Car won’t shift into second and has transmission fluid leaking. Transmission is a 200R4.

Before having the engine replaced the car shift perfectly fine but now after having a new engine in the car won't shift into second unless you , work your foot on the gas & pull it to low gear the rpm be sounding like it's going up I don't have an rpm gage in my car so I don't keep flooring it when I hear the the Reving of the engine the transmission fuild be leaking . I just need a answer to these problems do I need new trans or rebuild or would it be the linkage ?? Let me know
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello, this sounds like a problem with the governor, perhaps the governor spring to be specific. If the spring breaks, it will not allow the 1-2 shift. The fluid leak is likely not a big deal on its own – leaking pan gasket or seal.

As to whether the transmission needs to be rebuilt or replaced, that is dependent on whether clutches are slipping, or shifts "solid", proper functioning of up-shifting (clearly a problem there), and downshifting, etc. I would recommend having a reputable transmission shop run full diagnostics to determine if a major overhaul/replacement is in order.

If you’d like a second opinion on this, have one of our mobile technicians properly diagnose your shifting issue firsthand.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

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

Over time, dirt, debris and other tiny particles can accumulate in the transmission fluid, affecting its fluid properties. This can cause the vehicle to die when you shift into drive or reverse, allow a loss of power, transmission slip, rough shifts or even prevent the vehicle from shifting into gear at all.
Shifting delays are often caused by many things but most commonly due to poor maintenance or high mileage. Transmission fluid, in addition to acting as a coolant, keeps internal seals lubricated to help prevent hardening or wearing out.
Check to see if the brakes are applied and see if the master cylinder is full of brake fluid. If you need further assistance with your vehicle not moving when putting the transmission in drive or reverse, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
This is often times a sign of low transmission fluid or a faulty transmission control solenoid. As you know, automatic transmissions use pressurized hydraulic fluid to change gears.
Turn off your vehicle`s ignition and wait patiently for 5 to 10 seconds. Start the engine and allow it to idle for several seconds. Switch off the ignition and wait patiently for another 30 to 40 seconds. Repeat these steps 2 to 3 times in order to reset your vehicle`s transmission control module.
The easiest way to remove lag is by installing a device on your gas pedal called a throttle response controller. Throttle Response Controllers are blue tooth controlled, inexpensive, and make a big difference in immediate gas pedal response.
Clean or replace your vehicle`s air filter when your acceleration is acting sluggish. Put in new spark plugs when they go bad if your engine misfires and hesitates. Replace your vehicle`s fuel filter when there`s a delayed response when you accelerate.
Transmission Control Module (TCM) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM) All automatic transmissions use a control module to regulate speed, gear changes, and clutch engagement. The TCM makes decisions based on the information it receives from the engine, making it the key to shifting gears and changing the speed.
Transmission Shift Solenoid Location

The Transmission shift solenoids are located inside the valve body of your automatic transmission. They are integrated into the valve body, and on some car models, you can see them without removing the valve body, while on others, you have to remove the valve body to reach them.

In general, the torque converter includes components like a pump, a stator, and a turbine. Any one of these could become faulty, which can cause slipping when your transmission shifts gears. It can also keep the transmission from successfully shifting at all.
A gasket near the transmission filter where it mounts to the valve body could be leaking causing the hydraulics within the transmission not to engage second gear properly. On the other hand, a shift solenoid may also be at fault. If a shift solenoid goes bad you can experience very similar symptoms.
The issue is the clutch is slipping. When the transmission is in second gear, the power train is in an in between gear ratio and will cause the vehicle to have a loss of power during acceleration. I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you diagnose your clutch.
The most common cause of a stuck solenoid is the failure to replace your transmission fluid when you should. Over time, small bits of metal and other debris will get into the fluid (if you`ve ever seen black transmission fluid, this is what causes it). And this is what leads a solenoid to become blocked.
The cost to reprogram a transmission ranges between $75 and $250. Most of the time, you can get this done at your local dealership, but you can also trust a local repair shop, like My Transmission Experts, to get the job done.
Why does my car not accelerate when I push the gas? A car not accelerating properly can be caused by a number of things. It could be due to the throttle body, gas tank, spark plugs, or the ECU. It could also be because you have a dirty air filter or a clogged fuel filter.
Clogged Fuel Filter

When you press down the accelerator pedal and get minimal output, it could mean you have a problem with your fuel system. The most probable issue is a clogged fuel filter. Your fuel filter works to ensure that dirt and debris do not get into the fuel system.

If your accelerator were to stick it would most likely be caused by a floor mat or other object getting jammed under the gas pedal. This could obviously be avoided by keeping your vehicle clear of clutter and making sure floor mats are properly fixed in place.
Delayed engagement could be due to a variety of reasons from something as minor as a low level of transmission fluid, infrequent fluid replacement, or a more serious issue like failing transmission solenoids.
When a throttle body is not functioning correctly, you`ll usually notice a distinctly poor or very low idle. If the problem is really severe, you might even begin stalling when coming to a stop or when the throttle is quickly pressed.
Rough starts, hesitation and poor acceleration are all common symptoms of a bad spark plug. If a spark plug or multiple spark plugs are faulty, they will have trouble creating the spark that causes the ignition process in your vehicle.
One main reason why the automatic transmission in your car may not be shifting smoothly is the ECM is going bad. It is best to get this checked out by an experienced auto mechanic technician who understands the electrical system. Other indicators include bad connections within, or worn out sensors and faulty solenoids.
One main reason why the automatic transmission in your car may not be shifting smoothly is the ECM is going bad. It is best to get this checked out by an experienced auto mechanic technician who understands the electrical system. Other indicators include bad connections within, or worn out sensors and faulty solenoids.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Car won’t shift into second and has transmission fluid leaking. Transmission is a 200R4.
ANSWER : Hello, this sounds like a problem with the governor, perhaps the governor spring to be specific. If the spring breaks, it will not allow the 1-2 shift. The fluid leak is likely not a big deal on its own – leaking pan gasket or seal.

As to whether the transmission needs to be rebuilt or replaced, that is dependent on whether clutches are slipping, or shifts "solid", proper functioning of up-shifting (clearly a problem there), and downshifting, etc. I would recommend having a reputable transmission shop run full diagnostics to determine if a major overhaul/replacement is in order.

If you’d like a second opinion on this, have one of our mobile technicians properly diagnose your shifting issue firsthand.

There is automatic transmission fluid in a manual transmission. Is it okay to leave or do I need manual transmission fluid?
ANSWER : This would depend on what the manufacturer recommends. Many manual transmissions do take automatic transmission fluid. If your transmission has ATF in it, it is very likely that it is supposed to have that in there. If not, it is likely that the transmission would not function properly with the wrong fluid. Many manual transmissions will also take engine oil as a lubricant. The best way to know for sure is to check your owner’s manual or call your local General Motors dealership to inquire.

My car is leaking transmission fluid – I can’t diagnose the leak
ANSWER : Based on the NHTSA database covering consumer complaints, as well as government mandated recalls and factory service bulletins, for your specific year, make and model, I do not see evidence of widespread complaints about transmission fluid leaks. Such leaks are, in fact, common in transmissions made by any car company, particularly if the transmission is older than say 10 years. There is a manual shaft seal, oil pan gasket, output shaft seals, case seals, torque converter seal (inaccessible) and so forth all of which are potential leak points on your transmission.

If you want to identify and resolve these leaks, certainly a certified Mechanic from YourMechanic could come out and perform a transmission leak inspection and let you know where the leak points are and what it will cost to resolve them.

How do I stop the transmission from leaking brake fluid in a 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
ANSWER : Hi there. First off, the transmission and brake system are separate and utilize different oils. If you’re leaking oil from the slave master cylinder (which is a clutch component), it’s transmission fluid that might be leaking. If you’ve been told that this has been damaged, there really isn’t a way to stop the leak without fixing the damaged component. You might want to have a mechanic replace your clutch slave cylinder before it completely breaks.

New cars don’t have transmission fluid dipsticks Transmission fluid changing
ANSWER : That’s a very good question. The reason they have gone with no dipsticks is because they don’t want people messing with transmissions other there at the dealership. Some cars went through that a couple of decades ago. They make it a very involved, convoluted process all through, in order to change the fluid on these modern cars. They have special adapters you have to put. Some of them have to have scan computers in order to read the data and what’s in there, and then be able to change it. A lot of these companies claim that this new fluid is the "lifetime" fluid.

Most new use synthetic fluid can last a long time but any fluid is going to get dirty and wear out over time. I would change it at least every 80,000 – 100,000 miles but if you’ve got one that is really hard to change, you are better off hiring a mechanic to do it.

On some of the cars, it would be too hard for the do-it-yourself because of all that equipment you need. The professional mechanics already have that. Just call any good mechanic, like one from YourMechanic, and they will be able to perform a transmission fluid service for you.

Transmission fluid leaked while pulling a car out of mud
ANSWER : From the description you’re giving me, I’m not sure. I know many Fords, including my F150, have a circular seal type bell housing inspection cover near the transmission. Fluid pooled in this area generally indicates an engine oil leak from the rear main seal or a transmission leak from the front pump seal. The only way to know for sure is to have your truck’s transmission leak inspected firsthand by a professional. The team at YourMechanic is an excellent option since we make house calls.

Sometimes when I shift my car’s automatic transmission into Drive it stays in neutral. Reverse works and trans fluid is full.
ANSWER : It is very possible that you could have some internal transmission damage. I would recommend enlisting in the assistance of a qualified transmission professional to inspect your transmission for internal faults. I must warn that this could be a pricy inspection as it may involve the removal and disassembly of the transmission. However, this is a sure fire way to determine if any internal damage has occured. The good news is that if any damage has occured, it can easily be resolved at that time since the transmissoin has already been disassembled.

I pressed my gas and my car didnt accelerate. There is transmission fluid in my car and my car cranks great and runs great…
ANSWER : This kind of reaction is often a sign of low transmission fluid or a faulty transmission control solenoid. As you know, automatic transmissions use pressurized hydraulic fluid to change gears. Every time a gear change is required, the car’s computer activates a transmission solenoid, which directs transmission fluid into the valve body to engage the correct gear. When this is faulty or not working properly, this can cause a delay in gear shifting or in some cases cause the car to not shift at all. This type of problem is amplified any time the transmission is low on fluid creating a drop in hydraulic pressure. I would recommend having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your vehicle.