Transmission does not shift right, really slow
The transmission in my 2006 Ford Explorer shifts out of gear whenever the vehicle isn’t moving. This problem is going to get me rear-ended one of these days! Whenever I shift into drive or reverse, there is a noticeable delay getting into gear. I just passed 100,000 miles so I expect some issues, but this is just bizzarre. What can be done?
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
The A/C drain water may be running down and getting into the transmission solenoid shift connector, causing erratic shifting issues and giving check transmission codes. Ford has come out with Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 9-22-15, dated 11/16/2009. The TSB instructs to verify A/C drain water running on to connector, remove and clean the connector, and add dielectric grease to keep out moisture, adding a protective shield. Clear all codes and road to verify fix.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
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.
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.
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.
Worn fluid can lead to hard shifts
The fluid`s frictional properties play a vital role in ensuring the clutch plates bind together properly and gear shifts occur seamlessly. Over time, the fluid`s frictional properties can degrade, leading to hard, jerky or inconsistent shifts.
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.
Not Enough Gear Oil
If your transmission is leaking oil or you do not change it periodically, you will have less oil in the gear. Once this happens, there will be damage to your transmission and it will eventually become hard to shift it. There may even be strange noises or poor vehicle performance symptoms too.”
Transmission: If your car hesitates when accelerating, then this could be due to a transmission clutch slippage, which is usually caused by low or old transmission fluid.
With a manual transmission, upshift time can be reduced by installing a lighter flywheel. During an upshift, the engine speed must decrease to synchronize with a higher gear; a lighter flywheel will allow the engine speed to drop more quickly, leading to shorter shift times.
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Transmission Position Sensor (Switch) Common signs include the car not starting or moving, transmission going into a different gear than selected, and the vehicle going into limp mode.
With a manual transmission, upshift time can be reduced by installing a lighter flywheel. During an upshift, the engine speed must decrease to synchronize with a higher gear; a lighter flywheel will allow the engine speed to drop more quickly, leading to shorter shift times.
Intelligent networks
The transmission delay t m depends on the transmission rate R, the message length M, and the channel access delay t c a . Wireless Fidelity (WiFi)6 offers high transmission rates, but the channel access delay depends on “listen before talk” with randomized access delay characteristics.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Rough shifting, slow shifting, noisy trans
ANSWER : This is a common problem, and Nissan is aware of it. They have released a Technical Service Bulletin NTB13-079c that outlines the procedure of installing an add-on cooler to help keep the transmission fluid in check. In some cases the transmission does need to be replaced, but the dealer will have to be the one to determine that.
Read Full Q/A … : Transmission does not shift right, really slow
Especially when cold, I notice shifts in low gears on my transmission
ANSWER : Hello. If servicing the fluid and filter did not help, then it may be possible that the transmission is worn. If any of the clutch packs that the transmission uses to shift wear out, they may slip and cause harsher shifting than normal. If the problem only occurs when the transmission is cold, then it may be possible that the clutch discs are worn, but can properly grip when the transmission and fluid reach operating temperature. I would recommend double checking the fluid for any signs of damage or wear, any unusual smells or color. If the fluid checks out. If you need help having this looked at, I would then move on to having the shifting issue diagnosed to see if the transmission may be faulty.
Read Full Q/A … : Transmission does not shift right, really slow
Transmission does not shift right, really slow
ANSWER : The A/C drain water may be running down and getting into the transmission solenoid shift connector, causing erratic shifting issues and giving check transmission codes. Ford has come out with Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 9-22-15, dated 11/16/2009. The TSB instructs to verify A/C drain water running on to connector, remove and clean the connector, and add dielectric grease to keep out moisture, adding a protective shield. Clear all codes and road to verify fix.
Read Full Q/A … : Transmission does not shift right, really slow
Transmission issues, rough shifting and noise
ANSWER : Many different faults can cause the vehicle to shift roughly. The most common would be low fluid level in the transmission, transmission mounts, the torque converter, or one of the shift solenoids. If you’d like to get this checked before moving forward with a repair, a qualified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, will be able to diagnose your shifting issue and perform any repairs required.
Read Full Q/A … : Transmission does not shift right, really slow
Transmission shift hard after high speed driving but shifts normal after engine is off for a while.
ANSWER : Hi there. Transmission fluid should be flushed every 50,000 miles to help avoid issues like you are experiencing. So, it’s probably a good idea to have your transmission fluid flushed and filter replaced, as the obstruction of debris or worn out fluid can cause the hard to shift issue you’re experiencing.
Read Full Q/A … : Transmission does not shift right, really slow
Kia Optima 2004 v6 LX new engine old transmission no problems before with transmission now my transmission is shifting a high rpm
ANSWER : Hi There,
This may be an issue related to the communication of the PCM and the TCM (Transmission control module). As you may know, the TCM relies on the PCM to transmit information related to RPM’s, which the TCM then uses to determine when to direct the transmission to shift. 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.
This may be an issue related to the communication of the PCM and the TCM (Transmission control module). As you may know, the TCM relies on the PCM to transmit information related to RPM’s, which the TCM then uses to determine when to direct the transmission to shift. 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.
Read Full Q/A … : Transmission does not shift right, really slow
Have a 2000 Ford Ranger XLT with ~230,000 miles on it. Often times, it is slow to shift from 1st to 2nd an.
ANSWER : Hi there. In most cases, a hard to shift issue is caused by either a damaged shift solenoid, valve body seal leak, or obstructed transmission fluid in the hydraulic lines. This could be resolved by having transmission fluid service performed to flush the lines or will require additional diagnosis to determine the source of the problem.
Read Full Q/A … : Transmission does not shift right, really slow
Transmission intermittently won’t shift to next gear
ANSWER : It is very possible that the transmission may require a full rebuild or a replacement in order for it to perform properly. Although you are able to shift into other gears, if certain gears are not working correctly, transmission damage may be the cause.
If the transmission has already been diagnosed by the dealer that it needs replacement and the transmission is still not shifting properly, it is unlikely that the transmission will get any better without replacement.
It does not hurt to attempt any reset procedure that may be available, but it is also unlikely that a reset of any kind will resolve transmission issues. Small things to check before replacing the transmission if possible would be the fluid level and any trouble codes that may have been stored due to the issue your transmission is causing.
If any codes exist, this may lead you to other possible parts inside the transmission that may be able to be replaced and have your transmission working again as it should. You can get a second opinion from an local expert, such as one from YourMechanic, in order to diagnose your shifting problem and advise you on the next steps.
Read Full Q/A … : Transmission does not shift right, really slow
