Do you experience hard shifting or a jerk motion while driving? If so, discover the culprit behind this transmission issue. Learn how to fix hard shifting automatic transmission by reading this helpful guide. You don’t want to miss this insightful information.
Common Reasons for Hard Shifting
When you experience hard shifting, it’s difficult to accelerate, change gears, or complete a smooth transition. People often describe the situation as a “thud” or “clunking” feeling when you shift gears. Typically, the culprit of hard shifting is due to low or contaminated transmission fluid. However, other reasons can cause the problem. Keep reading to understand how to resolve a hard shifting transmission.
Solution for Fluid Issues
Low or contaminated fluid is a leading cause of hard shifting. The lack of lubrication makes the clutch and gears grind together. To fix low fluid, place more transmission liquid in the dipstick hole. Be sure not to overflow your transmission with the fluid! To handle contaminated fluid, drain the liquid from your vehicle using a filler tube. This will “suck up” the bad liquid, and you can then replace it with better fluid.
Faulty Sensor Protocol
Sensors monitor your transmission when you shift. When the engine control module, or ECM, identifies a problem with the sensor, it will alert you. Additionally, hard shifting will be an indicator of a sensor issue.
If you receive an alert while in first gear, the vehicle may be unable able to shift out of this mode. Sensors malfunction for various reasons, including electrical shortages or old age. It’s critical to check your sensors and determine whether it’s a transmission problem or a sensor mishap.
Cold Weather Remedy
During cold weather, it’s easier for fluid to thicken and create less lubrication. Your car parts must work harder to get everything running. Sometimes, this can tamper with your shifting abilities and make it challenging to change gears.
In this instance, one way to fix a hard shifting automatic transmission is to use a reliable synthetic fluid. Adding the fluid to the transmission can remedy the problem during colder temperatures. However, you can also wait for your transmission to warm up before driving.
Bad Shifter Cable Help
Most automatic vehicles have a cable that connects the transmission to the shifter. If the cable fails or becomes faulty, the gears may change. You will notice this problem when you shift from first to second gear (it may have a jerk motion or hesitant feeling). Fortunately, you can fix this problem by adjusting the shifter cable. If this doesn’t work, you may need to replace the cable.
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