Automatic transmission won’t shift into high gear? (Causes and how to fix it)

Last updated on December 3rd, 2023 at 04:41 pm

Automatic transmission is the most popular transmission system in cars since the invention of the automobile. It is used in almost all vehicles in the world. Automatic transmission is absolutely a great invention that was made to make driving more convenient and safe for everyone. It is the best choice for city traffic because when the driver is driving a car, the driver doesn’t have to change gears manually, it makes the work easier and saves more time. In this blog post, we give information about Automatic transmission won’t shift into high gear? (Causes and how to fix it)

How Do Automatic Transmission Systems work?

Automatic transmission is a type of gearbox that doesn’t require you to manually change gears. Instead, it does it for you using hydraulic and electrical systems. These systems work together to select the right gear for the current speed and driving conditions.

Causes Automatic transmission won’t shift into high gear?

1- The throttle position sensor

The throttle position sensor is a common cause of an automatic transmission not shifting gears. This sensor is important because it tells the transmission when to shift gears. The solution is to replace the throttle position sensor.

2- Problem with the transmission control unit itself

The transmission control unit is a commo n cause of why automatic transmissions do not shift gears. and the solution is to simply replace the transmission control unit. Either way, it is important to have the problem diagnosed and fixed as soon as possible, as it can cause serious damage to your vehicle if left unchecked.

3- The speed sensor may be faulty

A speed sensor measures how fast the transmission input shaft is turning and sends a signal to the TCM. The TCM uses this information to regulate line pressure and control shift timing. If the speed sensor is damaged or not working correctly, it can cause problems with shifting gears. In some cases, the speed sensor may be faulty due to a problem with the control unit itself.

If you’re experiencing problems with your automatic transmission not shifting gears, it’s important to have it checked out by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.

4- The transmission filter

The most common transmission filter issue that can cause an automatic transmission to not shift gears is a clogged or dirty filter. This problem is often overlooked because many people don’t realize how important the transmission filter is to the overall function of the vehicle. The solution is to have the filter replaced with a new one.

5- Low transmission fluid levels

Automatic transmissions not shifting gears is a common occurrence and is often caused by low transmission fluid levels. This is a serious matter because if it’s not addressed, your vehicle will be unable to function properly. The solution is to have the transmission fluid levels checked and refilled as soon as possible.

6- Worn-out clutch plates

A common cause of an automatic transmission not shifting gears is worn-out clutch plates. This can be a serious problem if not addressed, so it’s important to know the solution. The clutch plates are located between the transmission and the engine. When they become worn out, they can cause the transmission to slip or not engage properly. The solution is to replace the clutch plates with new ones.

7- A bad solenoid can also cause shifting problems

A bad solenoid is one possibility, but there are others. It’s important to figure out the root cause of the problem so that you can find the best solution.

8- The torque converter

The torque converter is a very important part of an automatic transmission. If it isn’t working properly, the transmission may not shift gears. This can be a very serious problem, so it’s important to to be aware of it. The torque converter needs to be changed as a fix.

Step-by-step guide: Automatic transmission not shifting into 3rd gear how to fix it

Transmission fluid levels

You can do a few things to resolve the issue First, check the transmission fluid levels and add more fluid if needed. Next, check the transmission filter and replace it if it is dirty.

If neither of these solutions works, you may need to take your vehicle to a mechanic for further diagnosis and repairs.

Examination of the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

If your automatic transmission isn’t shifting into third gear, the first thing you should check is the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The PCM is responsible for controlling the transmission, so if there’s an issue with it, that could be the cause of your problem.

If you’re not sure how to check the PCM, you can take your car to a mechanic or a dealership and they can do it for you. Once they’ve determined that the PCM is the issue, they can replace it and hopefully fix your transmission problem.

Examine the throttle cables

If your automatic transmission is not shifting into 3rd gear, one possible cause could be an issue with the throttle cables. Inspect the cables to see if they are damaged or frayed in any way, as this could be causing the problem. If you find any damage, replace the cables to see if that fixes the issue

9 Symptoms of Automatic transmission won’t shift into high gear

There are a few telltale signs that your automatic transmission is having trouble shifting into high gear. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s time to take your car to a mechanic for a check-up.

  1. Your car is shifting gears erratically.
  2. Your engine is revving high without moving the car forward.
  3. You hear grinding or shaking when trying to shift into high gear.
  4. The car is lurching forward or backward when shifting into high gear.
  5. Your check engine light is on.
  6. Your transmission is slipping out of high gear while driving.
  7. When accelerating, the car stalls or hesitates.
  8. You’re experiencing reduced fuel economy.
  9. There’s an unexplained burning smell coming from the car

FAQS About Automatic transmission won’t shift into high gear

Q: How much it cost to replace a transmission solenoid?

A: If you’re looking to replace a transmission solenoid, the cost will depend on the make and model of your vehicle. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $400 for the parts and labor.

Q: Can you damage an automatic transmission by shifting manually?

A: It is possible to damage an automatic transmission by shifting gears manually, but it is not likely. Automatic transmissions are designed to shift gears automatically, and they are typically more durable than manual transmissions. However, if you shift gears manually on an automatic transmission, you may put extra stress on the transmission components, which could lead to premature wear or failure.

Q: Is it worth fixing a transmission?

A: Transmissions can be expensive to repair, so it’s important to evaluate whether or not it’s worth fixing before making a decision. Consider the cost of the repair, the age and condition of the transmission, and the value of the vehicle before deciding whether or not to fix it.

Q: How do you check transmission sensor?

A: There are a few ways to check your transmission sensor: – You can consult your car’s manual to see if there is a specific procedure suggested by the manufacturer. – You can take your car to a mechanic or AutoZone and have them test the sensor for you. – You can buy a transmission sensor testing kit from your local auto parts store.

Q: How much does it cost to replace a transmission speed sensor?

A: If your car is starting to have issues with its transmission, it could be due to a faulty transmission speed sensor. These sensors are responsible for monitoring the speed of your car’s engine and can wear out over time. If you’re wondering how much it might cost to replace a transmission speed sensor, the answer will depend on the make and model of your car. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $200 for the parts and labor.

Q: What happens if you drive with a broken speed sensor?

A: If you’re driving with a broken speed sensor, there are a few things that could happen. Your speedometer may not work properly, which could make it difficult to gauge how fast you’re going. You might also find that your car has a hard time shifting gears, or that the engine feels like it’s working harder than it should be.

CONCLUSION

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