When your transmission starts slipping, it’s natural to feel alarmed and jump to conclusions.
But don’t worry just yet.
The repair could be as simple as just topping off the transmission fluid. Alternatively, it could be something more complex, like a complete torque converter replacement. Either way, this article should have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
We’ll break down everything you need to know about a transmission slipping fix — how to spot damage early, the repair process, and related costs.
This Article Contains:
- How to Fix a Slipping Transmission
- Is it Safe to Drive with a Slipping Transmission?
- What Are Some Signs Your Transmission Is Slipping?
- 7 Key Reasons for a Transmission Slip
- How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Slipping Transmission?
- How to Prevent Your Transmission from Slipping
How to Fix a Slipping Transmission
When addressing a slipping issue, a mechanic carefully inspects each component to identify the faults and perform the necessary repairs.
Here’s how they’ll proceed:
- Park the vehicle on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.
- Check the fluid level using a dipstick. If the fluid is low, the mechanic will top it off using the manufacturer-approved type.
- Examine the color of the fluid — healthy fluid is red or pink. If it appears dark or burnt, they’ll replace it.
- Look for signs of fluid leaks around the transmission pan, seals, gaskets, and cooling lines. If leaks are found, the mechanic will replace the damaged part.
- Adjust the transmission bands by using a torque wrench to tighten them to spec.
- Use an OBD-II scanner to identify error codes related to the transmission. They’ll replace any faulty solenoids indicated by the diagnostic report.
- Check the torque converter for signs of wear and replace it if necessary.
- For manual transmissions, check the clutch for wear and replace it if it’s failing to engage properly.
- Reset the Transmission Control Module software using a diagnostic scanner.
- Perform a test drive to confirm that the slipping issue is gone.
While it can be tempting to put off transmission repairs as they’re so intensive and time-consuming, ignoring them comes with a price.
Is it Safe to Drive with a Slipping Transmission?
No, it’s not safe to drive with a slipping transmission.
A slipping transmission can cause poor acceleration and erratic gear changes, increasing the chance of an accident. Continuing to drive with a faulty transmission can even lead to complete vehicle failure, leaving you stranded on the road.
If your transmission starts slipping, it’s best to have a mechanic check it right away.
But what exactly should you watch out for?
Let’s take a look.
What Are Some Signs Your Transmission Is Slipping?
Here are some red flags of a slipping transmission:
- Illuminated Check Engine Light
- Erratic shifting — struggles to shift up or slips back into a lower gear
- Hard or rough gear changes
- Unusual noises when shifting
- Engine RPMs rise when accelerating, but the vehicle speed doesn’t increase
- The vehicle’s RPM goes above 3,500 and remains there
These symptoms often point to an underlying transmission issue.
Here’s what could be happening under the hood:
7 Key Reasons for a Transmission Slip
A transmission may slip due to several factors:
- Leaks in cooler lines or seals can reduce fluid pressure, causing slipping.
- Aggressive driving can wear down gear teeth, making it harder to stay in gear.
- When solenoids fail to regulate fluid flow, shifting becomes inconsistent.
- Burnt or incorrect fluid can’t lubricate parts properly, leading to friction and poor gear engagement.
- A worn and slipping clutch disc fails to maintain grip.
- Faulty converters can’t transfer engine power efficiently.
- Damaged metal bands (in automatic transmissions) prevent proper gear engagement.
Wondering what it would cost to fix these problems?
Find out next.
How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Slipping Transmission?
The price to fix a slipping transmission depends on the specific component that is faulty.
Here’s what you might expect to pay:
- Transmission solenoid replacement: $75 to $450
- Transmission fluid replacement: $120 to $510
- Transmission line replacement: $228 to $790
- Transmission pan gasket replacement: $300 to $450
- Transmission pan replacement: $240 to $920
- Clutch replacement: $500 to $2,000
- Torque converter replacement:$600 to $2,000
NOTE: These costs may vary depending on your car’s make and model, as well as your location, which factors into the labor costs charged.
Clearly, transmission repairs can be expensive. Fortunately, you can take measures to prevent things from escalating.
How to Prevent Your Transmission from Slipping
These simple practices can reduce the risk of a slipping transmission:
- Replace the transmission fluid and filter typically every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
- Use the fluid that’s recommended in your owner’s manual.
- Follow your manufacturer’s maintenance schedule.
- Avoid driving aggressively. Use smooth acceleration and gentle gear changes to reduce transmission strain.
- Schedule regular checks to maintain your vehicle’s cooling system in optimal condition. A malfunctioning cooling system can lead to overheating and cause damage to clutch plates, seals, and gaskets.
Enjoy Hassle-free Transmission Repairs with AutoNation Mobile Service
Driving with a slipping transmission is like gambling with your safety on the road. This is an issue that often needs your immediate attention. Fortunately, if you don’t have the time to visit a garage, AutoNation Mobile Service can bring the repair shop to you.
We bring experienced technicians straight to your driveway, seven days a week, with upfront pricing. Every repair comes with a 12-month | 12,000-mile warranty for your peace of mind.
Schedule your transmission fix today for stress-free driving.