6 Causes Of Automatic Transmission Slipping
Driving with an automatic transmission car on the busy streets is more comfortable than a car with a manual transmission. However, behind the comfort obtained, this automatic transmission gear also requires more maintenance than manual transmissions, especially related to automatic transmission oil and gearbox components in it.
Incorrect use of the transmission lever and delays in performing maintenance (change automatic transmission oil or scanning TCM) can cause problems. One example is the automatic transmission slip when we use the car.
The first question is, why my automatic transmission is slipping? A slip on the automatic transmission is a problem that can be felt when the car does not want to run when the gear lever has been moved to driving mode (R, D, 2, L). Even in some conditions, this automatic transmission slip often causes rough and rumbling noises from the automatic transmission.
Clutch slipping makes automatic transmission fix so costly. It is why we should prevent this problem with good and scheduled automatic transmission maintenance. This article will share information about six causes of automatic transmission slipping. Check out the info on the cause of the automatic car transmission slip below.
1. The torque converter is damage
The first cause of the automatic transmission slip that most often occurs is the torque converter is broken or damaged. The torque converter is a component in an automatic transmission that will transmit rotary power from the engine to the automatic transmission. The torque converter works by using hydraulic power to rotate the transmission input shaft.
When the torque converter is damaged, the engine's torque cannot be transmitted to the transmission's input shaft so that rotation only occurs in the torque converter. It makes the automatic transmission slip.
2. The automatic transmission oil is lacking or damaged
The next cause of the automatic transmission slipping is the lack of automatic oil or damage. Insufficient and damaged automatic transmission oil will result in reduced lubrication of the automatic transmission components. As a result, these components can wear out and eventually make the transmission slip and damage.
Insufficient automatic oil occurs due to leaks in the gasket and transmission oil seal. In contrast, damaged automatic oil often occurs because the automatic oil has never been replaced (often too late changing the automatic oil). Another cause is the engine has overheating problems (excessive heat), which will damage the quality of the automatic transmission oil.
3. Oil line pressure is clogged
The next cause of automatic transmission slipping is due to clogged automatic transmission oil line pressure. The cause often occurs due to dirty and damaged transmission oil. This oil line pressure is arranged in the valve body component.
Because the holes in the line pressure are tiny and smooth, when there is dirt carried with the oil, the dirt can clog the work of the oil line pressure. Meanwhile, each of these oil line pressure holes will be connected to the clutch and brake components of the automatic transmission.
When the oil line pressure is clogged, the oil pressure that should activate the clutch and brake components is blocked. As a result, the clutch and brake on this automatic transmission cannot work properly. They can even be damaged due to a lack of lubricating oil.
4. Clutch and brake are damage
Damaged clutches and brakes can also be the cause of the automatic transmission slipping. The clutch and brake work hydraulically and are connected to planetary gear components. When there is hydraulic pressure on the clutch and brake, they will lock and adjust the planetary gear according to the gear ratio required by the vehicle.
When the clutch and brake components are damaged due to wear and burn, these components cannot lock the planetary gear to produce the gear ratio required by the vehicle. This condition will be the cause of slipping gears automatic transmission
Read also:- Transmission Maintenace: How to care for your automatic transmission
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5. Solenoids are weak and damaged
Another cause of automatic slip car transmission is the solenoids which are weak and damaged. This automatic transmission solenoid is controlled directly by the Transmission Control Module (TCM) and installed on the oil line pressure line inside the valve body.
The function of this solenoid is to regulate the oil pressure and the amount of automatic oil flow that flows through the oil line pressure. With the work combination of each of these solenoids, the planetary gear will create a gear ratio as it needs.
When the solenoid is weak or damaged, it will interfere with the oil pressure on the oil line, affecting the clutch and brake performance. The planetary gear cannot rotate and produce the required gear ratio. As a result, slipping gears automatic transmission and the car cannot move will occur.
6. Transmission Contol Module (TCM) problems
The last common cause of the automatic transmission slip that was we know is the Transmission Control Module (TCM) problem. TCM is an automatic transmission work control unit that works in a computerized way. The TCM is also generally connected to the ECM (Engine Control Module).
The TCM analyzes data from the automatic transmission sensors and other sensors from the ECM and then uses it to command the actuator (solenoids) to set the correct gear ratio according to the vehicle's needs.
When this TCM has a problem, the input data from the sensor or commands to the solenoid will not function normally. This condition is generally characterized by the AT lamp indicator on the dashboard flashing. It can cause the automatic car transmission to slip.