When a car transmission slips, it changes gears without being prompted while you’re on the road. This poses a safety risk to you, your passengers, and anyone around the vehicle. Here are four possible reasons why the transmission is slipping.

Why Your Transmission Isn’t Working Properly 

1. Gear Problems

Automatic and manual vehicles feature gears that transport power from the crankshaft to the driveshaft to move the wheels. If the gears are worn out, the switch from one gear to another can feel bumpy. A mechanic will replace the gears to smooth out the ride and mitigate unnecessary wear on the vehicle.

2. Incorrect Fluid Levels

Transmission fluid lubricates the transmission to prevent friction and overheating. This viscous liquid is in a contained system and shouldn’t leak. However, if the car incurs damage or the transmission cracks, the mix may leak out, making the system slip instead of smoothly switching gears. Topping off the fluids and fixing the leak should solve this transmission issue.

3. Burnt Fluid

When you first install transmission fluid, it should be red. Over time, the liquid may turn dark brown or black if it’s full of rust or contaminants.

When the fluid is burnt, it won’t provide the lubrication needed to protect the engine, and you may notice the gears slipping. This problem requires a transmission flush to drain the liquid and clean out the engine before installing new fluid to protect the engine components.

4. Solenoid Trouble

Solenoid valves control the amount of transmission fluid flowing through the engine. These small, electrically activated control mechanisms may fail, preventing the fluid from entering the engine and lowering shifting capabilities.

A dashboard engine light can indicate an issue with solenoid valves. A transmission expert will use a diagnostic scanner to assess the coding and then replace the solenoid to ensure the engine has adequate fluid to switch gears with ease.

Vehicle owners interested in fixing their transmission should contact Transmission Services in Lancaster County, NE. The experienced team offers competitive pricing on maintenance and repairs to keep your car on the road. Call the Lincoln-area company at (402) 475-3637 or visit the website for information on their tune-ups, general maintenance, and specialized transmission services.