What Causes a Transmission to Slip?

If you’ve noticed your transmission slipping on Red Bank or Freehold roads, a proper diagnosis is essential. What causes a transmission to slip? Your transmission slipping fix could be something as minor as a fluid flush or something as major as a transmission replacement. The good news is that the service center at Acura of Ocean can help to diagnose and resolve the problem once and for all, so keep reading for more information on transmission slipping.

Signs of a Transmission Slipping

So, what are the symptoms that your transmission is slipping? Be sure to pay attention to any strange responses when you change gears, like sluggishness or strange noises. Here are some of the telltale signs of a transmission slipping:

• Engine chugs or revs
• Acceleration is weak or slow
• Shifting gears is difficult
• Strange noises like grinding or whining
• Burning smell
• Illuminated check engine light

If you notice that your gears are changing on their own, it’s important to visit the service center immediately. It could be a sign of a more serious issue.

Reasons for Transmission Slipping

What causes a transmission to slip? It could be a variety of factors, which is why a proper diagnosis is so important. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Transmission Fluid: Before you troubleshoot anything else, we recommend checking your transmission fluid. Your transmission fluid could be low or contaminated, so pop the hood and see if anything looks unusual.
• Defective Solenoid: The transmission solenoid is responsible for adjusting the flow of the transmission fluid. If it breaks, you might have plenty of fluid in the reservoir – but the fluid won’t be able to leave the tank.
• Damaged Transmission Bands: Your transmission bands hold the gears together and if they wear out, the bands might need to be replaced. This problem can also result from low transmission fluid.
• Clutch Issues: Clutch issues are particularly common for manual transmissions. A manual clutch needs a fresh supply of transmission fluid, while an automatic vehicle will have a torque converter instead.
• Torque Converter Problems: If you have an automatic, the torque converter can cause transmission slipping – along with other symptoms like burning, smoking, jumping gears, or complete blowout.
• Worn Gears: Sometimes your transmission gears have simply worn out over time. While this issue can be accelerated with low transmission fluid, gear replacements are typically inevitable.

Schedule Your Service at Acura of Ocean

If you’re searching for your transmission slipping fix, allow our technicians to be of service in Ocean. Contact us with any questions or schedule your service appointment today to get your vehicle back in gear. Our team can diagnose and solve the problem with ease, so you can get back on Asbury Park roads in no time.