What Causes Transmission Slipping?
As an informed vehicle owner, you probably understand that the transmission system is constantly exposed to both heat and stress. You know that if you want to keep your vehicle for very long, you will make sure to follow the intervals for transmission service recommended in your vehicle owner’s manual (i.e., every 60,000 to 100,000 miles).
Signs of slipping can appear in a number of forms when you are driving, including:
- High RPM (over 3,500)
- Delays in acceleration
- Inability to reverse
- Unusual or burnt smells
- Check engine light flashes
- Difficulty shifting gears
- Shifting gears produces a harsh response or strange noises.
If you are experiencing any of the above problems, take a look at some of the issues of what causes transmission slipping:
- Low fluid level – Low fluid levels can create a number of problems, such as overheating and not enough hydraulic pressure being produced to engage gears. Low levels could indicate a leak in the transmission.
- Burnt fluid – Burnt fluid occurs when your transmission overheats and it may smell like burnt toast or turn black in color.
- Worn or broken transmission bands – Transmission bands (they link the gears in automatic transmissions) can become worn or broken.
- Clutch problems – Automatic and manual transmissions both make use of clutches. They may become worn or burnt from inadequate transmission fluid.
- Worn out gears – Over time gears can wear out due to normal wear and tear. Worn or frayed gears don’t properly link together so this can cause a bumpy shift.
- Solenoid Problems – The solenoid is an electro-hydraulic valve that controls the flow of fluid throughout the transmission. Any damage or electronic issues can cause the wrong amounts of fluid to be dispersed.
- Torque converter issues – Torque converters are what changes the engine’s power into torque that the transmission can use.
Schedule a transmission service as soon as possible for an inspection if you are experiencing transmission slipping problems. Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about transmission service and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
As an informed vehicle owner, you probably understand that the transmission system is constantly exposed to both heat and stress. You know that if you want to keep your vehicle for very long, you will make sure to follow the intervals for transmission service recommended in your vehicle owner’s manual (i.e., every 60,000 to 100,000 miles).
Signs of slipping can appear in a number of forms when you are driving, including:
- High RPM (over 3,500)
- Delays in acceleration
- Inability to reverse
- Unusual or burnt smells
- Check engine light flashes
- Difficulty shifting gears
- Shifting gears produces a harsh response or strange noises.
If you are experiencing any of the above problems, take a look at some of the issues of what causes transmission slipping:
- Low fluid level – Low fluid levels can create a number of problems, such as overheating and not enough hydraulic pressure being produced to engage gears. Low levels could indicate a leak in the transmission.
- Burnt fluid – Burnt fluid occurs when your transmission overheats and it may smell like burnt toast or turn black in color.
- Worn or broken transmission bands – Transmission bands (they link the gears in automatic transmissions) can become worn or broken.
- Clutch problems – Automatic and manual transmissions both make use of clutches. They may become worn or burnt from inadequate transmission fluid.
- Worn out gears – Over time gears can wear out due to normal wear and tear. Worn or frayed gears don’t properly link together so this can cause a bumpy shift.
- Solenoid Problems – The solenoid is an electro-hydraulic valve that controls the flow of fluid throughout the transmission. Any damage or electronic issues can cause the wrong amounts of fluid to be dispersed.
- Torque converter issues – Torque converters are what changes the engine’s power into torque that the transmission can use.
Schedule a transmission service as soon as possible for an inspection if you are experiencing transmission slipping problems. Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about transmission service and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
