2012 Cruze Transmission Does Not Change When Car Gets Warm
Symptoms
- The transmission does not shift gears when the car is warm.
- The car may hesitate or jerk when shifting gears.
- The transmission may make a whining or grinding noise.
Causes
There are several possible causes for this problem, including:
- Low transmission fluid: The transmission may not have enough fluid to operate properly, which can cause it to slip or not shift gears.
- Dirty transmission fluid: The transmission fluid may be dirty or contaminated, which can cause it to lose its viscosity and not lubricate the transmission properly.
- Worn transmission components: The transmission may have worn components, such as gears or clutches, which can cause it to slip or not shift gears.
- Faulty transmission control module (TCM): The TCM is the computer that controls the transmission, and a faulty TCM can cause the transmission to not shift gears properly.
Diagnosis
A qualified mechanic will be able to diagnose the problem by performing a series of tests, including:
- Checking the transmission fluid level and condition: The mechanic will check the transmission fluid level and condition to make sure that it is at the correct level and that it is not dirty or contaminated.
- Performing a transmission scan: The mechanic will use a diagnostic scanner to check for any trouble codes that may be stored in the TCM.
- Performing a physical inspection of the transmission: The mechanic will inspect the transmission for any signs of damage or wear.
Treatment
The treatment for this problem will depend on the cause. If the problem is caused by low transmission fluid, the mechanic will simply add fluid to the transmission. If the problem is caused by dirty transmission fluid, the mechanic will flush the transmission fluid and replace it with new fluid. If the problem is caused by worn transmission components, the mechanic will need to replace the worn components. If the problem is caused by a faulty TCM, the mechanic will need to replace the TCM.
Prevention
There are several things you can do to help prevent this problem, including:
- Check the transmission fluid level and condition regularly: You should check the transmission fluid level and condition every few months to make sure that it is at the correct level and that it is not dirty or contaminated.
- Change the transmission fluid and filter regularly: You should change the transmission fluid and filter every 30,000 to 50,000 miles to help keep the transmission clean and running properly.
- Avoid towing heavy loads: Towing heavy loads can put a lot of stress on the transmission, which can lead to premature wear and failure.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing problems with your 2012 Cruze transmission, it is important to have the problem diagnosed and repaired by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Ignoring the problem can lead to further damage to the transmission, which can be expensive to repair.