After our last car died, my husband and I decided to do a little research before buying a new car. We bought the previous car without a lot of thought, and it showed. Instead of lasting the length of the loan, the car started having problems right around the time the warranty ran out. We decided that it would be smart to invest a little time into research, so that we could avoid making a similar mistake in the future. This blog is a collection of articles about cars and automotive accessories, so that you can do a lot of research without making a lot of effort.
It's the start of your daily commute and you're about to pull away from a standstill. You press the accelerator pedal only to hear the engine rev, but little to no forward motion to go with it. Instead, it feels like you're stuck in neutral, except you're not in neutral – you're still in drive, according to the gear selector.
If this has happened to you, then chances are you're dealing with automatic transmission slippage. Tackling transmission slippage early on could help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repairs. The following talks about how slippage occurs in automatic transmissions, what signs to look out for, and how to deal with the problem.
Reasons for Transmission Slippage
Not only does your vehicle's automatic transmission rely on its transmission fluid for lubrication and cooling, but it also relies on it for its hydraulic capabilities. The various bands, clutches and brakes within your transmission are actuated using hydraulic pressure. For instance, the transmission's torque converter acts as a fluid coupling, using hydraulic pressure to transfer power from the engine to the transmission and, eventually, the drive wheels.
The following issues can have a serious impact on how your automatic transmission behaves:
Resolving Slippage Issues On Your Own
Whether or not you'll be able to deal with a slipping transmission on your own depends on how early you spot the problem. If the transmission has just recently started slipping or falling out of gear, locate the transmission fluid dipstick and check the fluid levels. Ideally, fluid levels should be within the hash-marked area between the ADD and FULL marks. When checking the transmission fluid, make sure you're parked on a flat, level surface and have your vehicle running while in park. Make sure not to add too much or too little fluid.
You'll also want to make sure you're using the right fluid for your automatic transmission. Your vehicle owner's manual will have information regarding the correct type of fluid your vehicle needs. If you plan on using a multi-vehicle blend, make sure it's compatible with your current fluid and that your vehicle manufacturer allows multi-vehicle blends to be used.
For low fluid pressure issues, you may want to take a look at the transmission filter. Most automatic transmissions feature removable filters that collect foreign debris before it has a chance to recirculate. A clogged filter can block oil flow, which in turn could cause fluid pressures to drop. In most cases, you can drop the transmission pan and replace the filter using a basic socket wrench set. Afterwards, carefully refill the transmission with fresh fluid.
When to Have Your Mechanic Step In
If the above fixes don't settle your transmission slippage woes, then you may need to have a trained and certified mechanic take an in-depth look at your transmission. For instance, your mechanic may perform a pressure test to examine low fluid pressure issues not directly caused by your transmission filter. Your mechanic may also be able to diagnose and replace any faulty sensor, solenoid or valve that's causing your transmission's slippage issues. In some cases, your slippage issues could be a sign that the transmission needs a rebuild or a complete replacement soon. Contact a local mechanic, such as American Transmission Center, for more info.
Share29 February 2016
