When cars have trouble shifting gears, it’s almost always related to the transmission. Your vehicle’s transmission works to shift (or transmit) power from the engine to the wheels. When there is a problem somewhere in the transmission system, your vehicle may jerk, jump, hesitate, or otherwise struggle to shift gears.
Common Causes for Gear Shift Trouble
Inadequate Transmission Fluid—Transmission fluid keeps parts of your transmission lubricated, provides pressure to certain parts of your transmission, and removes dirt and debris. When the fluid gets contaminated or the levels get too low, you may notice problems when shifting gears. This can be due to increased levels of friction, sludge slowing things down, or poor fluid pressure.
Overheating Transmission—If your transmission overheats, this can cause a number of issues. Your transmission fluid will probably wear down faster, and this can lead to improper lubrication and increased friction. This can cause shifting problems and lead to damage. Any part of your vehicle overheating is a bad thing, but transmissions are especially finicky, and transmission repair can be pricey. Don’t ignore an overheating transmission.
Broken Clutch—The clutch controls gear shifts. It will either engage and keep the transmission in gear or disengage so the gear can change without affecting the engine. Because the clutch directly affects gear shifts, any wear or damage to the clutch can lead to trouble with shifting gears. While clutch pedals are typically found in manual cars, automatic cars have clutches too, and clutch problems can show up in both manual and automatic cars.
Faulty Transmission Sensors—Transmissions in newer vehicles often rely on internal computers to regulate transmission fluid and other functions. If those sensors wear out or are faulty, your vehicle may struggle to shift properly. You may notice gears shifting at the wrong time or sticking and shifting roughly.
Faulty Solenoids—Solenoids are a type of valve that controls the movement of transmission fluid. They receive signals, often from transmission sensors, and these signals are what tell the solenoids when to open and close. If the solenoid, or the electronics it relies on, begins to malfunction you may notice difficulty shifting gears.
Problems with the Shift Interlock Mechanism—Shift interlock mechanisms are typically found in vehicles with automatic transmissions. Like the name suggests, a shift interlock mechanism temporarily “locks” the car. It will keep your car in park until you press on the brake pedal and shift into drive. If your shift interlock is acting up, you may be able to reset it with instructions from your vehicle’s owner’s manual, or you may need to bring it to a mechanic for repair.
Signs to Watch Out For
Here are some common signs that can indicate a problem shifting gears.
- Slipping gears/gears shifting by themselves—If your car is shifting on its own or struggling to stay in gear, this is often a sign of a transmission problem.
- Delays after shifting gears—If you shift into drive and your engine revs when it should start, this may be a transmission problem.
- Transmission fluid leaks—Any fluid leak is bad, but transmission is especially so. Transmissions are complex systems, and a fluid leak can lead to damage.
- Warning lights on your dashboard—This will typically be a check engine light, a transmission temperature light, or a transmission warning light.
Call Restored Auto, LLC for help with your gear shift problems.
If you’re having trouble shifting gears, contact Restored Auto, LLC for help. Our mechanics can diagnose the issue and find the best solution for your car. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.