What Are Transmission Slipping Symptoms?

A slipping transmission is a certain sign that your automatic transmission needs either transmission service or a transmission repair. Your transmission is the gear that transmits power from the vehicle's engine through the driveshaft to the live axle. And a slipping transmission is one of the most common transmission problems that there is. A slipping transmission is more common in automatic transmission vehicles than manual vehicles.

But this doesn't mean that it can't happen with manual transmissions because it can. A slipping manual transmission usually has to do with a clutch problem, while a slipping automatic transmission can have a variety of symptoms. It is best to get the problem fixed as soon as you identify there is one. Otherwise, the problem will only get worse and more expensive to fix.

Slipping Transmission Symptoms

Although diagnosing for slipping is not always easy, there are a few common signs that you should look for. Signs of slipping can appear in a number of forms when you are driving. Signs include a high RPM (over 3,500), delays in acceleration, inability to reverse, unusual or burnt smells, the check engine light coming on, difficulty shifting gears, shifting gears produces a harsh response or any strange noises. If you experience any of these symptoms then your car is likely showing signs of slipping. There are a handful of possible causes for this and the sooner you find the exact reason the sooner you can fix it without further damage to the transmission.

Common causes of transmission slipping include:

• Low fluid levels – The most common cause for slipping is low fluid levels. Low fluid levels can create a number of problems, such as overheating and not enough hydraulic pressure being produced to engage gears.
• Burnt or ineffective fluid – Burnt fluid can be distinguished by the smell of burnt toast or a color that is black. Burnt fluid occurs because of overheating, which means you will have to change the transmission fluid quickly or have it looked at by a specialist in order to diagnose for further damage.
• Transmission fluid leak – If you experience low fluid levels, this could indicate a transmission fluid leak and transmission slipping is likely to occur. A leak can occur anywhere though, such as a leak in the pan, ruptured fluid lines, a worn pan gasket, a crack in the torque converter, or faulty seals. Continuing to run your car with a leak can cause serious internal damage and you need to seal it up quick.
• Worn or broken transmission bands – Sometimes transmission bands can become worn or broken, which can cause transmission slipping not to mention engine troubles or worn gears. Bands are what links the gears in the automatic transmission together, so they can't be overlooked.
• Clutch problems – Automatic and manual transmissions both make use of clutches. Automatics have clutch plates throughout the transmission and in the torque converter that may become worn or burnt from inadequate transmission fluid. You will have to get these replaced ASAP and change the fluid. For manual transmissions, clutch problems are the most common causes for transmission slipping, which is the culprit 90% of the time (the other 10% being leaks).
• Worn out gears – Over time gears can wear out, due to normal wear and tear or a malfunction of some sort. Worn or frayed gears don't properly link together which why they need to be replaced.
• Solenoid problems – The solenoid is an electro-hydraulic valve, and its function is to control the flow of fluid throughout your transmission. Any damage or electronic problems can cause the wrong amounts of fluid to be dispersed.

Transmission Slip Fix

Fixing common transmission slip problems is easy once you have determined the cause. If you notice that there is low automatic transmission fluid then all you need to do is fill it with enough fluid to allow the transmission to work properly. If there are any worn out parts like the transmission gear or a defective shift gear, it is important that this is replaced as soon as possible.

However, the average driver is at a disadvantage when it comes to transmission diagnosis and repair because transmissions are very complex and not well understood by the general public. In many instances, rebuilding or replacing a high mileage transmission rather than attempting to repair it may be the best solution because repairs are often a temporary fix. Sooner or later you will be back with another transmission problem.

Many people think that transmission fluid additives will help if you are having a transmission problem and are hoping for a cheap fix. Additives can slow down fluid leaks in older transmissions. They can also provide additional wear protection for transmissions that are in good working condition. However, these are only temporary fixes to an underlying problem.

Driving with a slipping transmission is not recommended because the vehicle's safety can be unpredictable. It can go into different gears without warning, shake, and cause damage. If you see ay signs of a slipping transmission, contact a certified mechanic, like the team at Express Transmission, to diagnose the problem and repair it as soon as possible. To schedule an inspection of your transmission, be sure to contact Express Transmissions today.