What are the common signs that your transmission is going bad?

The first thing to look at is the ATF. Remove the dipstick, put some of the fluid on a white piece of paper and see if it has a black coloring. Smell it, if it's burned that's a sign that the transmission has been slipping.

Slipping, that's when the transmission "slides" into gear when it shifts or it may not shift "crisply" into gear when you move the gearshift.

Sometimes a transmission will grab then release and grab again.

Any of those kinds of problems are typical of a worn and failing transmission.

Often people fail to change the Transmission Fluid regularly. You should follow the manufacturers recommendations to maximize transmission life.

When SOME shops change the transmission fluid they'll tell you that the little bits of shiny stuff in the bottom of the pan is evidence that the transmission is wearing and try to sell you on a transmission rebuild. Don't do it!

While EXCESSIVE debris in the bottom of the transmission pan is evidence of serious failure, SOME debris is inevitable. Keep the fluids clean and drive it till it drops.