What Causes a Transmission to Slip?

If you notice your transmission slipping during your East Baton Rouge and Ascension travels, this is not always a sign that your transmission is failing, but can also indicate that you need to flush and replace your transmission fluid. So, what causes a transmission to slip when you’re behind the wheel? Get everything you need to know so you can achieve a safer and more stable ride on the road with the automotive experts at Acura of Baton Rouge today!

Transmission Slipping Signs

Even if you’ve never experienced this problem in your car, here are some common transmission slipping signs to keep an eye out for during your Ascension and Livingston commute 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

These transmission slipping signs will also present themselves if you find your vehicle is very slow to respond or it may not even respond at all when you’re trying to accelerate. You also want to keep an ear out for strange noises as you shift gears, or you’ll want to bring in your vehicle sooner if you find the transmission switches gears on its own.

Reasons Why a Transmission is Slipping

If you find you’re transmission slipping on Ascension and Livingston roads, this can be the result of one (or more) problems such as:

• 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.

Let Our Expert Team Handle Your Service Needs

Now that you’ve read about what causes a transmission to slip, you’ll be better equipped to handle any issues on Livingston roads. Turn to our service team at Acura of Baton Rouge for more information about auto maintenance and save on your next visit with our rotating specials and coupons. You can also order OEM parts or accessories for sale and have them ready for your next visit. Contact us today for more information on transmission slipping signs and to schedule an appointment at our dealership here in Baton Rouge!