What to Do When There Are Problems with the Car's Transmission?

2 Answers
LaSteven
07/24/25 10:56am
Transmission failure can lead to the following consequences: engine stalling when shifting gears; transmission lock-up; and the car not moving after engaging a gear. Below are solutions to these three issues: 1. Engine stalling when shifting gears: After starting the car, when shifting from P or N to other gears, the engine stalls, or while driving, the engine stalls when braking (without auto-start-stop function). This may be due to a damaged lock-up solenoid valve or a stuck/damaged lock-up control valve. If the engine stalls multiple times when shifting gears, check if the gear engagement impact is severe. If it is, call for roadside assistance. What could have been just a valve body replacement might turn into a major transmission overhaul. 2. Transmission lock-up: During normal driving, the engine revs high but the speed increases very slowly. When braking, the speed drops to a certain point and stops decreasing. Switching to manual mode reveals the transmission is stuck in one gear and cannot shift up or down, meaning the transmission is locked in a specific gear and no longer shifts. This could be due to incorrect input/output signals from the transmission or faulty components or wiring. This situation can easily put you in a dangerous environment, as driving in the city with uncontrollable speed or on the highway without being able to accelerate can lead to accidents. 3. Car not moving after engaging a gear: After starting the car and shifting to D or R, releasing the brake results in no movement—the car does not move forward. Manually shifting to 1st gear and releasing the clutch also does not make the car move. This could be caused by damage to the transmission input shaft or reverse clutch, or a damaged D/R brake. It could also be due to transmission fluid leakage or severe lack of transmission fluid.
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CassidyLee
08/11/25 5:57am
As someone who frequently studies automotive technology, I find transmission issues quite common. Once you notice rough shifting or unusual noises, it's time to be alert. First, don't panic—find a safe place to pull over and inspect slowly. It might be due to low or aged transmission fluid. You can start by checking the fluid level: open the hood, locate the dipstick, and see if the reading is within the normal range. If the fluid is low, try adding some fresh fluid. If the fluid level is adequate but you still experience slipping or jerking, internal components might be damaged. It's best not to continue driving and instead call for a tow truck to take the car to a professional repair shop. Regular maintenance is crucial—I recommend changing the transmission fluid every two years or 40,000 kilometers to reduce wear-related issues. Additionally, when driving, shift gears gently and avoid sudden acceleration or flooring the throttle on steep slopes, as this can extend the transmission's lifespan.
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