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repair
Why is my transmission slipping?
A transmission usually slips because the fluid is low, old, or burnt, or because worn internal clutches, a failing solenoid, or a torque converter problem keep a gear from holding. You feel it as engine revs that climb without the car speeding up, or shifts that flare and land late. Ace AutoFix checks the fluid and scans for codes on cars and gas or light-duty trucks in Durango. We do not do diesel.
Transmission slipping or shifting late? Call (970) 317-2009 or Book appointment online. Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
What does a slipping transmission feel like?
The most common sign is engine revs that jump while the car barely speeds up, as if it slid into neutral for a second. You may also feel a shift that flares, lands late, or bangs into gear, a delay when you put it in drive or reverse, or a car that drops out of gear on a hill. Some drivers notice a burning smell or a warning light on the dash. This post is about automatic transmissions, which most cars and light-duty trucks on the road use.
What causes a transmission to slip?
Low fluid is the first thing to rule out. An automatic transmission uses its fluid to apply the clutches inside it, so when the level drops, a gear can let go under load. Fluid does not burn off on its own, so low fluid usually points to a leak at a seal, a pan gasket, or a cooler line. Old or burnt fluid is next: heat breaks it down until it no longer holds the way it should. Past fluid, the cause is usually inside the unit, such as worn clutches or bands, a failing shift solenoid, a control or sensor problem that sets a code, or a torque converter that is not locking up the way it should.
Next step: see our transmission and drivetrain repair page. Ace AutoFix checks the fluid, scans for codes, and tells you what the transmission needs before any work starts.
Is it safe to drive with a slipping transmission?
It is a reason to slow down and get it checked soon. A transmission that slips can leave you without power at the moment you need it, like merging onto US-160 or climbing toward Coal Bank Pass, and every slip adds heat that wears it faster. Drive it as little as you can, go easy on the throttle, and skip long climbs and heavy loads until it has been looked at. If a light is on, our post on driving with the check engine light on explains what a steady or flashing light means, and our check engine light diagnosis page covers the scan.
Will a transmission fluid service fix slipping?
Sometimes. If the fluid is low, old, or the wrong type and the unit inside is still healthy, a transmission fluid service to the spec for your year and engine can bring the shifts back. A fluid service will not save a transmission that is already worn out. When the unit is done, the job is transmission replacement, and you get a written estimate before the old one comes out. We tell you which job it is before we start, and nothing gets added without your OK.
Why do Durango drives bring out transmission problems?
Long grades put heat and load on a transmission. Climbing US-550 toward Coal Bank and Molas, or pulling a trailer or a full load of gear up to Purgatory, makes the fluid work hard, and a weak spot often shows up there first. Coming back down, using a lower gear saves your brakes, as our post on using low gear going down a mountain pass explains. If you feel a clunk or vibration instead of a slip, it may be another drivetrain part, and our post on when to replace a CV axle covers one common one.
Who fixes slipping transmissions in Durango?
Ace AutoFix is a locally owned shop at 320 Wilson Gulch Dr, Durango, CO 81301, open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. We do transmission service and fluid, transmission replacement, and drivetrain work on any brand of car and on gas or light-duty trucks. We do not work on diesel vehicles. The price is labor and parts, with no supply, ordering, or disposal fees.
Book with Ace AutoFix
Call (970) 317-2009 or Book appointment online. Ace AutoFix is locally owned at 320 Wilson Gulch Dr, Durango, CO 81301, open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Cars and gas or light-duty trucks. No diesel.
What should I do if my transmission is slipping?
- Ease off and drive gently: avoid hard acceleration, heavy loads, and long climbs like US-550 until the transmission is checked.
- Note when it slips, such as cold or warm, which gear, uphill or on flat ground, and whether a warning light is on.
- Look for red or brown fluid spots where you park, and check the fluid only if your owner's manual shows a dipstick and how to read it.
- Do not add a random fluid or an additive, because the transmission needs the fluid its maker specifies.
- Call (970) 317-2009 or book online at aceautofix.com so Ace AutoFix can check the fluid, scan for codes, and tell you whether service or replacement is the job.
Questions people ask
Why is my transmission slipping?
Most often the fluid is low, old, or burnt, or worn internal clutches, a failing solenoid, or a torque converter problem keep a gear from holding. Low fluid usually means a leak.
What does a slipping transmission feel like?
The engine revs climb but the car does not speed up to match. Shifts may flare, land late, or bang into gear, and some drivers notice a burning smell or a warning light.
Is it safe to drive with a slipping transmission?
It can leave you without power when merging or climbing, and each slip adds heat and wear. Drive it as little as you can, skip long climbs and heavy loads, and have it checked soon.
Can low transmission fluid cause slipping?
Yes. Low fluid is one of the most common causes. Fluid does not burn off on its own, so low fluid usually means a leak that needs to be found, not just topped off.
Will a fluid service fix a slipping transmission?
Sometimes, when the fluid is the problem and the unit is still healthy. A fluid service will not save a transmission that is worn out. Ace AutoFix tells you which job it is before work starts.
How do I book a transmission check at Ace AutoFix?
Call (970) 317-2009 or Book appointment online. The shop is at 320 Wilson Gulch Dr, Durango, CO 81301, open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Cars and gas or light-duty trucks. No diesel.
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