Key Takeaways
The following are the key takeaways from this article:
- Decelerating during gear shift is a symptom of malfunctioning transmission components that must be resolved urgently.
- The common transmission problems causing deceleration include low transmission fluid, damaged transmission filter, defective transmission sensor, and torque converter.
- Along with deceleration, you might also sense a burning smell and weird noises while shifting gears.
- The common solutions to resolve this problem include replacing transmission fluid, transmission filter, transmission sensor, or the faulty torque converter.
- The cost to resolve this problem can be as low as $50 and as high as $1000.
Introduction
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Decelerating a car can always be a sign of discomfort for the driver. Not only because the driving experience is being compromised but also because the driver will fear the hefty repair expenses causing this issue.
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However, if you are facing decelerating during the gear shift, it indicates that some transmission component is malfunctioning (1). Most drivers report that if you replace the transmission fluid and service other components at service maintenance mileage, you will not face this issue. This article will cover the causes and common symptoms of deceleration problems due to transmission. We have also listed some common solutions that can resolve this problem.
Causes of Sudden Deceleration due to transmission
1. Low Transmission Fluid
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The sudden Deceleration in the vehicle is produced due to the difficulty in shifting gears. The gear shift error usually occurs due to the low transmission fluid.
Transmission fluid plays an important role in the engine transmission system as this fluid is used to lubricate all the components, i.e., the metal parts and the bearings of the transmission system. The transmission fluid in the transmission pan connects the tube to other vehicle parts. The transmission fluid is then pushed toward all the metal parts to lubricate them. These metal components are in continuous frictional movement, so it is necessary to lubricate these parts (1). Lack of transmission fluid will create hurdles in the lubrication process. The metal components and bearings will get damaged during the continuous frictional phenomenon, making it difficult to switch the gears easily due to internal damage. Other than it, the transmission fluid is also responsible for generating the required amount of hydraulic pressure. But minimum transmission fluid in the pan will fail to generate the exact amount of hydraulic pressure. Thus, it will become difficult to shift the gears automatically, and ultimately the vehicle will start to decelerate due to minimum pressure and power generation.
2. Damage Transmission Filter
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One of the major reasons for the deceleration in the transmission system is the damaged transmission filter. The transmission filters transmit the fluid to the metal bearings and components.
Sometimes, the transmission filter gets damaged due to the blockage of dirt and debris. The blocked filters do not allow the fluid to transmit with speed, and as a result lubrication process is delayed. Thus, the transmission system gets damaged due to high friction and minimum lubrication. So, it creates a problem in switching the gears automatically (1). In addition, the gear’s functioning is linked with the clutch performance. Due to a damaged gearbox, the clutch fails to engage and disengage on time. The power is then not transmitted to the wheel, and ultimately, the vehicle fails to move further. The damaged plates and clutch springs are other reasons for poor acceleration in the transmission system. In addition, the error in the air system causes trouble in the transmission of the power, and the vehicle will fail to accelerate properly.
3. Defected Torque Converter
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The torque converter is another component in the transmission system, and its main role is to transfer the torque to the rotational load.
The torque converter is helpful in the power generation of the engine. However, the damaged torque converter overall impacts the performance of the transmission system because the exact amount of hydraulic pressure is not generated (2). As a result, high friction is produced, making it difficult to shift the gears.
Symptoms of Sudden Deceleration
Burning Scent of Fluid
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The major symptom of the sudden deceleration of the transmission is the burning scent of fluid. This is because the transmission fluid becomes less in the transmission pan due to fluid leakage.
The leaked fluid accumulates under the vehicle, creating a puddle. A strong odor of the fluid is spread around the vehicle. Other than it, the transmission fluid is leaked internally and enters the combustion chamber, and various cylinders and misfires occur (3). The burning of fluid, along with the engine oil, creates a burning smell. Also, bluish-black colored smoke is released from the exhaust system. These symptoms indicate the vehicle’s sudden deceleration due to a poor transmission system.
Weird Noises and Vibrations
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Another reason for the poor acceleration of the transmission system is the weird noises and vibrations. It is because the lack of lubrication causes rough friction. As a result, the metal parts rub together and create noise.
The lack of lubrication creates multiple problems during the gear shifting, and parts get damaged. Fluid is then not properly transmitted, which results in minimum power production. As a result, the vehicle fails to accelerate and fails to travel long distances. Other than it, vibrations in an engine are another symptom of the sudden deceleration in the transmission system. The clutch functionality is based on the performance of the gearbox. The clutch fails to operate on exact timings when the gearbox is damaged. As a result, the power generation becomes very low. The power generation is thus not transmitted to the system’s wheels, and the car fails to accelerate over long distances. Moreover, the engine experiences sudden vibrations and the engine light turns on to indicate transmission errors.
Sudden Deceleration While Driving
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If you are driving the vehicle and facing sudden deceleration even when pressing the acceleration. This signifies that the transmission system is missing the gears or the car gets stuck in a particular gear.
So, even though you are pressing the accelerator, the car will not speed up (3). This symptom indicates that the transmission is malfunctioning which can further damage the engine.
Solution for deceleration due to Bad Transmission
Following are a few solutions to resolve deceleration problems due to bad transmission:
Replace the Transmission Fluid
If you are observing deceleration in your vehicle, the first step should be to check the transmission fluid. The transmission fluid is reddish. However, it can become darker due to contaminants (4). So, check the transmission fluid color by dipping the stick in the reservoir. The transmission fluid reservoir is under the hood beside the engine oil reservoir.
If there is a dark coloration, it is a symptom that deceleration might be due to bad transmission fluid. In this case, consider replacing the transmission fluid. It is because dirty transmission fluid can result in contaminants passing through to the transmission components.
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Eventually, these contaminants can stick between gears and result in abrasion. So, replace the transmission fluid at regular service maintenance mileage as mentioned in the vehicle’s instruction manual. Similarly, replace the transmission fluid if the transmission is not performing optimally or your car is decelerating during the gear shift.
Replace Transmission Filter
Another cause of deceleration can be the damaged transmission filter. It is because the transmission filter filters contaminants from the transmission fluid before passing it to the gears. However, a dirty/clogged filter will make it difficult for the fluid to pass through. As a result, the transmission components will starve, and the vehicle might decelerate during the gear shift. The gear shift is when the need for fluid increases (4).
Although the transmission sensor will signal to ECU for increased transmission fluid flow, the clogged filters will not allow the fluid to pass through. So, replace the transmission filter when you feel deceleration in the car while the gear shifts.
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Replace Transmission Sensor
Another solution to deceleration can be replacing or cleaning the transmission sensor.
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The transmission speed sensor sends the signal to ECU through voltage regarding gear shift and transmission fluid requirements. However, dirt or fluid contaminants can impact the sensor’s functionality (5). So, try cleaning the sensor with a soapy solution and test-drive the vehicle. If the deceleration problem resolves, keep driving the vehicle. If the problem persists, replacing the sensor and test-driving the vehicle is better. You can also take a professional’s advice regarding the component causing transmission deceleration.
Replace Torque Converter
The final solution to this problem is replacing the torque converter. The torque converter is as engaged as the clutch in manual transmission vehicles.
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Malfunctions in this component can have a severe impact on the drive experience. And you might experience deceleration when the car accelerates and requires a gear shift (5). Read torque converter specifications from the vehicle’s instruction manual and order a new one.
Cost to Resolve Deceleration Problem due to transmission
The following table illustrates the cost of resolving the deceleration problem due to transmission issues:
Conclusion
To conclude, deceleration during a gear shift can severely impact the driving experience. Further, this issue can also impact the engine components as the load increases on the engine. There can be many reasons for deceleration during a gear shift. The major reason is dirty transmission fluid or contaminated fluid. The fluid serves the purpose of lubrication, and when gears are starved, the car can decelerate during acceleration. Another reason for the deceleration problem is damaged transmission filters, sensors, and torque converters. Along with deceleration, you might sense a burning smell and weird noises. This indicates that transmission components are malfunctioning and need replacement to avoid long-term transmission damage.
FAQs
It depends upon the time when you are facing this problem. If the deceleration is during a gear shift, and accelerating is not even helping you gain speed, it is a sign of a problem in the transmission or the sensors. However, if you are facing deceleration at other times apart from gear shift, it can be a symptom that any engine component is malfunctioning. The check engine light might also blink on the vehicle’s cluster meter. You can also check for the OBDII code to further analyze the actual reason for the deceleration in your vehicle.
Well, it depends upon the extent of the issue. If the issue is as minute as the sensor issue, it can be resolved within $100-200. However, if the issue is complex, such as a transmission band issue or the torque converter issue, then the cost can exceed $1000. However, you should always check for transmission fluid. Maintaining an adequate transmission fluid level can save up the cost of replacing expensive transmission parts. Similarly, keeping an eye on component failure can save the cost of replacing the entire transmission.
Transmission filters ought to last longer than the engine oil filter. Usually, transmission filters need replacement after a good 30000-50000 miles. You can also read the vehicle’s instruction manual to get a different idea about the mileage, after which the transmission filter needs to be changed. In addition, you can also check for the symptoms of a clogged transmission filter, such as a weird vibrating sound during a gear shift. This indicates starving gears. In this case, the transmission filter needs to be replaced before covering 30,000 miles.
