My transmission will not downshift at a stop, upshift from a stop, or go in reverse.
The car starts fine, put it into reverse and it slowly moves back until a small jerk and moves back as normal. Then stop, put in drive, car sits at idle and will not move. Push the gas and the transmission stutters then jerks violently into 1st gear. When shifting to second gear, car goes into neutral and the RPMs shoot up, then shifts into 2nd. The car then drives fine. Slowing down to 15 MPH then speeding up with no issues or jerking. Shifts through 2,3,4, and OD with no issues.
Come to a stop sign and complete stop, the car goes will not move until gas is pressed to the floor and car jerk
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there. Most transmissions have shifting issues with the fluid being dirty. First replace the transmission oil filter and do a transmission oil flush. If the fluid is black, do not attempt to change the fluid as it will make the transmission no longer work. Then drive the vehicle and see if the transmission will act up again. If it does, then either the transmission control system (valve body – brain of the transmission) has a mass cross leak or the transmission is slipping and needs rebuilt or replaced. I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you diagnose your transmission.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
Automatic transmissions that shift hard, jerk or shake during a shift change may mean your transmission fluid needs changed or fluid level is low. In manual transmission vehicles, abnormal gear shifts could indicate damaged gear synchros, worn clutches or other, more severe issues.
One main reason why the automatic transmission in your car may not be shifting smoothly is the ECM is going bad. It is best to get this checked out by an experienced auto mechanic technician who understands the electrical system. Other indicators include bad connections within, or worn out sensors and faulty solenoids.
Why the Transmission Won`t Shift Gears. One reason why an automatic transmission isn`t shifting into gear has to do with the fluid. If it`s not at the right level or the incorrect type has been used, then it`ll affect the gears. Another big reason has to do with the ECM possibly going bad.
In many cases, delayed shifting of any kind is caused by issues with the transmission`s valve body. Shift solenoid or computer malfunctions can also result in these types of hitches and may require transmission service for correction.
The Vehicle Speed Sensor measures vehicle speed. When it fails the transmission can stop shifting or shift late and harsh. A bad VSS may also inhibit overdrive and the converter clutch.
Your vehicle could have dirty fuel injectors, a damaged fuel pump, a blocked catalytic converter, a faulty mass airflow sensor, broken spark plugs, or even an accumulation of moisture.
But a blown fuse No. 38 becomes a likely candidate causing a loss of power to the transmission solenoids.
Delayed engagement can be caused by a variety of things but most often by internal seals that have worn out or hardened due to little fluid or poor fluid quality from lack of maintenance.
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The transmission delay t m depends on the transmission rate R, the message length M, and the channel access delay t c a . Wireless Fidelity (WiFi)6 offers high transmission rates, but the channel access delay depends on “listen before talk” with randomized access delay characteristics.
A problem with the TCM, its circuit or one of its input sensors, can result in improper solenoid operation. This can cause the transmission to slip. Solution: In some cases, reprogramming the TCM may fix the problem. If not, the TCM control circuit or faulty sensor will need to be repaired or replaced.
A faulty crankshaft sensor is also used by the transmission as an input shaft speed sensor for the transmission to shift correctly. The sensor may affect shifting and also the way the engine runs. Your engine may also have went into failure mode if the crankshaft sensor is failing.
MAP – The Manifold Absolute Pressure sensor creates a signal based on vacuum levels in the intake manifold, which indicates engine load. A faulty MAP sensor can cause late, harsh shifts, early / soft shifts, or even prevent the transmission from shifting at all.
A Transmission Fault
Shifting issues can sometimes cause your vehicle to feel like it is jerking when accelerating. If you have internal transmission damage, it can cause the gears to slip [and] engage over and over again, which feels like jerking when accelerating.
Shaking and jerking are good indicators of transmission trouble. Gear grinding is a common symptom in manual transmission vehicles. Automatic transmission failure often begins with some hesitation during gears shifting.
Clunking, humming or whining sounds are signs of automatic transmission problems. Faulty manual transmissions will also give off loud machinelike sounds that seem to come out of nowhere. A clunking noise when you shift gears is a telltale transmission situation.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
My transmission will not downshift at a stop, upshift from a stop, or go in reverse.
ANSWER : Hi there. Most transmissions have shifting issues with the fluid being dirty. First replace the transmission oil filter and do a transmission oil flush. If the fluid is black, do not attempt to change the fluid as it will make the transmission no longer work. Then drive the vehicle and see if the transmission will act up again. If it does, then either the transmission control system (valve body – brain of the transmission) has a mass cross leak or the transmission is slipping and needs rebuilt or replaced. I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you diagnose your transmission.
I just got a new transmission put in my car and it drives and reverse but won’t go up hill.
ANSWER : This may be a sign of a faulty transmission control solenoid. As you know, automatic transmissions use pressurized hydraulic fluid to change gears. Every time a gear change is required, the car’s computer activates a transmission solenoid, which directs transmission fluid into the valve body to engage the correct gear. When this is faulty or not working properly, this can cause a delay in gear shifting or in some cases cause the car to not shift at all. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to take the car for a test drive to more specifically determine the cause for this.
Hi, I have a 2003 Ford Taurus. Going down the HWY it stopped having the driving power to go. Engine is running. Pulled o er and a
ANSWER : It sounds as if you are having further issues with your transmission. If the vehicle will only go forward and not reverse, it is possible that a shift solenoid replacement will resolve the issue. It is also possible that internal transmission damage may have occured. I would strongly recommend having your transmission inspected by a qualified professionial who is proficcient at transmission diagnosis. When your vehicle is hesitating to move forward, this sounds like the transmission is slipping. Maintaining proper fluid levels is essential to proper transmission operation. Be sure to have the transmission checked for leaks as well during this inspection.
Transmission gets stuck, reverse issues, delay in shifting
ANSWER : Hello. From your description it sounds like the transmission is beginning to fail. The second clutch pack fails or the sun shell cracks keeping the gear from engaging. I typically remove the transmission pan and inspect the fluid. If there are pieces of metal or debris in the pan then the transmission needs to be rebuilt. If the fluid is fine then it may have an issue with the valve body, but this is rare. If you need to have the transmission inspected, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to diagnose this.
The transmission seems to go into neutral when I stop ,then I turn off the car then restart and I can go again until I stop
ANSWER : Hi there. If it starts working fine once you restart the car, then chances are it is not the transmission failing. Most of the time, this is caused by a valve sticking in the valve body. They tend to get caught by debris or because the valve body has warped. I usually remove the valve body and inspect it. Once it is clean, if everything seems to function fine, then I reinstall it. If not, then I replace it. You really should have a transmission specialist take a look at it.
Engine light came on. Car drives slow and stopped going in reverse. Could it be a knock sensor or is it the transmission?
ANSWER : Hi there. If the vehicle is driving slow and will not go into reverse, then the computer could have the engine in limp mode due to either the transmission not shifting into reverse. If there was no signs of gear slippage, then the transmission shift sensor (switch) on the transmission may have became damaged or the shifter cable could have come loose. Check the shifter cable for any damage and if its loose. Check the transmission position sensor and see if the plug is hooked up all the way. If the sensor is hooked up properly and you see no damage, then the switch may have gotten moisture inside it causing it to not read reverse to the computer. Run a scan on the engine to check the codes so you will have a starting point of diagnosis. If you need further assistance with your engine loss of power and there is no reverse, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
I was stopped on the freeway, started to go about 5 mph, the car jerked and stop without warning like the wheels locked up.
ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. I’d be happy to try to help. It is hard to definitively diagnose what the issue is. At first it seems like a transmission issue. Automatic transmissions are rather complicated and can do strange things when they malfunction. If not an issue with the transmission, you could also have a clutch issue. Always start by checking the simple components first. Check your transmission fluid level. Make sure your transmission filter is clean and debris free. When you have the transmission pan off, you can look and see if there are any metal shavings at the bottom. There is often a small magnet at the bottom of the pan designed to gather any metal shavings for a quick diagnosis. This is a sign of more serious transmission problems. Unless you have experience with automatic transmissions, it is not recommended that major repairs be done at home. I suggest taking your car to a transmission specialist for help.
Shifting from 2nd to 3rd, car stopped going fast. Now it won’t go at all.
ANSWER : It is possible that your clutch has failed. The sound you are hearing is likely due to the clutch not engaging with the engine due to it being worn. I would recommened having your transmission inspected by a qualified transmission expert to determine if your clutch requires replacement in order to resolve this issue. This inspection may require removal and partial disassembly of the transmission in order to verify that the clutch has failed.
