What Causes a Transmission to Slip?

Has your car struggled to shift gears lately? Do you notice unusual sounds and smells as you’re driving around Raleigh and Apex? These are just a couple of transmission slipping signs that you may experience when your transmission needs attention. What causes a transmission to slip? The service professionals at Hendrick Buick GMC Cary offer more insight on transmission slipping in the guide below. Read on, and book an appointment if any of the following warning signs are familiar to you.

Recognizing the Common Transmission Slipping Signs

The most common transmission slipping signs can occur while you’re driving around Holly Springs or when you’re idling. Here are the red flags you should be aware of:

• Engine chugs or revs
• Poor acceleration
• Shifting gears is a struggle
• Unusual noises like grinding or whining 
• Unusual burning smell 
• Check engine warning light is lit up

When you’re dealing with the transmission slipping, you will probably find that your vehicle has a delayed response when you try to accelerate — in some cases, it may not respond at all. Additionally, you may start hearing unusual noises when the gears change. Finally, if the gears change or “slip” suddenly and without warning, you need to schedule service without delay.

What are the Causes of a Transmission Slipping Out of Gear?

Transmission slipping can be caused by a number of factors:

• Transmission Fluid: Healthy transmission fluid is critical to the smooth performance of your transmission. If your transmission is slipping even mildly, you should check the transmission fluid for the right volume and quality. If the fluid looks good and isn’t low, you can move on to the next considerations.
• Faulty Solenoid: The solenoid facilitates the flow of transmission fluid throughout the transmission through electromagnetism. If there’s a faulty solenoid, then there might not be enough fluid going through the transmission.
• Compromised Transmission Bands: The gears in a transmission are linked together via transmission bands. Sometimes, low transmission fluid can compromise the transmission bands.
• Clutch Issues: The clutch also relies on clean transmission fluid to function correctly. In an automatic transmission, there would be a torque converter rather than a main clutch. But, manual transmissions require drivers to look after the clutch
• Worn Gears: Like most components in a vehicle, the transmission’s gears are susceptible to time and natural wear and tear. Healthy transmission fluid can help keep the gears in good condition.
• Torque Converter Problems: Engine power is converted into torque by the torque converter. If there’s a problem with the torque converter, there may be other warning signs like burning, smoking, gears jumping, failure to go into gear, or a total blowout.

Get Expert Transmission Service in Cary

Do you have questions about what healthy transmission fluid should look like? Need a professional opinion on the transmission issues you’re experiencing? Contact a Hendrick Buick GMC Cary service advisor online or call us at (919) 342-8196 for more information. We’re always happy to offer service tips you can trust!