Automatic Transmission Slipping

Automatic transmission is fairly common place now as more and more drivers prefer having one less thing to worry about. However, there are certain problems, associated with it, which primarily include low efficiency and slipping.

A car's transmission distributes the torque generated by the engine and makes maximum efficient use of engine's capacity. It is due to the car transmission that variable speeds of operation are made possible. It makes driving easier and lets the car itself handle the changing of gears according to speed. There is no clutch pedal required and driver has to worry only about steering, accelerating and braking. However, it has its own set of problems.

Symptoms

Repair can cost a lot. Slipping in automatic transmission is a serious problem. That is why it helps if you know the symptoms of transmission slipping out of gear.

Sudden High RPM Reading
Transmission slipping can cause an abnormal increase in engine RPM readings. If the car engine's reading for rotations per minute increases beyond 3000 to 3500, then your engine may be going into overdrive due to the transmission slipping.

Car Coasts For Longer Time
When driving, if you suddenly take your foot off the acceleration pedal, then it coasts for some distance before coming to a stop. When slipping occurs, you may notice that the car coasts for a longer time than normal, before it comes to a stop.

Gear Downshifting Has Slowed Down
Chances are that your car's transmission might be slipping when gear downshifting is slower. Sometimes downshifting is accompanied with an increase in RPM. Lagging of the car speed to keep up with change in gears is another indication of slipping.

Delay in Acceleration
One of the prime symptoms of slipping is a noticeable delay in acceleration and a significant lost in engine power. The engine revs up more and acceleration is delayed. This is a classic symptom of a transmission, slipping out of gear.

Transmission Fluid Turns Brownish
It is observed that when slipping occurs, there is a change in the color of transmission color from red to brown.

Noise at High Speeds
High pitched grinding noises are another feature of transmission slipping. The noise often gets louder while speeding up or slowing down. If this becomes a regular feature, it's time you got your car transmission checked out.

Reverse Gear Problems
When there is slipping in cold weather, one noticeable feature is the difficulty of getting into reverse gear. The transition into reverse gear is hesitant and not at all smooth as you will notice.

Causes

There are many causes of slipping as the system itself is quite complex in its make up.

Torque Converter Malfunction
Modern automatic transmission systems are hydraulic in nature and the power for driving the transmission comes through the torque converter. It is the torque converter which pressurizes the transmission fluid and provides hydraulic power to shift gears. A malfunctioning torque converter, with a reduced pressurizing capacity can be one of the main causes.

Transmission Band Problems
For the proper working of a transmission unit, it is vital that the transmission bands are adjusted well. If they are not, gears can slip out of place and cause the transmission to slip.

Worn Out Gears of Transmission
Gears which have worn out along with worn out transmission bands can be the prime causes of a slipping transmission. Worn out gears do not engage properly causing the transmission to slip.

Drop in Level of Transmission Fluid
One of the common reasons for slipping is inadequate levels of fluid, which adversely affects gear functioning.

If you see any of the signs of transmission slipping mentioned above, make sure that you get it checked out as soon as possible.