Car Won’t Shift Gears: Troubleshooting an Automatic Transmission
If your car won’t shift gears, it can be a frustrating and dangerous situation. An automatic transmission is a complex system, and there are a number of potential causes for this problem. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the most common causes of an automatic transmission that won’t shift gears, and provide you with some troubleshooting tips.
Causes of an Automatic Transmission that Won’t Shift Gears
- Low transmission fluid: Transmission fluid is essential for lubricating and cooling the components of your transmission. If the fluid level is low, it can cause the transmission to overheat and fail to shift gears.
- Dirty transmission fluid: Over time, transmission fluid can become dirty and contaminated with metal shavings and other debris. This can cause the fluid to lose its lubricating properties and lead to transmission problems.
- Faulty transmission filter: The transmission filter is responsible for removing contaminants from the transmission fluid. If the filter is clogged, it can restrict the flow of fluid and cause the transmission to overheat.
- Faulty shift solenoid: The shift solenoid is an electrical component that controls the shifting of gears. If the solenoid is faulty, it can prevent the transmission from shifting gears properly.
- Faulty torque converter: The torque converter is a fluid coupling that connects the engine to the transmission. If the torque converter is faulty, it can cause the transmission to slip or fail to engage gears.
Troubleshooting an Automatic Transmission that Won’t Shift Gears
If your car won’t shift gears, the first step is to check the transmission fluid level. If the fluid level is low, add fluid and check for leaks. If the fluid level is normal, the next step is to check the transmission filter. If the filter is clogged, replace it.
If the transmission fluid and filter are in good condition, the next step is to check the shift solenoid. The shift solenoid is located on the side of the transmission. To test the solenoid, use a multimeter to check for continuity. If there is no continuity, the solenoid is faulty and needs to be replaced.
If the shift solenoid is in good condition, the next step is to check the torque converter. The torque converter is located between the engine and the transmission. To test the torque converter, remove it from the vehicle and check for any damage. If the torque converter is damaged, it needs to be replaced.
Conclusion
If you’ve followed the troubleshooting steps above and still can’t get your car to shift gears, it’s time to take it to a qualified mechanic. An automatic transmission is a complex system, and it’s important to have it repaired by a professional who has the experience and expertise to do the job right.
