How To Deal With a Slipping Transmission

Is Your Vehicle’s Transmission Slipping?

When it comes to automobiles, some items are luxuries (a fancy sound system or pretty pinstriping, for instance), while others are necessities (for example, the engine, tires, and brakes). One of those unquestionable components is the transmission. If this part goes out, you’re not going to get very far. Therefore, have your transmission serviced as needed and/or recommended by the manufacturer. Fix problems sooner rather than later. For both excellent transmission service and repair, count on the experts at Can-West Transmission Parts Ltd. in Edmonton, Alberta.

Signs That the Transmission is Slipping

One potential problem is transmission slippage. This refers to the condition where your car goes into neutral or moves in and out of gear without warning or any driver action. You may experience the feeling that the auto is doing nothing for a brief period when you try to move. This is, of course, quite dangerous. Imagine trying to pull out into traffic when, just as oncoming cars approach, your vehicle won’t go. Before the situation becomes this serious, know the warning signs of a slipping transmission. For example, you might be surprised to learn that an early sign of transmission trouble can be an illuminated check engine light. Also, new noises as your auto shifts gears or a burning odor should also alert you to get your transmission checked. As the condition worsens, so do the warning signals. For instance, you may lose the ability to put your car in reverse. Further, you may see that the RPMs are high when your vehicle is in a lower gear. Gear changes may become difficult or awkward, or your automobile may go back into a lower gear as you/your car are upshifting. Finally, you may notice the auto hesitating (a delay in movement or increasing speed when you press the accelerator).

Causes of Transmission Slippage

Now that you know what to watch for, you may be wondering why your transmission is slipping. Actually, there may be a variety of causes, but we see some more frequently than others. Your transmission works using transmission fluid to create hydraulic force. If your auto develops a leak, it may lose fluid such that there is no longer enough hydraulic force to perform properly. Leaks can result from a hole in the transmission fluid hose, a bad gasket around the pan, a failing seal, or a cracked torque converter. Along that same line of thought, an ailing torque converter may decrease the hydraulic force needed from the transmission fluid. A bad clutch in a manual can prevent your vehicle from properly going into and out of gears. Finally, internal gears can eventually wear out, preventing them from engaging properly.

No matter the problem, Can-West Transmission Parts Ltd. can help you with transmission repair. You can feel confident knowing that we’ve been in this line of work for more than four decades, and we back our work with a 2 year warranty.