Our guide today will highlight the top causes of automatic transmission slipping when accelerating. Before we get to the causes of these problem let us see what an automatic transmission is.
What Is an Automatic Transmission?
An automatic transmission (often abbreviated to auto or AT) is a multi-speed transmission used in automobiles that does not require any driver input to change forward gears. It is technically referred to as a transaxle since it combines a transmission, axle, and differential into one integrated system.
The hydraulic automatic gearbox, which uses a planetary gearset, hydraulic controls, and a torque converter, is the most popular form of automatic transmission. Continuously variable transmissions (CVT), automated manual transmissions (AMT), and dual-clutch transmissions are all examples of automatic transmissions (DCT). Electronic automatic transmission (EAT), also known as electronically controlled transmission (ECT) or electronic automatic transaxle, is a type of automatic transmission (EATX).
What Causes an Automatic Transmission To Fail?
The following are the things that may cause failure of your automatic transmission:
Leaking Transmission Fluid
Look for evidence of a transmission fluid leak near the drain plug or seal between the transmission and the engine (typically red in color). One of the most prevalent causes of a slipping gearbox is a lack of automatic transmission fluid, which decreases the hydraulic pressure required to shift properly. The transmission will perform poorly or stop working entirely if there isn’t enough fluid or if it is losing its efficiency in lubricating and cooling.
Clogged Or Blocked Transmission Filter
This filter aids in maintaining the transmission fluid’s cleanliness and quality. The optimal performance and function of an automatic transmission, including the bands and gears, requires unobstructed transmission fluid flow. When the filter becomes clogged, the fluid cannot flow normally, preventing it from lubricating and cooling the transmission components.
Damaged Transmission Bands
To synchronize gear functioning, an automatic gearbox uses a series of small rubberized transmission bands. Transmission bands that are excessively tight can cause early gear wear and breakage; bands that are too slack can cause gear slippage and failure to engage properly.
Damaged Torque Converter
The torque converter circulates transmission fluid throughout the transmission system by pumping and pressurizing it. Because a defective torque converter prevents the fluid from being pushed and driven throughout the transmission, gears can fall out of place or behave erratically.
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Causes Of Automatic Transmission Slipping When Accelerating
Let us now see the causes of automatic transmission slipping when accelerating.
Low Transmission Fluid
If you have an automatic transmission and discover that it is slipping while driving, the most typical reason of this problem is a lack of transmission fluid. The transmission fluid is required to lubricate the parts and ensure that your vehicle runs smoothly. When your transmission slides, the car engine revs but no power is delivered to the wheels to propel the vehicle forward. If low transmission fluid is the reason of the sleeping, it will only get worse as the gearbox overheats and friction builds up during use.
Transmission Fluid Burning
When your automatic gearbox slips when you accelerate, it could be because the transmission fluid is burning rather than being at a low level in your car. This is most likely the cause if the fluid is the wrong color, such as black instead of red, or if you smell burning. When the transmission overheats and there is too much friction, burned fluid might result. You’ll need to change your transmission fluid in this scenario.
Clutch Issues
Both automatic and manual transmissions use clutches, and while clutch problems are more common in manual cars, automatic cars can still suffer from them. The automatic transmission may slip when accelerating as a result of these clutch difficulties. Due to a lack of transmission fluid, the clutch plates in an automatic car’s transmission and torque converter might wear down and be damaged.
Torque Converter Problem
The torque converter’s primary role is to transform the engine’s power into torque, which is the type of power that the transmission can handle. The torque converter will wear out and become damaged over time. The fluid will flow through the torque converter while it is working properly, but if it is damaged, the transmission fluid will not be able to flow, which might cause the automatic transmission to slip when accelerating.
Broken Transmission Bands
Along with the troubles that occur when an automatic transmission slips when accelerating, the transmission bands can also break down, wear out, and be damaged with time. Because the transmission is in charge of connecting your gears, these flaws can cause the transmission to slip.
Worn Gears
The gear set is the most common cause of automatic transmission sliding. Various clutches and bands alter the gears and affect the speed of the shifts in your vehicle’s gear set. If the fluid is not the problem, the bands in the automatic gearbox are usually the source of slippage, as slipping might be an indication of a worn band.
After you change gears, the worn out or damaged band may allow parts of the transmission to continue to rotate for a few seconds.
Because the spinning continues after you change gears, the gears seem sloppy, causing your engine to crank during the shift and the automatic transmission to slip when accelerating.
Solenoid Issues
There are additional causes for your transmission troubles besides a worn band and insufficient transmission fluid. The transmission solenoids that convert the automatic transmission fluid into the various components in your transmission to cause things to move and the clutches and bands to disengage from the system actually spark the gear changes in the automatic transmission.
What should you do if automatic transmission is slipping?
A lack of transmission fluid might cause automatic transmission difficulties. If your transmission is slipping, the first thing you should do is check the fluid level in your transmission. If they’re running low, top them up and check for leaks. Burned or worn-out fluid can also cause slipping.
How long will a transmission last once it starts slipping?
Some transmissions can fail in as low as 100,000 miles if they are not serviced and maintained. If you drive between 10,000 and 15,000 miles each year, your transmission could fail in as little as seven years! Transmissions can last 300,000 miles or more with proper care and maintenance.
Can a dirty transmission filter cause slipping?
The internal components will not have the lubrication they require to work correctly if the transmission fluid is dirty or obstructed by a clogged filter. This could cause problems with shifting, grinding gears, slipping transmissions, and other common transmission symptoms.
How much would it cost to fix a slipping transmission?
A transmission repair might cost anywhere from $1,800 to $3,400, depending on a number of factors. Repairs to basic transmissions will be more economical. This will cost between $300 and $1,400.
What is good for shifting transmission?
Lucas Transmission Fix is a non-solvent compound that prevents most seal leaks and stops slide, reluctance, and harsh shifting in worn transmissions. For preventative maintenance, use in any transmission. To improve shifting ease and transmission life, use in light duty manual transmissions.
How much does it cost to replace a torque converter?
A torque converter replacement will cost anywhere from $600 to $1000 in most auto repair shops. If you prefer to replace the torque converter yourself, a new torque converter will cost between $150 and $500. The actual cost is determined by the vehicle’s manufacture and model.
What happens if there’s so much transmission fluid?
Extra transmission fluid can harm the transmission in a number of ways. It is possible for the fluid to start mixing with air if it remains above the recommended level. This can result in transmission shifting troubles such as gear slippage, hard shifting, and other problems.
Does changing transmission fluid help shifting?
A transmission fluid cleanse can occasionally fix shifting issues if you identify a shifting problem early enough. The new fluid aids the bonding and holding of clutch discs and steel discs. The new fluid’s seal conditioners soften the clutch piston lip seals, allowing them to seal more effectively.
Does LUCAS stop or fix slipping transmission?
Lucas Transmission Fix might be a cost-effective option for a troublesome transmission when compared to the expense of a repair. Is it effective? It typically does, as long as the problem isn’t too significant and is caused by the common symptoms of slippage, hard shifting, and seal breaches.
Conclusion
Hope you enjoyed reading this article on: Causes Of Automatic Transmission Slipping When Accelerating. You now know what causes this issue. If you notice that your transmission is slipping when accelerating, we advise that you contact your auto mechanic to detect what is the actual cause of the problem and resolve it as soon as possible.