My automatic transmission makes a whining noise and the fluid smells like burnt pop corn. Is this bad news?
Actual burnt fluid almost always indicates a major problem. Whining noises can come from a plugged filter, caused by the burned material. Having the vehicle towed to a trusted professional may prevent further damage. See our Detailed Topic Dark Automatic Transmission Fluid for more information. [Back to top] • My automatic transmission started to slip badly and make a whining noise. After turning it off, it drove okay for a while and then started again. Slippage in a automatic transmission is a quick path to failure. Slipping clutches produce debris, which often clogs the filter. A clogged filter often produces a whine as it restricts the flow of fluid. When the engine is turned off the pump stops, fluid tends to flow back through the filter and temporarily clears part of the restriction. When running, the flow of fluid and debris will again cause the filter to plug. Another indication of serious problems would be fluid that is very dark, contains metal particles and/or has a burned sm
