One of the hallmarks of an automobile that is a joy to drive is smooth-shifting gears. They should engage smoothly and firmly when you move the gear selector to "Drive." If your transmission hesitates, or it slips when up-shifting or while driving, it is not working properly. This is not a driving machine that brings delight to the driver and you will want to seek the assistance of a transmission repair specialist.
Slipping can typically be caused by several things:
- A low fluid level
- Low internal fluid pressure
- Faulty pressure regulation or control
Low fluid level is one of the most common and easiest types of transmission repair. For the torque converter to transmit engine torque to the transmission, the converter must be filled with fluid. There must be enough fluid to generate the internal pressure required to engage the various gears. The low fluid will cause the transmission to hesitate for a few seconds before engaging when the vehicle is first to put it into Drive or Reverse. If this happens, you would be wise to schedule a transmission service to check the fluid level.
In order to get an accurate reading, the fluid must be warm. If it is cold, go for a short drive to bring it up to temperature. Also, on most vehicles, the fluid level must be checked while the engine is idling and the transmission is in PARK (be sure to set the parking brake). If the fluid level is checked with the engine off, the dipstick reading will NOT be accurate and will read higher than normal because some of the fluid that would normally be circulating inside the transmission and torque converter will have drained back into the transmission pan. An experienced transmission repair specialist will already know this fact.
If adding fluid and bringing the fluid level up to the FULL mark fails to eliminate the slipping problem, chances are there are more serious issues and a more thorough diagnostic transmission service will be required to determine what type of transmission repair will be necessary to restore your vehicle's smooth driving again.
Need a Quality Transmission Service? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Cannon Auto Repair today by calling 507-263-2120. Our auto repair shop serves vehicle owners in Cannon Falls, MN and the surrounding areas.
One of the hallmarks of an automobile that is a joy to drive is smooth-shifting gears. They should engage smoothly and firmly when you move the gear selector to "Drive." If your transmission hesitates, or it slips when up-shifting or while driving, it is not working properly. This is not a driving machine that brings delight to the driver and you will want to seek the assistance of a transmission repair specialist.
Slipping can typically be caused by several things:
- A low fluid level
- Low internal fluid pressure
- Faulty pressure regulation or control
Low fluid level is one of the most common and easiest types of transmission repair. For the torque converter to transmit engine torque to the transmission, the converter must be filled with fluid. There must be enough fluid to generate the internal pressure required to engage the various gears. The low fluid will cause the transmission to hesitate for a few seconds before engaging when the vehicle is first to put it into Drive or Reverse. If this happens, you would be wise to schedule a transmission service to check the fluid level.
In order to get an accurate reading, the fluid must be warm. If it is cold, go for a short drive to bring it up to temperature. Also, on most vehicles, the fluid level must be checked while the engine is idling and the transmission is in PARK (be sure to set the parking brake). If the fluid level is checked with the engine off, the dipstick reading will NOT be accurate and will read higher than normal because some of the fluid that would normally be circulating inside the transmission and torque converter will have drained back into the transmission pan. An experienced transmission repair specialist will already know this fact.
If adding fluid and bringing the fluid level up to the FULL mark fails to eliminate the slipping problem, chances are there are more serious issues and a more thorough diagnostic transmission service will be required to determine what type of transmission repair will be necessary to restore your vehicle's smooth driving again.
Need a Quality Transmission Service? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Cannon Auto Repair today by calling 507-263-2120. Our auto repair shop serves vehicle owners in Cannon Falls, MN and the surrounding areas.
