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AAMCO Colorado

My Transmission Is Slipping

Why is My Transmission Slipping?

  • Low fluid levels
  • Burnt fluid
  • Worn or broken transmission bands
  • Clutch problems
  • Worn out gears
  • Solenoid Problems
  • Torque converter issues

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1. Transmission Slipping Can Be Major

2. Signs Your Transmission Is Slipping

3. What Causes a Transmission to Slip?

4. How to Fix Transmission Slipping

5. How to Prevent Transmission Slipping

6. AAMCO Can Help!

7. More From Our Blog

Transmission Slipping Can Be Major, We Can Help

Transmission slipping can be a major problem, especially for automatic transmissions. If your car is showing signs of slipping then you need to get it fixed right away. What can start off as a minor problem can easily turn into a bigger much more expensive fix down the road. Slipping does not necessarily mean that your transmission is near failure but it is signaling that maintenance is required. Because of the sophistication behind automatic transmissions, there can be many causes while for manuals the problem is often associated with the clutch.

Related: AAMCO Colorado Transmission Service

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Signs Your Transmission Is Slipping

There are a few common signs that you should look for. Signs of slipping can appear in a number of forms when you are driving. Signs include:

  • High RPM (over 3,500)
  • Delays in acceleration
  • Inability to reverse
  • Unusual or burnt smells
  • Check engine light
  • Difficulty shifting gears
  • Shifting gears produces a harsh response, or any strange noises.

If you experience any of these symptoms then your car is likely showing signs of a transmission problem. There are a handful of causes for these symptoms, we strongly recommend scheduling an appointment with your Local AAMCO location. Have a technician inspect your vehicle, and avoid doing more damage to this costly component.

 

What Causes a Transmission to Slip?

Low Fluid Levels

The most common cause for slipping is low  fluid levels. Low fluid levels can create a number of problems, such as overheating and not enough hydraulic pressure being produced to engage gears. The best way to find out whether you have low fluid levels is to check the fluid via the dipstick in the engine compartment. The transmission fluid is in a closed system and should never be low; low levels could indicate a leak in the transmission.

Burnt Fluid

Can be distinguished by the smell of burnt toast or a color that is black. Burnt fluid occurs when your transmission overheats, you will have to change the transmission fluid quickly or have it looked at by a transmission specialist in order to diagnose for further damage.

Worn or Broken Transmission Bands

Transmission bands can become worn or broken, which can cause your transmission to slip. Bands are what links the gears in the automatic transmission together. To remedy this problem, you need the defective band replaced or adjusted.

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Clutch problems

Automatic and manual transmissions both make use of clutches. Automatics have clutch plates throughout the transmission and in the torque converter that may become worn or burnt from inadequate transmission fluid.

Worn out gears

Over time gears can wear out, this is due to normal wear and tear or a malfunctioning set. Worn or frayed gears don’t properly link together so this can cause a bumpy shift.

Solenoid Problems

The solenoid is an electro-hydraulic valve, its function is to control the flow of fluid throughout your transmission. Any damage or electronic issues can cause the wrong amounts of fluid to be dispersed.

Torque Converter Issues

Torque converters are what changes the engine’s power into torque that the transmission can use and these can become worn. Fluid flows through the torque converter, if it fails to do that, your transmission will act funny and transmission slipping is often a symptom.

How to Fix Transmission Slipping

You can solve transmission slipping yourself if it’s simply low fluid, burnt or ineffective fluid, or transmission leaks. This will often require you to either check the fluid, change the fluid, or fix the transmission leak.

On the other hand, problems such replacing or adjusting clutches, replacing or adjusting bands, and replacing gears will require you to dismantle the transmission. These procedures are complicated to explain and will require experience. If you are a novice with transmissions, it’s best to have them done by an expert here at AAMCO.

How to Prevent Transmission Slipping

To prevent your transmission from slipping, you need to regularly maintain your vehicle. This means that you should check the fluid often for any signs of problems, such as leaking, low, dirty, or burnt fluid. Any of these signs can lead to transmission slipping. We recommend that you have your transmission flushed and a new filter installed at least once every 30,000 miles.

If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to submit a question on our Ask A Mechanic section.

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AAMCO Colorado Can Help With Transmission Slipping

AAMCO Colorado is a reputable auto repair service specializing in transmission repair in Colorado. We also deal in Summer Car Care, Radiator and Cooling Systems Service, Suspension Service and Repair, Factory Recommended Service, Auto Tune-up Service, Battery Repair Maintenance and Replacement and many more.

If you are having car troubles find your local AAMCO Colorado and call or book online today to visit us today.

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View Comments (30)

  • I have a 1998 GMC Yukon 4 wheel drive it drives good in first and second but when it goes to shift into third it slipped acts like it's in neutral I replace the shift solenoid 1&2 and 2&3 its a automatic it has the 16 bolt transmission pan it's hey 2 and a quarter inch deep I replace the transmission fluid I replace the gasket and tranny filter and when I get the RPMs up to 5 6000 then it'll slip back out like it's in neutral

  • I have a 95 passport and it doesn't go forward one day out of the blue when I was driving it all the sudden shifted hard then the next week it wouldn't even drive it would go in reverse I even put fulid in it and it would drive maybe 2 miles help me plz

    • JR,
      Thanks so much for your question. It is hard for us to diagnose your vehicle without seeing it in our shop. We suggest asking your question through our Ask a Mechanic feature, and a real mechanic can get back to you soon. Or, if you are local to Colorado stop by one of 14 Colorado AAMCO Service centers and we can perform a free diagnostic check on your vehicle where we can access any repair needs your vehicle may have.

      Thanks,
      AAMCO Colorado

  • I have a 2014 Toyota Sienna and I just changed the transmission oil but now the gears are slipping, what could be the problem

    • Marcos,
      Unfortunately, we can not diagnose your vehicle without seeing it in one of our service centers. If you are local to Colorado stop by one of 14 Colorado AAMCO Service centers and we can perform a free diagnostic check on your vehicle where we can access any repair needs your vehicle may have.

      Thanks,
      AAMCO Colorado

    • Robert,
      While we can't say for sure - everything in your car is connected and this could certainly affect your transmission if all parts are not working correctly. We can not diagnose your vehicle without seeing it in one of our service centers. If you are local to Colorado stop by one of 14 Colorado AAMCO Service centers and we can perform a free diagnostic check on your vehicle where we can access any repair needs your vehicle may have.

      Thanks,
      AAMCO Colorado

    • Mike,
      You should always follow the oil recommendations in your owners manual. These days many manuals can be found online if you are able to locate your physical copy. In order for us to recommend a specific oil type for your vehicle, we would need to see you in one of our 14 AAMCO Colorado locations.
      Thanks,
      AAMCO Colorado

  • I have a 98 chevy k1500 that has recently started shifting irraticly I checked the fluid and it was low so I refilled it but it is still not acting right. Would a service help?

    • LLoyd,
      A transmission service may help the performance of your car. If you visit one of our 14 AAMCO Colorado locations we can perform a free diagnostic scan for you to better advise you what service your car may need.
      Thanks,
      AAMCO Colorado

  • Hi,
    I really hope you can help me because every other has been unsuccessful.
    I have a 2009 plate Toyota Yaris which is semi-auto

    The problem is that sometimes when you put the car in gear (from the semi auto gear box) it completely screws up.

    For example: first gear will become reverse gear
    Reverse gear will be neutral
    Neutral will remain neutral

    I have a video too if you would like me to send you that however it would have to be over email as I can’t attach anything here.

    Please could you tell me the root cause for this problem and how we can fix the car and if it will be a expensive fix or a small fix?

    Thank you, (btw I’m from the UK)

    • Khawer,
      Cameron,
      Unfortunately, we can not diagnose your vehicle without seeing it in one of our service centers. We suggest finding a trusted mechanic local to you to perform a diagnostic check on your transmission system.
      Thanks,
      AAMCO Colorado

  • I have a 2005 Chevy colander and the transmission slips in first gear sometimes what could be the problem

    • Ernie,
      If you are experiencing gear slipping and other indications of a transmission problem we suggest visiting a mechanic for a diagnostic test right away. Unfortunately, we can not diagnose your vehicle without seeing it in one of our service centers. If you are local to Colorado stop by one of 14 Colorado AAMCO Service centers and we can perform a free diagnostic check on your vehicle where we can access any repair needs your vehicle may have. You can also contact one of our mechanics directly by using our Ask A Mechanic feature.

      Thanks,
      AAMCO Colorado

    • Bruno,
      Slipping can indicate larger transmission problems within your car - or indicate the need for a transmission fluid flush. However, we can not diagnose your vehicle without seeing it in one of our service centers. If you are local to Colorado stop by one of 14 Colorado AAMCO Service centers and we can perform a free diagnostic check on your vehicle where we can access any repair needs your vehicle may have. You can also contact one of our mechanics directly by using our Ask A Mechanic feature.
      Thanks,
      AAMCO Colorado

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