Feel, Hear, See, Smell: Feel Part 2

• Gears Engage Slowly:
  When you put the transmission into gear and the engine is warm, the transmission takes a few seconds to go into a gear. You may not notice any other problems with the transmission. Sometimes if you step on the gas you can speed up the engagement. The transmission might engage but with a clunk.

  Possible causes:
  

  1. The transmission's fluid level is low: Fill transmission with proper amount and type of fluid.

  2. You have an internal problem in the transmission: Overhaul transmission.

  3. The idle speed of your engine is wrong: Adjust engine idle speed.

  4. Your transmission filter is clogged: Replace transmission fluid and filter.

  5. The throttle linkage for the transmission is out of adjustment or damaged: Adjust or replace transmission throttle linkage.

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• Shifting Seems Delayed:
  When you are driving it seems like the transmission is staying in gear longer. You hear the engine rev higher than it did before when it shifts gears. Sometimes letting off the gas will allow the transmission to up shift. The shifts do feel normal however.

  Possible causes:
  

  1. The throttle linkage for the transmission is out of adjustment or damaged: Adjust or replace transmission throttle linkage.

  2. You have an internal problem in the transmission: Overhaul transmission.

  3. You have a problem with the engine: Repair engine problem.

  4. There is a problem with the electrical controls for your transmission: Repair transmission control problem.

  5. Your transmission filter is clogged: Replace transmission fluid and filter.

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• Shifting Occurs Too Soon:
  When you are driving it seems like the transmission is shifting from one gar to the next very quickly. The shifts do feel normal but there is a distinct lack of power. If you press down on the pedal you can get the transmission to shift later.

  Possible causes:
  

  1. The fluid level in the transmission is too high: Drain and fill transmission with proper amount and type of fluid.

  2. The throttle linkage for the transmission is out of adjustment or damaged: Adjust or replace transmission throttle linkage.

  3. You have an internal problem in the transmission: Overhaul transmission.

  4. There is a problem with the electrical controls for your transmission: Repair transmission control problem.

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• Slippage Between Gear Changes:
  As you drive you hear the engine rev up between gears. It is really noticeable the more you step on the gas. The car is also not gaining speed. When it does shift, the transmission feels normal.

  Possible causes:
  

  1. The fluid in your transmission is too low: Fill transmission with proper amount and type of fluid.

  2. You have an internal problem in the transmission: Overhaul transmission.

  3. There is a problem with the electrical controls for your transmission: Repair transmission control problem.

  4. Your transmission filter is clogged: Replace transmission fluid and filter.

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• There Are No Gears:
  You put your car in gear and nothing happens. Forward or reverse gear makes no difference

  Possible causes:
  

  1. The fluid in the transmission is too low: Fill transmission with proper amount and type of fluid.

  2. The gearshift linkage is out of adjustment or damaged: Repair or adjust gearshift linkage as required.

  3. You have an internal problem in the transmission: Overhaul transmission.

  4. You have a problem with the torque converter or flex plate: Repair or replace flex plate or torque converter.

  5. There is a problem with the electrical controls for your transmission: Repair transmission control problem.

  6. Your transmission filter is clogged: Replace transmission fluid and filter.

  7. The parking pawl in your transmission is stuck: Overhaul transmission.

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• Shifting Into Reverse Is Delayed:
  When you put your car into reverse there is a few second delay before it shifts. The transmission is normal otherwise.

  Possible causes:
  

  1. The transmission's fluid level is too low: Fill transmission with proper amount and type of fluid.

  2. You have an internal problem in the transmission: Overhaul transmission.

  3. The transmission's fluid is dirty and contaminated: Flush transmission and replace transmission filter. Refill with proper type and amount of transmission fluid.

  4. Your transmission filter is clogged: Replace transmission fluid and filter.

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• Parking Brake Won't Release:
  You see smoke or smell burning brakes, or the rear wheels are abnormally hot, after driving. It feels like the car is dragging when going forward and rolls easily in reverse. The parking brake moves very easily up and down.

  Possible causes:
  

  1. Parking brake cables are frozen: Replace parking brake cables.

  2. Parking brake linkage needs lubrication: Lubricate parking brake linkage.

  3. Broken parking brake mechanism inside your rear brakes. Repair or replace broken parts as required.

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