What Causes a Transmission to Slip?

While some Bayside commuters may see a transmission slipping as a cause for concern, it isn’t always an indicator that the transmission is failing.

Sometimes, a transmission slipping means that you need to flush and replace your transmission fluid. Considering that your vehicle’s transmission is one of its most complex and important components, it’s important to be able to identify the cause of it slipping so you can address the issue and have it fixed in a timely manner.

Keep reading to learn more about what causes a transmission to slip with the service experts at North Bay Cadillac. Then, when your vehicle needs maintenance, bring it to one of our service locations.

What Are the Transmission Slipping Signs?

The transmission slipping signs may appear when you’re out and about in Roslyn, so you should be on the lookout for the following indicators:

• 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

If the transmission is slipping, you’ll likely notice the vehicle feeling slow to respond. Or, the car may not respond at all when you try to accelerate. You’ll likely hear strange noises as the gears change, and they too may also change or “slip” without warning. If that happens, you’ll want to schedule a service appointment as soon as possible.

What Are the Reasons for Transmission Slipping?

Your car’s transmission slipping may be the result of one (or more) of the following problems:

• Transmission Fluid: Transmission needs the right amount of fluid to operate at its best. As a result, if your transmission is slow, you’ll want to check the fluid level first.
• 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 getting enough fluid.
• Damaged Transmission Bands: Transmission bands link the gears together, and if they’re worn out, they may need to be replaced.
• Clutch Issues: Similar to the transmission bands, the clutch needs fresh transmission fluid to operate properly. Automatic transmissions have a torque converter instead of the main clutch, but if you have a manual, you'll want to keep an eye on the clutch.
• Worn Gears: Transmissions gear will wear out over time, and transmission fluid is vital to extending the life of the gears.
• Torque Converter Problems: The torque converter converts the engine power into torque used by the transmission. In addition to your transmission slipping, Roslyn drivers may notice other issues such as burning, smoking, gears jumping, failing to go into gear, or complete blowout.