Repair 7

How to Stop a Transmission From Slipping

When youre driving your car, you tend to get a feel for any mechanical changes in your vehicle that could signal trouble. For example, if you notice that your vehicle is not shifting as smoothly as it used to, it may indicate transmission trouble. When your transmission hesitates or slips, the gears arent moving well. You can often prevent more costly repairs by servicing the transmission.

Instructions

1

Your transmission needs to be checked and serviced every 80,000 miles. You can do this by replacing your transmission fluid or flushing it out. Removing the transmission fluid is vital because this ensures that any debris it has accumulated will be removed. When removing the transmission fluid, you will have to remove the transmission pan, drain it, and then replace the filter and fluid.

2

When you add or replace your transmission fluid, make sure that you fill it up with the correct amount, according to your vehicle manufacturers manual. The transmission fluid lubricates and allows hydraulic pressure to occur in the transmission gears. If the fluid is too old, it wont be able to provide the necessary lubrication. Check the levels by looking at the transmission gauge. Examine the fluid and note its consistency. It should have a pinkish hue to it. If it has a dark red color, the fluid is should be replaced.

3

Transmission additives can help keep your transmission from slipping. Several companies make transmission additives, but you will need to make sure that the additives are compatible with your transmission.

4

Keep an eye on our RPM gauge when driving. If RPMs are higher than usual and your vehicle is laboring as it shifts gears, it indicates a transmission problem. Many vehicles made after the year 2000 have a transmission module box in the engine. The codes in this module box can be scanned at an automotive repair shop to give a more definitive answer to what is making your transmission slip.