What Causes a Transmission to Slip?

There are some car problems that are virtually undetectable, and then there’s slipping transmissions. When a transmission slips, the car spontaneously pops out of gear, which prevents power from reaching the wheels. A slipping transmission is unnerving at best, and potentially life-threatening at works. After all, the last thing you want is to lose power to your wheels when driving. Here’s a look at some of the common culprits of a slipping transmission and what to do when you experience this common transmission problem.

Low Fluid Levels

The most common cause for slipping is low transmission fluid levels. Low fluid can also create other transmission problems, including overheating and not being able to engage gears. Pay attention to the condition of the oil when checking fluid levels, as dirty transmission fluid may also be to blame for slipping. If you have low fluid, your transmission repair shop should check for a leak.Worn Transmission Bands

Bands are what connect the gears in the automatic transmission together. Sometimes these bands can become worn or broken, which can cause transmission slippage. The good news is that your transmission repair technician can replace defective transmission bands in no time so you can get back on the road.

Clutch Problems

On manual transmissions, slippage problems are oftentimes attributed to problems with the clutch. Worn out clutches simply cannot keep the gear engaged, which causes the transmission to slip and pop back into neutral. Clutch replacement is one of the most common services performed by transmission repair professionals on manual vehicles.

Defective Torque Converter

Your transmission’s slippage could also be caused by a defective torque converter. The torque converter is what adapts the engine’s power into torque that the transmission uses to turn the drivetrain. Transmissions slippage is a common symptom of a defective torque converter, so visit Dr Nick’s Transmissions to have the torque converter examined by a professional.

You might also like

Expert Advice

Common Causes of a Check Engine Light

Common Causes of a Check Engine Light

By Dr Nicks Tranmission Repair • January 20, 2015
The “check engine” light is the last thing drivers want to see. The good news is that an illuminated check engine light doesn’t necessarily spell disaster for your car or your wallet. On the other hand, the fact that it can caused by any number of issues means that you won’t know what’s behind the check engine light until the problem is diagnosed and pinpointed by an automotive professional. Before you schedule a vehicle inspection, read this brief article to learn about some of the common causes of a check engine light. --Read More--
Dr. Nick's Transmissions - Transmission Rebuild Process

A Look at the Transmission Rebuild Process

By Dr Nicks Tranmission Repair • January 13, 2015
During your free transmission diagnostic service at Dr. Nick’s Transmission in Brookhaven, you may find out that the problems you are experiencing are beyond a simple repair. One way to approach transmission repairs is a transmission rebuild. First, the transmission is removed and disassembled. Each part is carefully inspected, cleaned, and replaced (if necessary). The transmission is then reassembled to factory standards and tested once again to ensure the highest level of performance. If you are experiencing transmission problems, visit a transmission shop in Brookhaven to determine whether a rebuild is the best option for you. Buying a replacement transmission can be very costly, and therefore a rebuild is anRead More...
How to tell if your clutch is going bad

How to Tell if Your Clutch is Going Bad

By Dr Nicks Tranmission Repair • January 6, 2015
Although there are many benefits of driving a manual transmission, the added cost of maintenance and repair isn’t one of them. One component in particular that is susceptible to wear and tear on a manual transmission is the clutch. In fact, it’s not so much a matter of if the clutch will go out, but when—and the longer you wait to visit a transmission repair shop to fix a worn-out clutch, the more damage will be done and the more expensive the repairs will be. Luckily, there are a few signs to look for that will tell you exactly when to bring your vehicle in for clutch repair. Gear SlippageRead More...
More Posts