Each time your car has a high rpm but a low speed while you are driving, it is very saddened story to hear about . This is a very alarming situation wherein high RPMs are experienced but with low speeds. The RPM of a car measures how fast the crankshaft of an engine is turning, and ideally, higher the RPMs are supposed to equate to faster acceleration and speed. However, when it happens at a higher RPM with no corresponding gain in speed, it typically indicates some transmission or engine or other system problem. In the tutorial below, we’ll go through the common causes of high RPM and low speed, of a car along with some solutions to help you with solve your problem.
Common Causes of High RPM But Low Speed
1. Slipping Transmission
A transmission slip happens when the power of an engine fails to properly transmit to the wheels. It is Often associated with the high RPMs with no sufficient gain in speed. Slipping of the transmission can occur sometimes due to worn-out clutch plates of a manual car or due to faulty torque converters in the case of automatic cars.
Solution Slipping Transmission
If your car is manual, it is necessary to check for clutch and replace them immediately if there is a need.
- In automatics, non-damaged torque converters must be inspected or replaced to solve the problems
- Always Check and change the transmission fluid at periodic intervals.
2. Clutch Problems
A faulty clutch in a car using a manual transmission will partially or fully fail to engage. It will result in an unusually high RPMs while experiencing very little acceleration. You will notice it because there would be a smell of something burning or difficulty in shifting gears.
Solution to Clutch problems
- Check out for clutch wear and replace if need it if there is need to replace them.
- Always go for Realignment Properly. This is to avoid excessive riding of the clutch to prevent early wear.
3. Faulty Torque Converter (Automatic Transmission)
At normal operations, the torque converter in an automatic transmission transfers power from the engine to the wheels. It will cause high RPMs if it is malfunctioning without the car picking up the pace.
Solution to Faulty Torque Converter
- Let the mechanic check on the torque converter and replace it if bad.
4. Low Level of Transmission Fluid
The transmission fluid is used in the lubrication of the transmission system. Low levels of fluid in the transmission overheat the system and may also impede proper power transmission, High RPM at low speed will be realized. Solution:
Check the level of the transmission fluid, and replace as needed. If it’s dirty, have it flushed and replaced.
- Damaged or Worn Drive Belt
The drive belt keeps the car accessories powered and, for some cars, supplements power to the transmission. A worn or damaged drive belt may also be another cause of bad power transfer, making the RPMs high with a low speed.
Check drive belt for wear or cracks, replace if necessary.
- Faulty Speed Sensors
The car is equipped with speed sensors that approximate the speed at which your car is moving and thereby adjust the functioning of the transmission. When these sensors are defective, then the computer running the gears in your car will not be able to function as it should. This results in increased RPM and failure to accelerate. Solution:
- Check the speed sensors and replace the faulty ones.
- Blocked Exhaust System
If there is a blockage in the catalytic converter or the muffler, this could prevent the exhaust gas from leaving the engine properly. It creates a type of blockage that makes the working of the engine harder without an increase in its speed. Solution:
- Have the exhaust system inspected, and clean or replace the catalytic converter or muffler if necessary.
- Dragged Brakes
If the brakes stay on or drag, this will create friction that resists the normal acceleration of the car. This may lead to abnormally high RPM because the engine is struggling hard to overcome the resistance.
Solution:
Inspect the brake calipers and pads for wear or sticking, and repair/replace as required.
Troubleshooting
- Check Transmission Fluid
First, check the level of the transmission fluid. Low fluid can result in overheating, affecting the proper shifting of gears. If the color of the fluid is dark or has a smell of burning, replace the fluid. - **Test Drive
Now, take it out for a spin, being sure to write down any instances where the RPMs rise without accelerating. Is this during gear changes or uphill climbing? That will determine if it’s a transmission problem or another system all together. - **Look for the Warning Lights
Use an OBD-II scanner for any diagnostic trouble codes. The code will help point to the transmission, speed sensors, among others. - Visual Inspection
Check for wear visible to the naked eye on parts like drive belts, clutches in manual cars, and/or brake calipers.
Maintenance Tips
Do not let high RPM and low speed occur again with these maintenance tips:
- Regular Transmission Fluid Changes: Your transmission fluid should be clean and at appropriate levels. Follow recommended service intervals by the manufacturer.
- Inspect and Replace Worn Parts: Regularly check for wear on parts such as the clutch in manual cars, torque converter in automatic cars, drive belt, and speed sensors.
- Keep Your Muffler Clean: Keep your exhaust system clean and free of blockages by having the catalytic converter and muffler checked periodically.
Braking System Maintenance: Inspection of brake calipers, pads, and rotors to avoid stuck brakes that may drag.
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Conclusion
High RPM but low speed is always associated with problems of the transmission system, clutch, or even low transmission fluid. Other causes which may be responsible include faulty speed sensors, blocked exhaust system, and brake drag. Early identification of the problem and applying the right solution will go a long way in putting your car on the rails again, besides preventing further damage.
