Why is my transmission slipping? Answers from Des Moines' best auto repair
You press the gas, the engine revs, and the car doesn't keep up.
You're right to get it checked now. Slipping rarely goes away on its own and costs more with every mile.
Not safe to drive if you notice
- Engine revs but car will not speed up
- Burning smell or red fluid
- Won't go into gear
Visit the shop
- 5875 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321
- Monday – Friday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- 515-745-0934
Is it safe to drive when experiencing transmission slipping?
Usually no. Driving on a slipping transmission creates heat, and heat speeds up wear. A transmission that slips or will not engage can also leave you without power in traffic.
Usually safe to drive
- One shift feels a little firmer than it used to.
- A slight pause going into gear only on cold mornings.
- No warning lights and no leaks under the car.
- The car accelerates normally once it is moving.
Not safe to drive
- The engine revs but the car does not speed up to match.
- The car will not go into drive or reverse, or clunks into gear.
- You smell burning or see red or brown fluid under the car.
- The transmission seems stuck in one gear.
- A transmission or check engine warning light is on.
Not safe to drive? Stop and call us now.
Pull over somewhere safe and call Joey's Auto Shop at 515-745-0934. We'll help you figure out your next step.
Why a transmission slips
Slipping and hard shifts usually start with the fluid, a leak, or an electrical fault before wear sets in.
Low or burnt fluid
Fluid cools and protects the transmission, and low fluid is a common cause of slipping. Old or burnt fluid causes trouble too.
You need Transmission FluidFluid leak
A leak from a seal, line, or pan gasket lets the fluid level drop.
You need Transmission RepairElectrical or computer faults
Modern transmissions depend on solenoids and sensors. A bad one can cause harsh or random shifts.
You need Computer Diagnostic ServicesInternal wear
Worn clutches or bands inside the transmission let it slip.
You need Transmission RepairWorn clutch
On manual transmissions, a worn clutch slips, often with a high or soft pedal.
You need Clutch Repair
What you can check first
A few things you can notice before your visit:
Note whether the engine revs without the car speeding up.
Notice any pause when shifting into drive or reverse.
Note which shifts feel harsh, late, or random.
Look under the car for red or brown drips.
Notice any burning smell after driving.
Check for a transmission or check engine light.
Ready for smooth shifts again?
Call Joey's Auto Shop, a Des Moines People's Choice Winner 2022 through 2026, or make an appointment and tell us what's going on.
We find the cause, not only the symptom
The fix can be a fluid service, a sensor repair, a clutch, or a rebuild or replacement. The shop tests first, because a fluid service or sensor repair can cost far less than a rebuild.
- Step 1
We test
The shop checks fluid level and condition, scans for codes, and road tests to see exactly when the problem happens.
- Step 2
We show you
You get a digital inspection with photos and notes in plain language, so you see what we see.
- Step 3
You decide
Nothing starts until you approve it, and we confirm the fix before you pick up your car.
Why not wait on a slipping transmission?
Driving on a slipping transmission creates heat, and heat speeds up wear on the clutches and bands inside. Transmission problems usually start small, and catching them early gives you more options. A fluid service or a sensor repair can cost far less than a rebuild or replacement, but only if it is caught before the internal parts wear out.
What are the warning signs of a failing transmission?
Watch for slipping, where engine speed rises but the car does not accelerate to match. A pause when shifting into drive or reverse is another sign, as are harsh or random shifts, or a transmission stuck in one gear. A burning smell, red or brown fluid under the car, or a transmission or check engine light are also signs.
Can low transmission fluid cause slipping?
Yes. Transmission fluid cools the transmission, protects its parts, and carries the pressure it uses to shift. When the level drops from a leak at a seal, line, or pan gasket, the transmission can slip, shift late, or run hot. Old or burnt fluid loses its ability to protect too. Checking fluid level and condition is the first step.
Can a sensor problem cause hard shifting?
Yes. Modern transmissions depend on the car's computer, solenoids, and sensors to decide when and how to shift. A bad solenoid or sensor can cause harsh, late, or random shifts, or hold the transmission in one gear. Scanning for codes and testing the electrical side can find a fault that is far cheaper to fix than internal wear.
Other symptoms we can help with
See All Symptoms
Fluid Leaking Under Your Car
A spot on the driveway can be oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, or just water. The color helps tell them apart.
Learn More
Check Engine Light Is On
A steady or flashing check engine light means your car's computer found a problem. Some causes are small. Some get expensive if you wait.
Learn More
Slipping gears?Let's get it shifting smooth.
Make an appointment and tell us what's going on. We explain your options before any work begins.