part of the transmission unit, a transmission oil pump provides lubrication to the valve body and other components. Friction due to poor lubrication can make the whining sound.
- Lower Transmission Fluid: Transmission fluid helps lubricate and cool the transmission and prevents overheating. If its level gets low, it might cause noise. These noises can be whining, and irritating caused due resistance to the internal moving parts.
- Blocked Transmission Filter: A blocked filter or any blockage on the transmission passage can hinder transmission fluid circulation throughout different transmission components. This, in turn, can cause friction due to restricted transmission fluid, leading to transmission whining noise while accelerating.
Solution
While the abovementioned things can cause transmission whining noise, identifying them is difficult. The thing that can indicate the problem with your transmission is the diagnosis of a transmission fault code. Different fault codes indicate different transmission problems. Here, we will discuss some common transmission fault codes and their meaning.
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- PO700: This code is caused by either a faulty transmission control module (TCM) or low transmission fluid. So, if PO700 shows up, check the fluid level and ensure it is at the right gauge. The next thing you can do is get your TCM checked by a mechanic, and if it seems to be at fault, you may get it replaced.
- PO868: This fault code indicates low transmission fluid pressure. When this code shows up in your scanner, try checking the pressure of the transmission fluid. However, a standard OBD-II trouble code scanner can detect this code, and a trained mechanic can do this.
- PO897: This is another transmission code indicating a problem with your transmission filter or transmission fluid. You can either detect this code with an OBD-II trouble code scanner or check your transmission fluid or filter.
To fix this issue and eliminate whining noise when accelerating, you can do several things, including changing the transmission fluid, cleaning the transmission filter, replacing the transmission pump, repairing or replacing TCM, or repairing transmission fluid leaks.
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Broken Bearing
Input Shaft bearing is an essential component of the transmission, yet we discuss less about it. Varying bearings enable the rotation of the input and output shaft at different ratios. The failure of any of these bearings is likely to cause a transmission whining noise even at idle, gear, or neutral position.
Solution
To identify whether the whining noise is due to failed input shaft bearings, start your car and listen to the bearing noise in the neutral position. Now press the clutch, and if you still get the noise while pressing it, it is due to the release bearing. This indicates the replacement of the input shaft bearing. Also, replace the oil seal while replacing the bearing.
Rotten Planetary Gear Set
The planetary gear set consists of sun and planetary gear and a ring. These components of the gear set work together and enable the proper functioning of transmission. However, the planetary gear set can wear off over time and cause transmission whining noise in the neutral and park position. This sound may increase when you drive or the car speed increases.
Solution
To identify this, diagnose the source of whining noise. For example, a rotten gear set might be a problem if it comes while the car is in gear. You can have the gear set repaired or replaced by a qualified automotive mechanic.
Worn Flywheel or Clutch
Clutch pressure discs and plates in the manual transmission wear off over time and are not made to last the vehicle’s life. Once worn, they can emit annoying and whining noises when driving. These noises indicate replacing or resurfacing of the clutch system.
Solution
A whining noise due to the flywheel indicates a sign of wear. It means your flywheel is defective, and you must replace it. First, do a self-diagnosis to identify whether the clutch is defective or the flywheel. Also, replacing the flywheel requires the replacement of the clutch. Replace them to remove the whining noise.
Cars Most Likely to Need a Transmission Replacement
While several vehicles in the market today show exceptional and long-lasting performance, some may be more prone to getting a transmission replacement for various reasons.
I also had one of the cars mentioned in the table below, a 2012 Kia Forte. But unfortunately, transmission issues started occurring after a while. As a result, I had to replace its transmission almost twice before switching to a 2019 Kia Soul. Thankfully, I’m happy with my new purchase.
Here is a list of cars most likely to need a transmission replacement and their alternatives without this problem.
| Cars | Average Mileage When Issue Occurs | Suitable Alternatives |
|---|
| 2014 Nissan Pathfinder | 57,000-109,000 | 2012-2016 Toyota Highlander |
| 2014 Ford Focus | 32,000-61,000 | 2012-2015 Honda Civic |
| 2019 Kia Forte | 11,000-22,000 | 2017-2019 Kia Soul |
| 2011 Ford Fiesta | 117,000-144,000 | 2012-2013 Hyundai Accent |
| 2016 Nissan Altima | 40,000-76,000 | 2015-2017 Toyota Camry |
Common Cost to Resolve the Whining Transmission Sound
Following table illustrates the common costs required to resolve the whining transmission sound issue:
| Common Issues | Cost Required to Resolve the Issue |
|---|
| Failed Transmission Oil Pump | $400-1200 to replace the transmission oil pump, $150-200 to replace transmission seals |
| Low Gear Fluid | $80-200 to replace gear fluid |
| Broken Input Shaft Bearing | $200-300 to replace the shaft, $100-300 to replace the faulty shaft bearing |
| Problems in Planetary Gear Set | $500-1000 to replace the planetary gear set |
| Worn out Clutch | $500-2500 to replace the faulty clutch, $300-500 for clutch resurfacing |
| Steering Belt Issues | $100-250 for steering belt replacement |
| Engine Oil | $30-60 for engine oil replacement |
| Labor Cost | $10-200 depending upon the issue extent |
It is to be noted that these costs can vary depending upon the vehicle model, make, and variant.
How Can You Fix the Whining Noise Your Car Makes When Accelerating?
While it may be challenging to find the root cause of the transmission whining when accelerating, you can do a few things to fix this issue yourself. First, examine these components when your car makes a whining noise and identify if there’s a need to visit the mechanic.
Examine the Transmission
Examine the transmission for transmission fluid level or clogged transmission filter. Ensure the transmission fluid level is at a suitable gauge. If it’s below, top it up with the preferred fluid type.
Faulty Steering Wheel
Check if the steering wheel has a loose steering belt, which can cause a whining sound. In the case of a loose belt, tightening it will resolve the issue.
Engine Oil
Low engine oil can also be a reason for whining noise while accelerating. Try refilling the engine oil if you find it below the add mark.
The Torque Converter
Automatic cars have a torque converter as an alternative to the clutch. If your car makes a whining noise whenever you shift the gear to the forward or reverse, it’s time to examine the torque converter. Get it checked to find out the reason behind the transmission whining sound.
Final Words
While several things can cause the transmission whining noise while accelerating, you must check them on time. Sometimes, carelessness to such problems can lead to bigger tragedies. You might need to replace the transmission, which may cost you much. If you cannot find the root cause of the transmission whining sound, it is always better to visit a mechanic before it’s too late.
FAQs
A whining engine indicates several different problems that you should be worrying about. These might include a failing alternator or a water pump, low power steering fluid, a failing air conditioning system, etc.
Several potential causes for a high-pitched whining sound include faulty brake calipers, worn-out brake pads, insufficient lubrication, etc.
It depends on your choice of where you want to get the service. Also, doing it yourself will cost you less than getting it done by a mechanic. If you can do it yourself, it may cost you between $50-$150. At a mechanic shop, the cost will range from $200 to $500.
Yes, low transmission fluid is one of the reasons for transmission whining sound when accelerating. Check it yourself or get your fluid levels checked by a mechanic to avoid further inconvenience.
Depending on your car’s make and model, the average engine knocking repair cost ranges between $2000 and $3000.
Fixing or replacing the transmission depends on the transmission type and the car. Ideally, it may take two to four days to fix a transmission.
