In the last week or so I have been getting some slippage in the transmission while under normal driving. Mostly in first gear and second gear, not while shifting, all of a sudden the traction light starts flashing and simultaneously I lose all power transfer to the wheels. The engine is still capable of revving but there is not transfer of that energy through the transmission to the drive axles. I know I am not losing traction as the tires are almost new winter tires, and I don't ever hear tires slipping on the road. At first I thought it might just be because of old trans fluid, so I did a flush and refill(w/ Redline MTL 75w80) last night, but to no avail, today I had the same results of slipping. I am worried that I might be in need of a new clutch, the other option is that the crankshaft pulley is vastly going bad. I am ordering a new ATI pulley today and will get that in ASAP. If you have any info or leads to what the problem in the car might be I will be greatly thankful for any help! Cheers!

 

I don't know what car you have or transmission. But generally, a bad clutch will not activate the traction control light. That happens when there is UNEVEN traction between the 2 driven wheels (assuming no LSD so more noticeable).

I would have someone check the drive axles. Perhaps one side has started to slip out or started to fail?

I am sure some more experienced folks will chime in.

Regards,
Jerry

 

A note to you and any other rookies who might wander through: Year, model, S or justa, miles on the clock, any mods that might affect the issue; all will go a long way to getting appropriate help you may need. Also, lots of guys - not so many nowadays apparently - build a signature with most of that information listed. Just sayin'.

 

I believe traction control will light up any time there is a discrepancy between wheel speed and vehicle speed, not just between the drive wheels.


Turn the traction control off and see what happens as you drive around under the same conditions. Could be a couple different things.

 

Noted. Will make that happen.

My car is a '02 Cooper S, 110,xxx miles, only 57,xxx on the engine. Everything but alternator, serpentine belt, and belt tensioner are stock which was replaced a week ago.

 

The car is an 02' R53 with out an LSD.

 

After doing some diagnosing, turns out it was only a bad wheel speed sensor. Swapped it out for a new one, had the shop clear any codes, and is driving better than it was.

 

Good to hear.