Why won't the Teana shift gears?
3 Answers
The reasons why the Teana won't shift gears are as follows: Engine malfunction: Minor gear shift shocks may be normal. If the shock is more noticeable, it is recommended to check whether the engine's working condition is normal at a repair station, and then check whether there is a fault in the transmission. Oil circuit blockage: If the transmission oil is not working or the oil circuit is blocked, the pressure in the hydraulic cylinder cannot rise, and the gear shift action cannot be performed. Under normal circumstances, the oil should be changed every 60,000 kilometers, preferably using a circulating machine. Another point worth mentioning: especially for some older cars, although the oil has been changed as required, the transmission oil pan has never been removed, and the filter screen and filter element inside are completely blocked, which can also lead to the fault of insufficient hydraulic pressure. It is recommended to remove the transmission oil pan of older cars to check its condition.
Recently, I've received many inquiries from Teana owners about gear shifting issues, commonly occurring in automatic transmission models. I've fixed quite a few of these problems, which can be caused by insufficient or deteriorated transmission fluid leading to poor lubrication and sticky gear shifts. It could also be due to faulty speed sensors or gear position sensors—when those little components fail, signals don't reach the transmission control unit. If the vehicle control unit throws an error code, it can also disrupt normal upshifts and downshifts. Mechanical issues like valve body blockages or steel belt wear aren’t uncommon either. Before rushing to disassemble anything, check the dipstick yourself to ensure the fluid level is between the marked lines and sniff for any burnt smell, while also listening for unusual noises while driving. Don’t delay—head to a proper repair shop for a full inspection. Remember to check the fluid monthly and stick to maintenance schedules to avoid costly repairs later.
Last year, my used Teana also had the issue where the gear just wouldn't budge, making overtaking a real struggle. Through my own troubleshooting, I figured it might be due to aged transmission fluid causing sluggish shifting, or loose wiring connections leading to poor contact. More severe faults could include a failed solenoid valve or the computer misreading speed signals. I tried restarting the engine a few times, which sometimes worked temporarily. In the end, a shop visit revealed the problem was just dirty fluid—replacing it fixed everything. A heads-up to everyone: if you hear clunking noises or see the speedometer jumping around, pull over and check immediately. Don't wait until there's actual damage like I did. A fluid change costs around 200-300 yuan and is a minor fix, but delaying it could lead to a 10,000-yuan transmission repair—a huge loss. Make it a habit to check every six months.
