What Causes a Transmission to Slip?

What Causes a Transmission to Slip?

Transmission slipping doesn’t always mean that it’s a sign of your transmission failing; oftentimes it simply means that you need to flush and replace your transmission fluid. It’s not a secret that your vehicle’s transmission is complex and important. Knowing the cause of transmission slipping is vital to ensure your pickup truck continues running at its best. In this guide, we’re exploring the different cases and transmission slipping signs. Feel free to contact your American Fork-area service center if you have any questions.

What are the Transmission Slipping Signs?

Wondering about the signs of transmission slipping? They can appear as you’re driving around Logan or idling on your driveway. Be on the lookout for these red flags below:

• 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 this is happening, the vehicle will often feel like it’s slow to respond. The car could also not respond at all when you’re trying to accelerate. As your gear changes, you may hear some off noises. The gear could also change of “slip” without any warning, and if this happens, schedule a service appointment at your local service center as soon as possible.

Why is the Transmission is Slipping?

A slipping transmission could often result due to one or more of the following problems: 

• Transmission Fluid: Transmission fluid is needed to operate at its best. So, if your transmission is lagging, check the fluid. 
• Defective Solenoid: This electro-magnetic component controls the transmission fluid’s flow throughout the machine. If defective, the transmission is probably not getting enough fluid. 
• Damaged Transmission Bands: Transmission bands link the gears together. When worn out, it’s due to not enough transmission fluid. If this is the case, the bands 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 the main clutch, but if your car has a manual, keep an eye on the clutch. 
• Worn Gears: Transmissions don’t last forever; gears will wear out over time. Transmission fluid is essential in prolonging the life of the gears. 
• Torque Converter Problems: The torque converter converts the engine power into torque that’s used by the transmission. As well as slipping, other problems can include burning, smoking, gears jumping, failing to go into gear, or complete blowout. 

Get More Service Tips at Truck Ranch!

At Truck Ranch, we’re proud to offer exceptional service tips like how to remove a truck battery to help you keep your pickup truck performing at its best for years to come. If you have any problems with your transmission, schedule an appointment with your local service center.