Automatic Transmission Doesn’t Shift Smoothly After Car Just Started
If your automatic transmission is not shifting smoothly after you just started your car, there are a few possible causes. One possibility is that the transmission fluid is low. Transmission fluid is responsible for lubricating and cooling the transmission, and if it is low, it can cause the transmission to shift roughly or not at all.
Low Transmission Fluid
Checking the transmission fluid is a relatively simple process. Most cars have a dipstick that you can pull out to check the fluid level. The dipstick will have two marks on it, one for the minimum level and one for the maximum level. If the fluid level is below the minimum mark, you will need to add more fluid.
To add transmission fluid, you will need to purchase the correct type of fluid for your car. You can find the correct type of fluid in your car’s owner’s manual. Once you have the fluid, you will need to locate the transmission fluid dipstick. The dipstick is usually located near the back of the engine. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag. Then, reinsert the dipstick into the transmission and pull it out again. The fluid level should be between the minimum and maximum marks.
Dirty Transmission Fluid
Another possible cause of rough shifting is dirty transmission fluid. Transmission fluid can become dirty over time as it picks up metal shavings and other contaminants. Dirty fluid can cause the transmission to shift roughly or not at all.
To fix this problem, you will need to change the transmission fluid. Changing the transmission fluid is a more involved process than checking the fluid level, but it is still something that you can do yourself with a few basic tools.
Transmission Filter
The transmission filter is responsible for filtering out contaminants from the transmission fluid. A dirty transmission filter can cause the transmission to shift roughly or not at all.
To fix this problem, you will need to replace the transmission filter. Replacing the transmission filter is a relatively simple process, but it is important to follow the instructions in your car’s owner’s manual carefully.
Solenoids
Solenoids are electrical components that control the flow of transmission fluid. A faulty solenoid can cause the transmission to shift roughly or not at all.
To fix this problem, you will need to replace the faulty solenoid. Replacing a solenoid is a more involved process than replacing a transmission filter, but it is still something that you can do yourself with a few basic tools.
Other Causes
In some cases, rough shifting can be caused by a more serious problem, such as a damaged transmission. If you have tried all of the above solutions and your transmission is still shifting roughly, you should take your car to a mechanic for diagnosis.
Conclusion
If your automatic transmission is not shifting smoothly after you just started your car, there are a few possible causes. Checking the transmission fluid level, changing the transmission fluid, replacing the transmission filter, and replacing a faulty solenoid are all relatively simple solutions that you can do yourself with a few basic tools. However, if you have tried all of these solutions and your transmission is still shifting roughly, you should take your car to a mechanic for diagnosis.
