I think my car is not shifting to top gear. 2014 Scion tC
So I just got my scion tc not long ago and I noticed that my rpms are shifting to quick for example I'm going at 40 MPh and I get the feeling that my car is like in 4 gear and when I am in the freeway and speed up to like 60 -70 my rpms go up quick and it doesn't shift so if I keep pressing the gas my rpms will go to max
My car has 22555 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello – there are several reasons why your transmission may not be shifting up to top gear. A failure of a speed sensor (internal to the transmission), or a problem with the throttle position sensor on the engine may prevent your transmission from up-shifting as it should. Check first for low transmission fluid level, and for problem codes, whether the Check Engine light is on, or not. Most auto parts stores will do this for free on a "time-available" basis. I recommend a transmission 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.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
Transmission won`t engage or stay in gear
If when you put your vehicle into gear and it won`t move, this may be a problem with low transmission fluid due to a leak, the shifter, shifter cable, or it could even be a problem in the valve body of your automatic transmission.
That can be caused by a problem with the clutch pedal linkage or hydraulics. Furthermore, if the clutch disc is allowing the transmission to slip, you may not get any power even if the transmission appears to be in gear. The clutch disc is a wearable component that may need regular replacement on your vehicle.
1. At the top of all auto repair experts lists for causes of problematic transmissions is low transmission fluid. Usually caused by a leak somewhere in the system, low or contaminated fluid makes it nearly impossible for the transmission to automatically shift gears and run smoothly.
The throttle cables need checking. As we have mentioned earlier that changing the transmission fluid alone solves many transmission-related issues. But, if you change this transmission fluid and your auto transmission still won`t shift into the third gear, the throttle cables are the next suspect.
Transmission Fluid Low or Poor Condition – Vehicles low on transmission fluid or that are operating with worn out or contaminated fluid are likely to experience hard shift conditions. Lack of adequate lubrication within the transmission can cause several problems, including hard shifting.
This one is a lot easier to diagnose than slipping gears because you can check it while the car is sitting still. Simply shift the car from park to reverse, or from park to drive, and observe what happens. If there`s a big clunk or the car seems like it`s lurching, this could be an early sign of transmission trouble.
The first step in determining your transmission problems consists of the technician connecting the diagnostic equipment to your vehicle`s on-board computer. This will produce a code stating where the problem lies.
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.
Transmission Repairs
Often with a transmission repair, you are only fixing one specific part of the transmission. This repair can take place without having to rebuild the entire transmission. This option typically costs less than a rebuild or a replacement.
Though changing transmission fluid can`t fix mechanical problems, it does make for smoother shifts and can extend the life of your transmission.
But a blown fuse No. 38 becomes a likely candidate causing a loss of power to the transmission solenoids.
Improper Or Harsh Shifting
When there`s no speed signal coming from the sensors, shifting of gears will be a problem because the powertrain control module won`t control them correctly. This will make the transmission not work properly. It will either shift more quickly or roughly than expected.
Disconnect the sensor from the housing on the transmission, as indicated in the repair manual for your car. Disconnect the sensor`s wire coupling. Using the multimeter`s voltmeter connect the probes to the ground and reference wires in the connector. If no voltage is received, the sensor is faulty.
Long story short, an OBD-II scanner can provide insight into your vehicle`s computer, such as the engine, transmission and other vital systems.
You can also force your automatic transmission to downshift into a lower gear. Here`s how to do it: As you approach a situation where you`d like to downshift, ease off the gas pedal. Allow the transmission to shift to a lower gear.
The technicians at All-Automatic Transmissions understand that problems with your vehicle`s transmission can often be resolved with adjustments or a minor repair. In fact, a simple adjustment can be done without even removing the transmission from the vehicle.
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.
This includes speed sensors that tell your transmission how and when to change gears. If your speed sensor is sending incorrect data, it can lead to hard shifting and other drivability problems.
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.
If the sound resembles humming, buzzing, or clunking, you may be experiencing transmission failure. Bad automatic transmissions may emit humming, buzzing, or whining noises while manual transmissions have harsher “clunking” sounds.
On many vehicles, any time a new transmission is installed, it must be programmed initially before use, and most vehicles that require this won`t shift at all prior to being plugged into specific software.
Using Transmission Relearns
Over time, the TCM learns the specific settings of the engine as you drive it. But whenever any mechanical or electronic component is changed in relation to the transmission, it will throw off the data, sometimes catastrophically – and so, a transmission relearn is required.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
I think my car is not shifting to top gear. 2014 Scion tC
ANSWER : Hello – there are several reasons why your transmission may not be shifting up to top gear. A failure of a speed sensor (internal to the transmission), or a problem with the throttle position sensor on the engine may prevent your transmission from up-shifting as it should. Check first for low transmission fluid level, and for problem codes, whether the Check Engine light is on, or not. Most auto parts stores will do this for free on a "time-available" basis. I recommend a transmission 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.
Read Full Q/A … : I think my car is not shifting to top gear. 2014 Scion tC
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.
Read Full Q/A … : I think my car is not shifting to top gear. 2014 Scion tC
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.
Read Full Q/A … : I think my car is not shifting to top gear. 2014 Scion tC
the car will not shift into any gear, but the gear shift moves
ANSWER : transmission shifting
Read Full Q/A … : I think my car is not shifting to top gear. 2014 Scion tC
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.
Read Full Q/A … : I think my car is not shifting to top gear. 2014 Scion tC
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.
Read Full Q/A … : I think my car is not shifting to top gear. 2014 Scion tC
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.
Read Full Q/A … : I think my car is not shifting to top gear. 2014 Scion tC
Suddenly cannot shift car into gear.
ANSWER : Hi there:
There could be multiple problems on your Saturn that are causing this problem you’re experiencing. If your clutch is worn it won’t allow you to put your car in gear. When you step on the clutch, the transmission disengages from the engine. This slows the insides of the transmission just enough to allow you to shift gears. When the clutch is worn, the slave cylinder doesn’t have enough travel to disengage the clutch from the engine, so it wont allow you to put it in gear. It’s also possible that you have broken a shift fork in the transmission. The shift forks are what actually move the slides inside the gear box to engage the gears when you move the shifter. The best way to determine exactly why you’re car won’t shift into gear is have a professional mobile mechanic complete a car is hard to shift inspection.
Read Full Q/A … : I think my car is not shifting to top gear. 2014 Scion tC
