The car doesn’t shift into first gear while it works fine in reverse
My car doesn't shift into First gear, whereas Reverse works well. It is difficult to shift into gear from Drive, Second and Third gear, whether it is in overdrive or not. It does shift into gear slowly, without jumping, if I rev up the RPM. Then it shifts relatively easy to other gears when it is in first gear. This occurs when I start the car, accelerate and after stopping the car. I have just purchased the car and I don't know much about it. The fluid seems fine.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
The problem could be that the internal transmission pump is weak, or the transmission clutch seals are leaking. It sounds like the transmission will need an overhaul.
I recommend having a transmission mechanic test the pressures and diagnose the problems to verify whether you need an overhaul with a new torque convertor.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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Hard, and sometimes impossible shifting into first and reverse is caused by the clutch disc not moving away from the spinning flywheel. This is commonly referred to as the “clutch is not releasing”. The number one cause is the hydraulic system that operates the clutch is leaking and has low fluid.
If your vehicle will not shift out of first gear, the problem is not the fuses. The problem could be a shift solenoid, but more than likely, you have an internal transmission issue that will require rebuilding or replacing the unit. The 1-2 shift valve may be the problem.
An automatic transmission that won`t go in reverse is just one symptom of a low transmission fluid level. You may notice fluctuating shifting or an engine that overheats or stalls. Weird things happen when your car`s systems have to work harder than they are supposed to.
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.
Turn off your vehicle`s ignition and wait patiently for 5 to 10 seconds. Start the engine and allow it to idle for several seconds. Switch off the ignition and wait patiently for another 30 to 40 seconds. Repeat these steps 2 to 3 times in order to reset your vehicle`s transmission control module.
Automatic transmission problems can be caused by a lack of transmission fluid. If you are experiencing slipping, the first thing you should do is check your transmission fluid levels. If they are low, you should top it up and check for leaks. Slipping can also be caused by burned or worn out fluid.
Shifting Problems– Clogged filters will make it hard to switch gears. If your car isn`t shifting smoothly, or if it hesitates or slips when you try to shift, you could have any number of transmission problems, so it`s best to have a professional look at it.
But if the solenoid malfunctions mechanically, no reverse or delayed and slipping reverse may occur.
But a blown fuse No. 38 becomes a likely candidate causing a loss of power to the transmission solenoids.
Dirty or contaminated transmission fluid. Low transmission fluid. Internal blockages that prevent fluid from moving correctly. A faulty PCM (rare)
A part of the Electronic Control Unit (ECU), the Transmission Control Unit covers everything related to the transmission of a vehicle. It ensures smooth gear shifts and optimal fuel economy and performance.
Depending on the issue (low fluid is an easy DIY job), most transmission problems can only be properly diagnosed and repaired by a reputable mechanic. Most transmission repairs require specific tools and replacement parts to get them back up to speed.
This is often times a sign of low transmission fluid or a faulty transmission control solenoid. As you know, automatic transmissions use pressurized hydraulic fluid to change gears.
Rough jerking when shifting
It might feel like a jerk, clunk or thud. This is usually caused by troubles with the vacuum, transmission fluid or a faulty sensor. The vacuum modulator valve helps older vehicles determine when to shift gears.
It could be due to worn-out friction material or a pressure plate defect (or combination of both). It could also be caused by an oil leak contaminating the clutch plate. If there is a fault with the clutch, you will need to find out whether it`s a mechanical issue or whether the clutch facing has been contaminated.
A stuck shifter can be resolved most of the time by simply jiggling it back and forth until the gears shift again. However, some underlying causes may require more extensive repairs or replacement parts, and if you don`t diagnose and deal with them immediately, they could lead to severe problems.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
The car doesn’t shift into first gear while it works fine in reverse
ANSWER : The problem could be that the internal transmission pump is weak, or the transmission clutch seals are leaking. It sounds like the transmission will need an overhaul.
I recommend having a transmission mechanic test the pressures and diagnose the problems to verify whether you need an overhaul with a new torque convertor.
Read Full Q/A … : The car doesn’t shift into first gear while it works fine in reverse
When shifting into 1st gear and attempting to take off, car shakes and then stalls. Car also won’t let me shift into reverse.
ANSWER : Hi there. Either the shifter rail is damaged inside the transmission keeping the gears from going into reverse and the first gear from connecting all the way, or the transmission first and reverse gears are damaged causing the transmission to have a hesitation on the forward 1st gear and no reverse. I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you diagnose your transmission shifting issue.
Read Full Q/A … : The car doesn’t shift into first gear while it works fine in reverse
neon manual 5 speed drives great but will not shift into 4th gear while driving. All other gears work fine 4th works when off
ANSWER : Hi there. Most of the time when a manual transmission is hard to shift into an individual gear, it’s caused by the linkage being ’twisted’ or not aligned correctly. However, it is also possible that internal damage has occurred inside your transmission that is causing this problem. In most cases, a clutch issue would cause shifting issues on all gears. Before you spend money on repairs, it’s probably a better idea to have a professional mechanic complete a car is hard to shift inspection, so they can isolate the source of this problem and provide you with the correct repair advice.
Read Full Q/A … : The car doesn’t shift into first gear while it works fine in reverse
Suddenly cannot shift car into gear.
ANSWER : Hi there:
There could be multiple problems on your Saturn that are causing this problem you’re experiencing. If your clutch is worn it won’t allow you to put your car in gear. When you step on the clutch, the transmission disengages from the engine. This slows the insides of the transmission just enough to allow you to shift gears. When the clutch is worn, the slave cylinder doesn’t have enough travel to disengage the clutch from the engine, so it wont allow you to put it in gear. It’s also possible that you have broken a shift fork in the transmission. The shift forks are what actually move the slides inside the gear box to engage the gears when you move the shifter. The best way to determine exactly why you’re car won’t shift into gear is have a professional mobile mechanic complete a car is hard to shift inspection.
Read Full Q/A … : The car doesn’t shift into first gear while it works fine in reverse
I got sound when I shift to 3rd gear and it’s get hard to put shift to second gear when car is in 3rd gear.
ANSWER : Hello. It sounds as though the synchronizers in the transmission, which are used to adjust transmission internal gear speed when upshifting or downshifting are possibly worn out or you are shifting a bit too fast. It is also possible that the clutch is not releasing fully when you press the clutch pedal. In some conditions, utilizing synthetic gear oil in the transmission can help the quality of gear shifting. If the clutch is not fully releasing an inspection of the clutch hydraulics is a good idea. I would recommend having an inspection of the hard shift completed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost for repairs.
Read Full Q/A … : The car doesn’t shift into first gear while it works fine in reverse
Getting harder to shift into first gear. Car sometimes shutters when accelerating in first.
ANSWER : This may suggest the transmission synchros may be wearing out. Your transmission has small gear synchronizer rings that help to move the transmission in and out of the various gears. When these begin to wear out, you may notice it hard to shift in and out of gears as you describe. You may also occasionally hear a bit of a grinding sound when trying to shift from gear to gear. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your transmission.
Read Full Q/A … : The car doesn’t shift into first gear while it works fine in reverse
Car only drives in first and reverse
ANSWER : What you are describing may be a result of a faulty speed sensor, potentially low transmission fluid or a even a faulty transmission control solenoid. As your vehicle travels down the road, the computer analyzes data being sent by vehicle speed sensors and engine speed sensors. Based on this information, the Engine Control Unit (ECU), or the Transmission Control Unit (TCM), executes the appropriate upshifts and downshifts by sending a signal to one of several shift solenoids. These transmission solenoids have spring-loaded plungers inside them, which are wrapped with wire. When this coil of wire receives an electrical charge from the TCM / ECU, it causes these plungers to open, allowing transmission fluid to flow into the valve body and pressurize the desired clutches and bands. When this happens, the transmission changes gears and you continue down the road. The computer controls the transmission solenoid in several ways. If the vehicle is equipped with a dedicated Transmission Control Unit, it can open or close the hydraulic circuit using a direct 12v signal. In some cases, the Engine Control Unit (ECU) can control the solenoid’s plunger by turning the ground circuit on and off. When this is not working properly, this can cause a jerking reaction, a delay in shifting or in some cases may cause the transmission to hesitate in shifting gears. I would recommend having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your transmission.
Read Full Q/A … : The car doesn’t shift into first gear while it works fine in reverse
The engine stalls when I put the car in reverse, but if I go past reverse into drive there is not an issue.
ANSWER : Hi there. Usually when you shift into reverse and engage the brake it will cause the engine RPM to drop; as it’s creating a load against the transmission and the engine. If the engine stalls, it may be caused by a faulty idle control valve, bad O2 sensors, or clogged fuel injectors.
In regards to the "pan", we’re not sure what you are referring, so it may be a good idea to contact one of our local professional mechanics to complete a battery inspection to determine what’s going on with your 2010 Ford Focus.
Read Full Q/A … : The car doesn’t shift into first gear while it works fine in reverse
