If you’re experienced with cars, you know that transmission fixes can be incredibly costly. If you’re able, completing a transmission repair on your own can save you tons of money. Luckily, #savagescotty shares the knowledge he’s gained from decades working as a mechanic.
How do you fix a slipping transmission in your car (fluid change)?
First, you’ll check for electrical issues, then, you’ll change the transmission fluid. Changing the transmission fluid is simple. You’ll remove the transmission pan, drain the fluid, and replace it with fresh transmission fluid.
Here, we’ll go over everything that you need to know to fix a slipping transmission in a way that can save you an expensive trip to the mechanic or the dealer. Read on to learn how to fix your slipping transmission once and for all.
How to Fix a Slipping Transmission
If your car isn’t providing you with a smooth ride and you’re noticing problems with automatic gear shifting, it’s time to dig into your transmission to see if you can save yourself from a costly repair.
Check out these steps to help you get your transmission back on track.
- Check the electronics first. Today’s transmissions have many electrical parts, and it doesn’t make sense to spend time on a mechanical fix when an electrical component is actually causing the problem. Get started by plugging a scan tool into the port on your dashboard to see if you’re provided with a code that indicates an electronic problem with the transmission.
- If you don’t get an electronic code that gives you some insight into what’s going on with your vehicle, it’s time to take the next step. Now, you’ll check the transmission fluid in your vehicle. While you’ll want to consult the owner’s manual to learn how to check the fluid in your vehicles, many vehicles need to be checked while the engine is running and the vehicle is parked on a level surface. Remove the dipstick, wipe off the end, replace the dipstick, remove again, and check the fluid level.
- When you wipe the transmission fluid from the dipstick, note the color. It should be red. If it’s black or brown, it may need to be replaced.
- If you decide to replace the transmission fluid, your first step is to get under the car and remove the bolts from the transmission panel. As soon as the bolts are loosened, fluid will begin to leak out of the vehicle. It’s a good idea to have a fluid catch system in place. You may only want to remove bolts from one side and let it drip for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing most of the fluid to drain before you remove the remaining bolts.
- After the transmission fluid is drained, remove and replace the filter (in many vehicles, this is a simple snap-off/ snap-on process).
- Clean the transmission pan with carburetor cleaner. It’s likely that you’ll notice black residue releasing from the pan, a sign that it was a good idea to replace your transmission fluid.
- Replace the transmission pan.
- Measure the fluid you removed from the transmission by funneling it into a container and put the same amount of new transmission fluid back into your transmission.
- It will likely take some time for the fresh transmission fluid to begin making a difference in your vehicle. Give your car, truck, or SUV at least 250 miles until you decide whether changing the transmission fluid was the fix that you needed.
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