Transmission slipping can occur in both automatic and manual vehicles. It is where your transmission slips as you change gears and can be caused if there is not enough fluid present.
However, as both automatic and manual transmission systems wear down over time, there is still the possibility that your transmission is worn out.
Typically with transmission slipping, it may feel as if your gears are changing for no logical reason.
Your engine may start to create a whining sound or pitch when it occurs. Alternatively, it may feel like you haven’t got enough power to drive at the desired speed.
What is transmission slipping?
Transmission gears wear out and start slipping. Over time gears can wear out, especially if they have been running hot and inefficiently due to a lack of or worn out the transmission fluid.
Slipping gears are usually due to normal wear and tear, which causes them to not engage properly and to slip in and out of sync.
You will know that your vehicle has a transmission slip when you hear the engine spinning during a gear change. For a moment it can feel like you are driving over ice. At first glance, it may seem small and easy to shrug off.
However, without proper maintenance, the problem can escalate and you will face much more serious transmission problems.
What Are Other Symptoms of Transmission Slipping?
The symptoms of transmission slip may indicate other unrelated problems as well. Your transmission might not necessarily slip, but problems can arise in other ways. There are many ways your transmission can wear out. It is best to take your vehicle to a mechanic to have it checked.
Signs Your Transmission is Slipping:
- Delay in acceleration
- Burnt or other unusual smells
- Excessively high RPM, over 3,500
- Trouble shifting gears
- Harsh response any time you are able to shift gears
- Check engine light constantly turning on
- Strange noises coming from the transmission
None of these are good. You want to get your car inspected immediately before the problem progresses.
Reasons Why a Transmission is Slipping
Now you know what transmission slipping feels like, what causes a transmission to slip? The culprit could be many different things:
- Transmission Fluid: When your car doesn’t have enough transmission fluid, it will get sluggish on the Fayetteville roads. Check your transmission fluid levels first to rule out this simple fix.
- Defective Solenoid: Sometimes you have plenty of transmission fluid, but your car can’t use it. The transmission solenoid is an electro-magnetic component that directs the transmission fluid’s flow. If this piece breaks, your car won’t receive the fluids that it needs.
- Damaged Transmission Bands: Faulty transmission bands can also prevent transmission fluid from moving throughout the vehicle as necessary. Worn transmission bands will need to be replaced to restore your car’s performance.
- Clutch Issues: If you have a manual transmission, clutch issues could be responsible for transmission errors. If you have an automatic, you can rule this out.
- Worn Gears: Even the best care, transmissions and their gears can wear out over time. A mechanic can take a look under the hood to assess any damage.
- Torque Converter Problems: Torque converters can cause transmission slipping, and you might notice a whole list of other issues as well – burning, smoking, gears jumping, failing to go into gear, or complete blowout.
How to Fix Transmission Slipping?
The solution to this problem ultimately depends on what exactly the problem is. It could be so easy to add more transmission fluid when your car is running low. However, if the current fluid is badly burned, the transmission likely has internal damage that needs to be checked.
Parts such as the clutch or other gears may need to be replaced. A possible solution to this problem could be simply installing a completely new transmission system. This is the most expensive option, but it may be the only way to get your car back in service.
Get your car checked as soon as you see any problems to reduce the chances of a full replacement.