What Causes a Transmission to Slip?

Transmission slips aren’t always a sign that your transmission is failing, but instead it can be the sign that you need to flush and replace your transmission fluid. Your car’s transmission can be considered an extremely complex machine, even for all of the gadgets that make sure your vehicle is running smoothly, but it’s also one of the most important parts. Accurately identifying what is causing your transmission to slip, as well as some of the transmission slip signs, is critical. Have any questions? Then contact us, or schedule time in our service center, so that we can give your vehicle a once over.

Transmission Slipping Signs

Signs of a slipping transmission can appear when you’re driving on Dallas roads or idling. Be on the lookout for the following red-flags: 

• Engine chugs or revs
• Acceleration is weak or slow 
• Shifting gears is difficult 
• Strange noises like grinding or whining 
• Strange burning smell 
• Illuminated check engine light 

Once your transmission begins to slip, then you’ll find your vehicle is very slow to respond, or even respond at all when you’re trying to accelerate. Keep an ear out for strange noises as you shift gears, and if you find your gears are changing on their own, then it’s important you schedule a service visit immediately. 

Reasons Why a Transmission is Slipping

A slipping transmission may be the result of one (or more) of the following problems: 

• Transmission Fluid: Your transmission needs transmission fluid to operate at its best. So, if your transmission is sluggish, the fluid is the first component you’ll want to check. 
• Defective Solenoid: The transmission solenoid is an electro-magnetic component that controls the transmission fluid’s flow throughout the machine. If the solenoid is defective, the transmission may not be receiving enough fluid. 
• Damaged Transmission Bands: Transmission bands link the gears together. If the bands are worn out, it may be due to not enough transmission fluid. In any case, the bands will need to be replaced. 
• Clutch Issues: Like the bands, the clutch relies on fresh transmission fluid to operate properly. Automatic transmissions have a torque converter instead of a main clutch, but if you have a manual, you’ll want to keep an eye on the clutch. 
• Worn Gears: Transmissions don’t last forever; gears can wear out over time. Transmission fluid is highly important to prolonging the life of the gears. 
• Torque Converter Problems: The torque converter converts the engine power into torque used by the transmission. In addition to slipping, other issues can include burning, smoking, gears jumping, failing to go into gear, or complete blowout. 

Let Our Expert Team Handle Your Service Needs

If you ever think that your vehicle has transmission issues, or any other service needs, then make sure you let our service department take care of all of your needs today. You don’t need to search all over Edmond and Tulsa to find the service needs your vehicle needs when our expert team can take care of it all.