Auto Mechanics | Blog | Transmission Slipping
Signs Your Transmission is Slipping
If not checked right away, a transmission slipping could become an expensive fix. If you sense your transmission slipping, it isn’t necessarily a failing transmission but should be inspected. A vehicles transmission is complex and therefore requires proper diagnosis.
Here’s some signs of a transmission is slipping
There are some common signs with a transmission. Signs of slipping can show up as you drive or stationary at idle. Slipping transmission signs include:
> Engine revving
> Decreased power in acceleration
> Difficult to shift gears
> Grinding, whining noises
> Won’t go in reverse gear
> Burnt smells
> Car jerks when you accelerate
> Check engine light is on
What Does a Slipping Transmission Feel Like?
Some things you may feel when a transmission slips is a slow vehicle response time. Possibly no response at all when you try to accelerate. When this happens, you may also hear a noisy transmission when changing gears. In some cases, a faulty or slipping transmission will change gears on its own. This is not only time to see a mechanic but can be dangerous on the road.
Is it safe to drive with a slipping transmission?
If your vehicle suddenly changes gears as you drive without any action from you, your vehicle is not road worthy. If you experience vehicle shaking when you drive, its best to pull to the side and get a tow to the shop.
Anyone or more of these transmission problems is reason enough to get an inspection. Catching a slipping transmission problem early will probably save you in repair costs.
Why Is My Transmission Slipping?
Some reasons why your transmission is slipping, grinding or abnormal transmission noise include:
> Low or burnt transmission fluid
> Solenoid problems
> Worn or broken transmission bands
> Clutch problems
> Worn out gears
> Torque converter problem
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Slipping Transmission?
The cost to fix a slipping transmission varies. Automatic transmissions should be inspected by trained professionals to diagnose a slipping transmission accurately. The cost for a diagnosis can range from $59 - $159. The cost to fix a slipping transmission could be as simple as a transmission fluid change which costs $89 on average. The first step is to correctly determine the source of the problem. If your transmission requires a rebuild or new gears installed, there are options available to reduce the cost of an entirely new transmission replacement. After diagnosis, we will offer solutions to best repair the transmission slipping at the best price possible.
Our local mechanics are experts in inspecting and repairing transmissions for all vehicle makes and models, including both manual transmission, automatic transmission and semi automatic. If you drive a CVT, AWD, FWD or 4x4, our mechanics can diagnose the right fix for your car, SUV, minivan, or light and heavy duty pick up truck.
Stop by one of our locations for diagnosis and we will keep your repair costs low by only fixing whats required. We will provide the best options available for a transmission slipping problem.
Transmission Slipping FAQ's
+ Transmission oil needs changing!
Fresh transmission fluid lubricates the entire system and can reverse slipping. It’s a simple inexpensive fix. Transmission oil viscosity wears out and could lead to transmission slip. If the transmission oil smells burnt or dark in color, a transmission fluid change might help fix the slip.
+ Defective solenoid causing transmission slip
A transmission solenoid is an electro-magnetic component which controls transmission fluid flow. When gears shift, the car’s computer or Transmission Control Module (TCM) – actuates a transmission solenoid, which pushes transmission fluid into the valve body to engage the right gear. If the solenoid malfunctions, not enough fluid is pumped into the transmission, which will result in the transmission overheating and slipping.
+ Worn transmission bands cause slipping
The function of transmission bands is to engage and release in precise time for the transmission to perform optimally. Worn or broken transmission bands will cause the transmission to slip. Bands are what link the gears in the automatic transmission together. To fix this problem, the defective bands should be replaced.
+ Worn clutch causes slipping
One difference between a manual and automatic transmission is a torque converter versus a clutch. The engine and which contains the torque converter for automatic transmissions, as opposed to a clutch for manual transmissions. This joining through the torque converter enables the wheels will spin. Healthy transmission fluid is required to provide the correct pressure to shift gears without slipping.
+ Worn transmission gears start slipping
Slipping gears over wear and tear is a normal occurence. This leads to transmission gears not properly engaing and slip out of sync. Another issue could be malfunctioning gears in the transmission. This is rare and usually a problem steming from manufacturing.
