A slipping transmission is one of those issues that starts off subtle but can quickly turn into a major headache if ignored. If you’ve noticed your car hesitating between gears, struggling to accelerate, or revving higher than normal without an increase in speed, these are all signs that your transmission may be slipping. Knowing what causes a slipping transmission and taking action early can save you from expensive repairs and keep your car running smoothly.
What Does It Mean When a Transmission Slips
When a transmission is working properly, it transfers power from the engine to the wheels with smooth, precise gear shifts. Slipping happens when the transmission fails to stay in the correct gear or struggles to shift properly, causing delays in acceleration, erratic RPM changes, or a feeling like the car is losing power.
Some drivers describe it as if their car is trying to shift but can’t quite grab the gear. This problem can happen in both automatic and manual transmissions, though the causes may vary.
Common Causes of Transmission Slipping
We’ve seen many different reasons why a transmission may slip, and while some are minor issues that can be fixed quickly, others indicate serious internal problems that require immediate attention.
1. Low or Contaminated Transmission Fluid
One of the most common causes of transmission slipping is low or degraded transmission fluid. This fluid is responsible for lubricating, cooling, and providing hydraulic pressure to keep the transmission shifting properly.
Low fluid levels can prevent the transmission from engaging properly, leading to slipping.
Contaminated or burnt fluid can lose its effectiveness, causing overheating and poor performance.
If your transmission fluid is dark, dirty, or has a burnt smell, it may need to be changed. We recommend checking your owner’s manual for the correct service intervals or having a professional inspect the fluid condition.
2. Worn-Out Clutch (Manual and Automatic Transmissions)
In manual transmissions, a slipping clutch is a common issue that leads to difficulty shifting gears, loss of acceleration, and a burning smell. Clutch wear happens over time, especially if the vehicle is driven in heavy traffic or used for towing.
But automatic transmissions have clutches, too—just in a different form. In automatic transmissions, clutch packs and bands control gear shifts, and over time, they can wear out or lose grip, leading to slipping gears.
3. Failing Transmission Bands (Automatic Transmissions)
Inside an automatic transmission, bands help hold gears in place. If a band becomes worn or stretched, it won’t be able to grip the gears properly, leading to slipping. Transmission bands can sometimes be adjusted, but if they’re too worn, they may need to be replaced.
4. Solenoid or Valve Body Problems
The transmission solenoid and valve body are responsible for controlling fluid pressure and gear engagement. If the solenoid fails or gets clogged, it can cause delayed shifting, rough gear changes, or slipping gears. Electrical issues or fluid contamination can also affect how well these components function.
5. Torque Converter Issues
In automatic transmissions, the torque converter is what transfers power from the engine to the transmission. If it’s malfunctioning, it won’t engage properly, leading to slipping, overheating, and even stalling.
How to Fix a Slipping Transmission
At Paul’s Automotive, we always start by diagnosing the issue thoroughly to determine the exact cause of transmission slipping. Here’s how we approach the problem:
- Check Transmission Fluid – Low or dirty fluid is often the culprit. A transmission fluid flush or top-off can sometimes resolve minor slipping issues.
- Inspect Clutches and Bands – If internal components are worn, replacing the affected parts may be necessary.
- Scan for Trouble Codes – Many modern vehicles store error codes related to transmission problems. Using a diagnostic scan tool, we check for any fault codes that may point to solenoid or valve body issues.
- Test Drive and Evaluate Symptoms – We always test the vehicle under real-world conditions to verify how the transmission behaves and confirm the cause of slipping.
Can You Keep Driving If Your Transmission Is Slipping
A slipping transmission will not fix itself. The longer you drive with a slipping transmission, the worse the damage can get. Ignoring the issue can lead to complete transmission failure, requiring a costly rebuild or replacement.
If your vehicle is showing signs of slipping, it’s best to get it inspected as soon as possible. Catching the issue early can save you thousands of dollars in repairs.
A slipping transmission won’t go away on its own. Paul’s Automotive in Cockeysville, MD, provides expert transmission repairs to keep your car running smoothly. Stop by for a full evaluation!