Sometimes when I shift my car’s automatic transmission into Drive it stays in neutral. Reverse works and trans fluid is full.
My car's transmission will be working fine for days or even weeks. But then suddenly the transmission will not shift into Drive, the car stays in Neutral. Park and Reverse work fine. The shift will be in Drive, but the dashboard indicator will read N. I tried to determine if weather had something to do with it, but it happens randomly in all weather conditions.
Trans fluid is new and full. The dealership replaced the transmission under Kia warranty at no cost to me with brand new factory transmission. The problem continued to occur maybe once a week. About 75% of the time, if I disconnect
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
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.
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A low transmission fluid level could cause the symptom of feeling like the transmission slips into neutral. The low transmission fluid level would allow the vehicle to move a short distance, until the filter could no longer pick up fluid.
It often happens because the clutch is out of adjustment and doesn`t allow one of the two transmission shafts to stop fully. It can also occur if you try to shift too quickly into reverse, because the shafts can take about one second to stop. A warped clutch plate will also cause this problem.
This could likely be due to a faulty computer that controls the transmission, a faulty transmission solenoid, or another issue with your transmission. If there is an issue with your solenoid you could be experiencing slipping gears or a transmission that won`t shift into gear properly at all.
In many cases, delayed shifting of any kind is caused by issues with the transmission`s valve body. Shift solenoid or computer malfunctions can also result in these types of hitches and may require transmission service for correction.
Inside an automatic transmission are clutch packs and clutch bands that use friction to move certain parts when shifting. Revving the engine and then immediately putting the transmission into drive causes those clutch packs and clutch bands to prematurely wear out.
Like a manual transmission, automatic transmissions also have a “neutral (N)” gear. In this gear, the engine will keep idling, but the wheels won`t turn. This gear isn`t used as frequently on an automatic transmission as on a manual transmission, as in an automatic one can come to a stop in drive without stalling.
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.
Shifting Problems– Clogged filters will make it hard to switch gears. If your car isn`t shifting smoothly, or if it hesitates or slips when you try to shift, you could have any number of transmission problems, so it`s best to have a professional look at it.
You experience delayed gear shifting and a sense of pulling or slipping when trying to shift between gears. The vehicle will not downshift as you slow down. An inability for the solenoid valve to operate may prevent your car from downshifting, and the engine will continue to rev as you attempt to brake.
Put the car in neutral: To rev the engine, you can also shift the manual transmission into neutral. Put the stick shift on your car in neutral. You can use the accelerator to rev the engine while it is neutral.
When you rev your engine, you place additional and unnecessary stress on your car and its engine. This is imperative when it`s cold outside—revving your engine before it has had time to warm up is especially damaging, as the engine`s oil hasn`t had sufficient time to circulate and properly lubricate your car.
“Transmission slipping” refers to when your transmission “slips” out of gear. This essentially means that it changes out of one gear to another without you shifting gears yourself. This most often happens right after you switch gears, and usually it slips into neutral.
The maximum recommended speed in 2nd gear is: 69 mph (110 km/h). This position is to be used when stronger engine braking is needed.
Causes of rough shifting include: 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.
If you drive manual, most manufacturers will recommend changing your transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. If you have automatic, you can typically boost that range up to 60,000 to 100,000 miles.
Causes of rough shifting include: 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.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
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.
My car will only shift into reverse and neutral, can’t get it into the drive gear
ANSWER : This may be a result of low transmission fluid or potentially a faulty transmission control module. A faulty transmission control module may cause a delay in acceleration or erratic shifting of gears. The transmission control module has various sensors such as vehicle speed sensors, wheel speed sensors, throttle position sensors, turbine speed sensor, and transmission fluid temperature sensors that all direct information to it in order for it to perform it’s function. Other functions controlled by the TCM are components such as a kick down switch, traction control system, and cruise control module. Any of these may also affect the way the transmission control module performs and controls the transmission and the shifting of your vehicle. I would suggest having a professional from Your Mechanic come to your location to properly diagnose your transmission problem.
My car will not shift out of drive and into park – 1999 Hyundai Sonata
ANSWER : Hi. This sounds like the ignition switch has a problem and is not allowing the car to go into park. If the ignition switch is not sending the signal to the neutral safety switch that the key is in the run position, it will not allow the shifter to move. It is also possible that the shift linkage is damaged and is causing the problem you have as well.
I suggest you have a certified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, come to your location to determine why the car is not shifting properly and suggest the necessary repairs
My pacifica runs and drives only reverse when i shift it to drive dies quickly . But you can shift it to reverse and neutral
ANSWER : This is an internal problem with the transmission and may be a valve body or leaking internal seal. The problem is the transmission leaking pressure internally, and when you put it in drive, the transmission is trying to go into reverse and drive at the same time causing the transmission to stall the engine. Have a mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, scan the computer to see if a code is received that will help detect the cause. They will be able to diagnose your stalling issue, and any other problem you are having, so that a proper repair can be made.
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.
When car is shifted into drive car will not go forward when pressing gas it just rev the engine.But when shifted into reverse car
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. The color and condition of the transmission fluid should be a huge indicator. Low transmission fluid is one of the leading causes of issues with the transmission. You will want to start by refilling the transmission fluid, following manufacturer directions and specifications on the type and the amount of fluid. If this makes a difference, then you know the lack of good hydraulic fluid in the system was the immediate cause of your problems. This does not always mean that the transmission is not having other issues, as burnt fluid is not a good sign in a vehicle that is only 6 years old. Burnt fluid can also be a sign of how hard the vehicle is being driven. If filling the transmission with fresh fluid does not solve the issue, then the transmission needs to be inspected by a transmission specialist. Unless properly trained, automatic transmissions are incredibly difficult to work on at home.
The engine stalls when I put the car in reverse, but if I go past reverse into drive there is not an issue.
ANSWER : Hi there. Usually when you shift into reverse and engage the brake it will cause the engine RPM to drop; as it’s creating a load against the transmission and the engine. If the engine stalls, it may be caused by a faulty idle control valve, bad O2 sensors, or clogged fuel injectors.
In regards to the "pan", we’re not sure what you are referring, so it may be a good idea to contact one of our local professional mechanics to complete a battery inspection to determine what’s going on with your 2010 Ford Focus.
When I’m driving, sometimes the car over revs and jerks when I shift gears after the cars been on for a while
ANSWER : Hi There,
What you are describing may be a result of a faulty speed sensor, potentially low transmission fluid or a even a faulty transmission control solenoid. As your vehicle travels down the road, the computer analyzes data being sent by vehicle speed sensors and engine speed sensors. Based on this information, the Engine Control Unit (ECU), or the Transmission Control Unit (TCM), executes the appropriate upshifts and downshifts by sending a signal to one of several shift solenoids. These transmission solenoids have spring-loaded plungers inside them, which are wrapped with wire. When this coil of wire receives an electrical charge from the TCM / ECU, it causes these plungers to open, allowing transmission fluid to flow into the valve body and pressurize the desired clutches and bands. When this happens, the transmission changes gears and you continue down the road. The computer controls the transmission solenoid in several ways. If the vehicle is equipped with a dedicated Transmission Control Unit, it can open or close the hydraulic circuit using a direct 12v signal. In some cases, the Engine Control Unit (ECU) can control the solenoid’s plunger by turning the ground circuit on and off. I would recommend having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your transmission.
What you are describing may be a result of a faulty speed sensor, potentially low transmission fluid or a even a faulty transmission control solenoid. As your vehicle travels down the road, the computer analyzes data being sent by vehicle speed sensors and engine speed sensors. Based on this information, the Engine Control Unit (ECU), or the Transmission Control Unit (TCM), executes the appropriate upshifts and downshifts by sending a signal to one of several shift solenoids. These transmission solenoids have spring-loaded plungers inside them, which are wrapped with wire. When this coil of wire receives an electrical charge from the TCM / ECU, it causes these plungers to open, allowing transmission fluid to flow into the valve body and pressurize the desired clutches and bands. When this happens, the transmission changes gears and you continue down the road. The computer controls the transmission solenoid in several ways. If the vehicle is equipped with a dedicated Transmission Control Unit, it can open or close the hydraulic circuit using a direct 12v signal. In some cases, the Engine Control Unit (ECU) can control the solenoid’s plunger by turning the ground circuit on and off. I would recommend having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your transmission.
