My Car Transmission Won’t Shift

Possible Causes

There are a number of possible causes for a car transmission to stop shifting. Some of the most common include:

• Low transmission fluid: Transmission fluid is essential for lubricating the moving parts of the transmission and keeping it cool. If the transmission fluid level is low, it can cause the transmission to slip out of gear or refuse to shift altogether.
• Dirty transmission fluid: Over time, transmission fluid can become contaminated with metal shavings, dirt, and other debris. This can cause the fluid to lose its lubricating properties and lead to transmission problems.
• Faulty shift solenoids: Shift solenoids are electrical components that control the flow of transmission fluid. If a shift solenoid fails, it can prevent the transmission from shifting into a particular gear.
• Damaged transmission gears: The gears in a transmission can become damaged due to wear and tear, or as a result of an accident. Damaged gears can cause the transmission to slip out of gear or make shifting difficult.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a transmission that won’t shift can vary depending on the underlying cause. Some common symptoms include:

• The transmission slips out of gear while driving
• The transmission refuses to shift into a particular gear
• The transmission grinds or makes a whining noise when shifting
• The check engine light is illuminated

Diagnosis

Diagnosing the cause of a transmission that won’t shift can be complex. A mechanic will typically start by checking the transmission fluid level and condition. They may also use a diagnostic scanner to check for trouble codes that can help identify the problem. In some cases, the mechanic may need to remove the transmission from the vehicle to inspect it for damage.

Repair

The repair for a transmission that won’t shift will depend on the underlying cause. In some cases, the problem can be solved by simply adding or changing the transmission fluid. In other cases, more extensive repairs may be necessary, such as replacing a failed shift solenoid or repairing damaged gears.

Prevention

There are a few things you can do to help prevent transmission problems, including:

• Regularly check the transmission fluid level and condition
• Change the transmission fluid and filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations
• Avoid driving in harsh conditions, such as off-roading or towing heavy loads
• Have the transmission inspected by a mechanic if you notice any problems, such as slipping gears or making noise

Conclusion

If your car transmission won’t shift, it’s important to have it diagnosed by a mechanic as soon as possible. Ignoring the problem can lead to more serious damage and costly repairs.