What To Do If Gears Slip In Your Automatic Gearbox
Automatic vehicles are known for their reliability and longevity. However, there are still some common issues that you may uncover during the lifespan of your car. One of these problems is when the transmission slips or won’t stay in the right gear for any length of time. If your transmission slips, then it is not an issue you can ignore. Read on for how to solve the problem.
Is your transmission slipping?
It may not be easy to spot a slipping transmission at first. However, some of the common signs of gears slipping include;
- The ‘check engine’ light coming on
- A lag or delay in acceleration
- A significantly high RPM such as over 3500.
- A strange noise or harsh response when you try and change gears
- A difficulty in reversing
- A burnt smell.
All of these indicate an issue with the automatic gearbox and should be checked as soon as possible.
Why is your transmission slipping?
There are several reasons which may cause your transmission to slip. Some of these are;
- Worn clutch plates
In an automatic vehicle, theclutch plates are in the torque converter and transmission; if there are inadequate levels of transmission fluid, these can become burnt or worn.
- Low fluid levels
This is usually the main reason why gears start to slip. It is important to check fluid levels regularly and ensure they do not fall below the minimum. If the levels are low, there is usually not enough hydraulic pressure to engage the gears.
- Burnt fluid
If you check the dipstick and the transmission fluid is brown or black, then the fluid is burnt. This can happen through overheating and can significantly damage your vehicle. If this is the case, stop using your car immediately and call a transmission expert in to help.
- Solenoid issues
If the solenoid is unable to control the flow of transmission fluid in your gearbox, then this may cause the wrong amount of liquid to be dispersed which could cause gear slippage.
If your vehicle has any of these issues, then make sure to call a transmission expert like Milta Technology as soon as possible, Milta Technology can repair and replace gearboxes to get you back on the road again.
October 10, 2019
Hi
My bmw 335d e90 2007 jumps out of gear if I do a fast kick down when accelerating quite hard?
I am hoping you have a solution to fix this?
Many Thanks
Nick Morgan
December 4, 2019
Hi Nick,
I’m sorry, but we don’t deal with BMW. Our range of services covers only Audi, Bentley, VW, Seat, Skoda and Lamborghini.
July 25, 2020
Hi, I have a new VW Arteon. When putting my foot down my DSG gearbox slips out of gear and goes into N. It doesn’t happen all the time just once a. While. Can you explain why this happens
July 26, 2020
We are happy to look into this. We could have a proper review of what is going on if you could bring it over to us. Please call us for more information on +44 (0) 1454 411 743
Thanks.
January 2, 2023
CAR WITH AUTOMATIC GEARBOX, IF CAR LEFT SITTING FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS WHEN ENGAGENGING *DRIVE* NOTHING HAPPENS OTHER THAN REVS INCREASE, BUT IF LEFT RUNNING FOR A FEW MINUTES THEN *DRIVE* GRADUALLY WORKS O.K IE, THE CAR CHANGES UP/DOWN THE GEARS AIUTOMATICALLY,
RGDS JOE
June 24, 2024
My Xtrail QR20, Year 2001 slips to neutral whilst car is at 60 km/h, or if l drive at low gear, such as in town where there is traffic, it refuses to change to next gear. The transmission oil is adequate and it’s still has it’s red colour. What might be the problem?