What Causes a Transmission to Slip?

What causes a transmission to slip? Transmission slipping can stem from a number of factors, ranging from fairly mild issues to more serious malfunctions. But whether you’re in need of a fluid flush or a complete transmission replacement, it’s important to take care of transmission slipping before it becomes a bigger and more expensive problem! Find out what causes a transmission to slip, and learn the most common transmission slipping symptoms at Superior Ford.

Transmission Slipping Signs

What does transmission slipping feel like? Different drivers may notice different transmission slipping symptoms, but here are a few of the red flags of transmission malfunction:

• 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 your gears are changing without warning, this is a more serious problem. We recommend visiting a service center immediately for a proper diagnosis and repair.

Reasons Why a Transmission is Slipping

Now you know what transmission slipping feels like, what causes a transmission to slip? The culprit could be many different things:

• Transmission Fluid: When your car doesn’t have enough transmission fluid, it will get sluggish on the Fayetteville roads. Check your transmission fluid levels first to rule out this simple fix.
• Defective Solenoid: Sometimes you have plenty of transmission fluid, but your car can’t use it. The transmission solenoid is an electro-magnetic component that directs the transmission fluid’s flow. If this piece breaks, your car won’t receive the fluids that it needs.
• Damaged Transmission Bands: Faulty transmission bands can also prevent transmission fluid from moving throughout the vehicle as necessary. Worn transmission bands will need to be replaced to restore your car’s performance.
• Clutch Issues: If you have a manual transmission, clutch issues could be responsible for transmission errors. If you have an automatic, you can rule this out.
• Worn Gears: Even the best care, transmissions and their gears can wear out over time. A mechanic can take a look under the hood to assess any damage.
• Torque Converter Problems: Torque converters can cause transmission slipping, and you might notice a whole list of other issues as well – burning, smoking, gears jumping, failing to go into gear, or complete blowout.

Get Expert Car Care at Superior Ford

If you’ve been noticing transmission slipping symptoms on the Rogers roads, reach out to us at Superior Ford. Our team of technicians will help diagnose and resolve your issue quickly, so you can get back on the Springdale roads in no time. Contact us to get started or schedule your service appointment online!