What Causes a Transmission to Slip?

What are signs your transmission is slipping? You may think the transmission is failing when it slips, but that’s not necessarily always the case. Sometimes, it might be a sign for you to flush and replace your transmission fluid. With that said, a car transmission is a complex yet vital part, so you want to make sure the issue is correctly identified and resolved before you return back on the roads in Orange, MA. Find out the causes of transmission slipping in addition to signs of a transmission issue from Sonia’s CDJR’s service center below! 

Transmission Slipping Signs

Signs of a slipping transmission can appear when you're driving on roads or idling. Keep your eyes out for the following red-flags: 

• 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, the vehicle will likely feel slow to respond. In fact, the car may not respond at all when you try to accelerate. As the gears change, you're likely to hear strange noises. The gears may also change or "slip" without warning; if that happens, you'll want to schedule a service visit ASAP. 

Reasons Why a Transmission is Slipping

A slipping transmission may be the result of one (or more) of the following problems: 

• Transmission Fluid: Your transmission needs transmission fluid to operate at its best. So, if your transmission is sluggish, the fluid is the first component you'll want to check. 
• 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 receiving enough fluid. 
• Damaged Transmission Bands: Transmission bands link the gears together. If the bands are worn out, it may be due to not enough transmission fluid. In any case, the bands will need to be replaced. 
• Clutch Issues: Like the bands, the clutch relies on fresh transmission fluid to operate properly. Automatic transmissions have a torque converter instead of a main clutch, but if you have a manual, you'll want to keep an eye on the clutch. 
• Worn Gears: Transmissions don't last forever; gears can wear out over time. Transmission fluid is highly important to prolonging the life of the gears. 
• Torque Converter Problems: The torque converter converts the engine power into torque used by the transmission. In addition to slipping, other issues can include burning, smoking, gears jumping, failing to go into gear, or complete blowout. 

Get Professional Transmission Service in Orange, MA

Notice any issues with your transmission? Head on over to Sonia’s CDJR and our technicians will take care of them for you! Check out our MOPAR coupons and feel free to learn more about maintaining your vehicle from testing your car battery to making your tires last longer.