Car Won’t Shift When Starting: Loud Noise from Transmission

Possible Causes

There are several potential causes for a car that won’t shift when starting and makes a loud noise from the transmission. These include:

• Low transmission fluid: The transmission fluid helps to lubricate and cool the gears and other moving parts inside the transmission. If the fluid level is low, it can cause the transmission to overheat and make a loud noise. In some cases, it can also make it difficult or impossible to shift gears.
• Dirty transmission fluid: The transmission fluid can become dirty over time as it picks up metal shavings and other contaminants from the gears and other moving parts. Dirty fluid can cause the transmission to shift hard or not shift at all, and it can also lead to increased wear and tear on the transmission components.
• Faulty transmission gear: The gears inside the transmission can wear out or become damaged over time, which can cause the transmission to make a loud noise and make it difficult or impossible to shift gears.
• Faulty transmission clutch: The clutch helps to engage and disengage the gears in the transmission, and a faulty clutch can make it difficult or impossible to shift gears. It can also cause the transmission to make a loud noise.
• Faulty transmission synchronizers: The synchronizers help to match the speed of the gears so that they can engage smoothly, and a faulty synchronizer can make it difficult or impossible to shift gears. It can also cause the transmission to make a loud noise.

Diagnosis

To diagnose the cause of a car that won’t shift when starting and makes a loud noise from the transmission, a mechanic will typically perform the following steps:

• Check the transmission fluid level and condition: The mechanic will check the transmission fluid level and condition to see if it is low or dirty. If the fluid is low, it will need to be topped off. If the fluid is dirty, it will need to be flushed and replaced.
• Inspect the transmission gears and clutch: The mechanic will inspect the transmission gears and clutch for wear or damage. If any of these components are damaged, they will need to be replaced.
• Test the transmission synchronizers: The mechanic will test the transmission synchronizers to see if they are working properly. If any of the synchronizers are faulty, they will need to be replaced.

Repair

The repair for a car that won’t shift when starting and makes a loud noise from the transmission will depend on the cause of the problem. In some cases, a simple fluid change or replacement may be all that is needed. In other cases, more extensive repairs, such as replacing the gears or clutch, may be necessary.

Prevention

There are several things you can do to help prevent problems with your car’s transmission, including:

• Check the transmission fluid level and condition regularly: The transmission fluid should be checked every 30,000 miles or so, and it should be flushed and replaced every 60,000 miles or so.
• Avoid hard shifting: Hard shifting can put unnecessary stress on the transmission components and lead to premature wear and tear.
• Don’t overload your car: Overloading your car can put extra strain on the transmission and make it more likely to fail.

Conclusion

If your car won’t shift when starting and makes a loud noise from the transmission, it’s important to have it diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible. Ignoring the problem can lead to further damage and more expensive repairs.