Car having trouble shifting gears

My car is having a hard time shifting from second to third gear, and sometimes from first to second gear. If it sits for a while it has no problem shifting from first to second.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello! The most common cause of hard shifting is due to low or improper level of the transmission fluid. A qualified mechanic, such as one of our YourMechanic experts, will be able to diagnose your gear shifting problem. The mechanic will check for causes of low fluid and inspect all the transmission components to ensure there are no further issues.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

The shift control solenoid externally mounted on the automatic transmission (non CVT) can fail and causes a harsh 1-2 shift. Replacing the shift solenoid and flushing the transmission with genuine Honda automatic transmission fluid may eliminate harsh shifting characteristics.
If your vehicle refuses or struggles to change gears, you are more than likely facing a problem with your transmission system. Low or incorrect types of transmission fluid could be the reason why your vehicle is refusing to switch gears.
Common Honda Civic Problems

Older Civics starting with the 2001 model, had transmission systems that could slip or outright fail. You could get the transmission rebuilt or replaced for the average cost of $2,300.

Fixing Rough Transmissions

All you have to do is add a bottle of Transmission Treatment & Leak Stopper. It`s specially designed to smooth rough shifting. As you might guess from the “leak stopper” part, Tranny Honey stops transmission leaks, so low fluid levels should no longer be a problem.

When the temperature drops, transmission fluids with poor cold-flow properties can thicken and cause elongated and hard shifts until the fluid has warmed up enough to flow properly. Switching to a high-quality synthetic transmission fluid will help.
The Vehicle Speed Sensor measures vehicle speed. When it fails the transmission can stop shifting or shift late and harsh. A bad VSS may also inhibit overdrive and the converter clutch.
Another way to look for transmission problems is to hold down the brake pedal with one foot while stepping on the gas pedal with the other foot so you can rev up the engine. Make sure the parking brake is on during this time, and don`t rev the car for longer than a few seconds.
When there is low fluid in the transmission, it can cause the transmission to slip which will make your shifts softer. Then when the fluid actually gets to where it is supposed to be and the transmission sputters back to life, it will feel like a harder shift in comparison to what it was before.
The cause may be low engine oil or a faulty Intake CMP actuator causing a performance problem with the actuator. Both of these codes cause a computer strategy to raise line pressure causing the shifts to be harsh.
Oftentimes, hard shifting can occur when you fail to change transmission fluid at the recommended interval. In the event that your transmission fluid gets low or dirty, your vehicle`s ability to shift could become compromised.
The cause may be low engine oil or a faulty Intake CMP actuator causing a performance problem with the actuator. Both of these codes cause a computer strategy to raise line pressure causing the shifts to be harsh.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

The car doesn’t shift into first gear while it works fine in reverse
ANSWER : The problem could be that the internal transmission pump is weak, or the transmission clutch seals are leaking. It sounds like the transmission will need an overhaul.

I recommend having a transmission mechanic test the pressures and diagnose the problems to verify whether you need an overhaul with a new torque convertor.

I got sound when I shift to 3rd gear and it’s get hard to put shift to second gear when car is in 3rd gear.
ANSWER : Hello. It sounds as though the synchronizers in the transmission, which are used to adjust transmission internal gear speed when upshifting or downshifting are possibly worn out or you are shifting a bit too fast. It is also possible that the clutch is not releasing fully when you press the clutch pedal. In some conditions, utilizing synthetic gear oil in the transmission can help the quality of gear shifting. If the clutch is not fully releasing an inspection of the clutch hydraulics is a good idea. I would recommend having an inspection of the hard shift completed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost for repairs.

When shifting into 1st gear and attempting to take off, car shakes and then stalls. Car also won’t let me shift into reverse.
ANSWER : Hi there. Either the shifter rail is damaged inside the transmission keeping the gears from going into reverse and the first gear from connecting all the way, or the transmission first and reverse gears are damaged causing the transmission to have a hesitation on the forward 1st gear and no reverse. I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you diagnose your transmission shifting issue.

the car will not shift into any gear, but the gear shift moves
ANSWER : transmission shifting

Car in park shifter will move through gears but wont shift through the gears its stuck in neutral have emergency brake on so it wont roll
ANSWER : From what you’ve described, it sounds like the shifter cable came off at the transmission or the shifter. I’d suggest checking the shift linkage on the transmission to see if the cable came off. This is due to the connector end bushing falling apart and not being able to hold the cable on any longer. Some cables have to be replaced as a whole and as with others the bushing can be replaced to fix the cable. I’d suggest contacting a certified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, who can come diagnose your shifting issue and make the necessary repairs to your vehicle. Good luck.

My gear shift doesn’t shift to any other gear its stuck on neutral. I open the gear assembly and I can pull a lever which allows me to move it.
ANSWER : Hi there. The shifter interlock solenoid is not working and needs replaced. The shifter interlock solenoid makes the shifter lock in place so it does not move if you accidentally move it into another gear. If you need further assistance with your shifter not working, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

Gear selector cable/linkage loose, car will not start
ANSWER : Hi there – based on your description, I believe part of the gear selector cable/linkage is no longer anchored or connected. Besides the "free movement" of the shifter as you describe, it is also not registering properly with the neutral safety switch – which prevents engine start. I would recommend having a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic examine your Saturns shifter mechanism. S/he will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

Car won’t go into gear. 2002 Audi A4 Quattro
ANSWER : Hi there – Your symptoms describe the behavior to expect when your clutch hydraulics go out (clutch master and clutch slave cylinders). Check your clutch fluid level – it may be low. If the fluid level is low, this usually means your clutch slave cylinder has worn out, not unusual with your mileage, and should be replaced. I recommend a malfunctioning clutch inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.