How Do You Fix a Slipping Transmission?

By Mister Transmission

Slipping Transmission

A slipping transmission is one of the most common transmission problems drivers report on the road, and if left unchecked, it can also be one of the most costly, most unnerving, and even the most dangerous.

For these reasons, it is critical that you make time for repair services the moment you notice your transmission starting to slip. But how does one fix a slipping transmission?

Read on to learn the basics of transmission slipping and how we fix it, or contact your local Mister Transmission to speak directly with an expertand get a free quote.

What is transmission slipping?

The term “transmission slipping” refers to a situation in which your vehicle slips into a new gear without any input from the driver, or in the case of an automatic transmission, without corresponding to its current speed.

Even if you’ve never experienced a slipping transmission, it’s not hard to imagine just how troubling, discomfiting, and dangerous this can be, especially while traveling at high speeds with other vehicles all around.

My transmission is slipping—is a system failure imminent?

Not necessarily—but you should contact a transmission specialist as soon as possible, and try not to drive until you do.

While not necessarily a sign of oncoming major transmission failure, slipping does indicate that your transmission is in serious need of service and repair. To leave it unchecked is to put both your vehicle and yourself, as well as other drivers and pedestrians, in danger.

Common causes of transmission failure: Manual and automatic

If your manual transmission starts to slip, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with a faulty clutch. Often the problem boils down to wear-and-tear leaving your clutch too thin to do its duty. In the event that the clutch is not to blame, you probably have a leak somewhere. 

Automatic transmissions have clutches, too, and they’re often the culprit when your transmission starts to slip. Automatic transmissions contain clutch plates throughout the transmission as well as in the torque converter which may become worn or burnt from the inadequate transmission fluid. To fix this, you will have to get the clutch plates replaced immediately and also service the fluid.

Low fluid levels are often at the root of problems involving inadvertent or unwanted gear shifts. Low fluid causes overheating and may reduce hydraulic pressure, making it difficult or even impossible to engage gears. If you suspect you have a low level of transmission fluid, you should check your levels as soon as possible if your vehicle is equipped with a transmission dipstick, if your vehicle is not equipped you must have it checked by a specalist. If low levels are detected, check for leaks in the form of reddish liquid pooling or pattering beneath your vehicle. If you detect a leak, adding more fluid won’t be a long-term solution, and you should contact a transmission specialist as soon as possible.

If no leaks are detected, you can add more fluid. In addition to preventing slippage, this will lubricate your vehicle’s mechanical parts, maintain proper fluid pressure, keep the transmission system cool, prevent oxidation, condition the gasket, and prevent any problematic rust formation.

Ineffective transmission bands can also contribute to slippage. Transmission bands can become worn and broken, which can cause transmission slipping as well as engine troubles and worn out gears. Bands are what link the gears in the automatic transmission together. To fix this problem technicians need to replace or adjust the defective band. Transmission slipping can also be affected by worn out gears, solenoid problems, or torque converter issues.

How can I fix and prevent transmission slipping?

We’ve discussed some of the necessary repairs to transmission slipping above, but obviously, the repair needed will vary depending on the cause of the problem.

For low fluid levels, you’ll need to add more fluid to repair the problem. For burnt or damaged fluid, you’ll need to drain the exhausted fluid and replace it with new fluid. For a leak, however, at least part of your transmission will need to be resealed to prevent further slipping and transmission problems.

For other problems such as ones that concern the torque converter or the solenoid, the required transmission repair can be quite complex and will necessitate special equipment, all of which you’ll find at your local Mister Transmission.

Save on transmission service: Fix slipping with Mister Transmission

To learn more about slipping transmission and the required repairs, please do not hesitate to contact us today.

For your convenience, we offer:

And no matter what services are required, you’re guaranteed:

  • Quality transmission slipping repairs—The quality of our repairs is accredited by 58+ years of success stories and over 11,000+ glowing reviews.
  • Complete satisfaction—We stand behind our transmission repair, maintenance, and replacement services with one of Canada’s best warranties.
  • Superior savings—In addition to our great prices, we offer flexible payment plans, create more opportunities bundling discounts with our one-stop shop, and award one lucky customer $1000 worth of transmission repair services every month, so you can keep your transmission in-shape even on a shoestring budget!

To book a free road test and multi-check inspection, you can:

image-reviews image-reviews
Customer Reviews
They are the best team...
Azeez Al_zand
They are the best team ever and professional thank u guys again
Date: May 28, 2025
Website: Google
Other shops were unwilling to...
Robin
Other shops were unwilling to assist with my transmission rebuild due to parts availability ('04 Mitsu Lancer Ralliart). Mister Transmission allowed me to purchase the parts kit needed (from the USA) and used it to complete the rebuild. The cost was fair and turnaround was very quick.
Date: May 27, 2025
Website: Google
Good service, everything was done...
Kolya Berg
Good service, everything was done on time.
Date: May 27, 2025
Website: Google
Other shops were unwilling to...
Robin
Other shops were unwilling to assist with my transmission rebuild due to parts availability ('04 Mitsu Lancer Ralliart). Mister Transmission allowed me to purchase the parts kit needed (from the USA) and used it to complete the rebuild. The cost was fair and turnaround was very quick.
Date: May 27, 2025
Website: Google
Very kind employees, great service!...
Hayley Burrows
Very kind employees, great service! A lot of work done on my vehicle and I got it back in a short amount of time! Will come back again !
Date: May 27, 2025
Website: Google
I’m happy to have found...
Just Me
I’m happy to have found this shop. Not only were they able to find the problem but were honest enough to let me know it wasn’t in fact my transmission!!
Date: May 27, 2025
Website: Google
Other shops were unwilling to...
Robin
Other shops were unwilling to assist with my transmission rebuild due to parts availability ('04 Mitsu Lancer Ralliart). Mister Transmission allowed me to purchase the parts kit needed (from the USA) and used it to complete the rebuild. The cost was fair and turnaround was very quick.
Date: May 27, 2025
Website: Google
Good service, the mechanic explain...
Diana Adames
Good service, the mechanic explain where was the problem. Change the filter and tramsmition oil very fast 2 hours for a BMW. Thank you, The only issue was they give me 2 different quotes with$200 differences.
Date: May 27, 2025
Website: Google
A huge thank you to...
Mohan Cappuccino
A huge thank you to Denise and Shawn for their honesty and integrity. Went to their shop expecting to need a torque converter, after the dealership "diagnosed" the problem. Shawn ran his own tests and found that the problem was something else entirely, unrelated to the transmission. Didn't charge a dime and saved me big $$$ on a repair that wasn't needed. Wouldn't hesitate to go back if I ever DO need transmission work.
Date: May 26, 2025
Website: Google
Very good experience.
Gp Bezaire
Very good experience.
Date: May 26, 2025
Website: Google
Featured Services
Transmission Repair

The evolution of transmissions has made these machines and systems increasingly complex. When transmission repairs are required, determining the cause and cure for what ails can be tricky.

Read More
Transmission Technology

At Mister Transmission we have access to leading-edge diagnostic equipment, enabling us to offer you the fastest and most accurate findings about what’s going on inside your vehicle’s transmission.

Read More
Transmission Maintenance & Service

Just as you have other parts of your car serviced, your transmission needs maintenance to ensure a long life and avoid transmission problems.

Read More
Mister Transmission Blogs
Recent Blogs
Why Is My Car Not Shifting Gears Properl...
Have you noticed your car struggling to shift gears? Whether it hesitates, jerks, or
Read More
May 23, 2025
What Happens When Transmission Fluid Is ...
Transmission fluid plays a critical role in keeping a vehicle’s transmission system
Read More
May 15, 2025
Used Transmission Vs. Rebuilt Transmissi...
Choosing between a used transmission and a rebuilt transmission is an important
Read More
May 7, 2025
Preventative Transmission Maintenance: 5...
A vehicle's transmission is one of its most critical components, responsible for
Read More
April 30, 2025
Transmission Rebuild Vs. Replacement: Wh...
When a vehicle's transmission begins to fail, owners often face a crucial decision:
Read More
April 23, 2025
Transmission Overheating Causes: How To ...
Transmission overheating occurs when the system becomes too hot to function properly.
Read More
April 16, 2025
Signs Of A Failing Transmission Filter A...
The transmission filter plays a crucial role in keeping the transmission system clean
Read More
April 7, 2025
Manual Vs. Automatic Transmission Mainte...
Your vehicle’s transmission plays a crucial role in keeping your car running
Read More
March 31, 2025
Honda Transmission Replacement Price: Wh...
The cost of replacing a Honda transmission varies depending on the model, year, and
Read More
March 28, 2025
How Much Does A New Transmission Cost? A...
A vehicle’s transmission is one of its most crucial components, responsible for
Read More
March 24, 2025