Transmission slippage can be caused by a variety of factors which are sometimes difficult to pin down. From Sac Valley Diesel in Sacramento, CA, here’s a rundown of the more common issues that may cause a transmission to slip.
Low Fluid - If your transmission fluid level gets even a little low, your car’s transmission will start to act up. You might notice it slipping in and out of gear or failing to shift or stay engaged. Check the fluids your car’s owner manual recommends, and make sure your fluid level is correct. Once you’ve got it right, be sure to keep an eye on it, and track down the cause of your leak.
Worn/Burnt Clutches - Your truck’s transmission is packed with clutches that allow it to engage or disengage. If they’ve become worn or damaged, they won’t work properly, and your transmission will slip. Typically, there are other issues at hand that result in damaged clutches, and the clutches themselves require the entire transmission to be broken down in order for them to be replaced. Most of the time, a rebuild or replacement will be in order.
Electronics - Modern transmissions are electronically controlled and actuated by a variety of solenoids, modules, and sensors. If any of these fail, it can cause your SUV’s transmission to slip or at least feel like it’s slipping. Most of the time, you’ll get a warning light on the dash, but not always. The good news is, if remedied quickly, it’s typically an easy fix and you’ll be back on the road in no time.
When it comes to transmissions, don’t wait to get it checked out by a professional at Sac Valley Diesel if you notice an issue. Depending on the nature of the problem, it only takes driving your car once to ruin an otherwise good transmission.
