Help! My Transmission is Slipping

What You Might Notice

There are a lot of signs you may notice if your transmission is slipping and they will vary depending on what type of transmission you have. You may notice your car driving at a higher RPM (over 3,500), meaning your transmission shifted down to a lower gear when it shouldn’t have. In addition to that, there may be delayed acceleration, inability to shift into reverse, a strange burning smell, general difficulty shifting gears with a manual transmission, or harsh response and strange noises when shifting. It is also possible your check engine light will come on.

Old or Burnt Transmission Fluid

If your transmission has overheated, it can cause burnt transmission fluid that will need to be replaced. Even if this is not the case, transmission fluid should be replaced regularly to ensure optimal function. When checking your transmission fluid level, you should also pay attention to the consistency. If you see particles of metal or plastic, it’s time for a transmission fluid flush and this could also cause transmission slipping.

Clutch

Though both automatic and manual transmissions use some clutch parts, this is most likely the problem with manual transmissions. Automatic transmissions use clutch plates that will need to be replaced from time to time. Depending on how you drive, manual transmissions will require a clutch disc replacement every 20,000-200,000 miles. Manual transmissions also have friction material similar to a brake pad to hold the flywheel when changing gears. This will wear out over time and can cause transmission slipping. Any repairs to your car’s clutch should be done by a trained mechanic.

What Else Could It Be?

While those are the key players, there are several other transmission repairs that could be causing your transmission to slip.

Worn or Broken Transmission Bands

These are used to link together gears in an automatic transmission. Normal wear and tear will cause your transmission bands to wear down and break over time.

Worn Gears

This is found in both automatic and manual transmissions and is due to normal wear and tear over time. When gears become too worn, it will be difficult for your car to stay in gear or shift into gear.

Solenoids

These are electro-hydraulic valves that control the flow of transmission fluid throughout your transmission. Especially if your transmission fluid is contaminated or dirty, these can become stuck and inefficient at their function, meaning the correct pressure is not reached for your car to change or stay in gear.

Torque Converter

Your torque converter changes your engine’s power into torque so that you’re able to drive. This is a tricky repair and should be diagnosed and repaired by a mechanic as soon as possible if you suspect it’s causing your slipping transmission.

What Should You Do When You Notice a Slipping Transmission?

You can check your transmission fluid level to see if that could be causing your slipping transmission. Many cars will have a dipstick for this purpose – and be sure to check both level and consistency. If your transmission fluid level is low, you can top it off yourself to avoid further damage but be sure to get the right type of fluid.

It may be a good idea to take your car to an expert mechanic if you notice your transmission fluid is low. This way you can be sure the right fluid will be put in, as well as the right amount. Also, low transmission fluid is often an indicator of a bigger problem that a mechanic will be able to diagnose.

In general, your best idea is to take your car to a mechanic when you notice any problems involving your transmission. There are a lot of moving parts so accurately diagnosing the problem will be difficult or impossible for the average person. Your local AAMCO Tallahassee transmission experts are here to help with any problems you are noticing.