Rough ride? If you’re noticing problems when your car shifts gears, it’s likely you’re due for transmission maintenance or an auto repair service. There are a number of possible causes for your car shifting rough and some are more common – and affordable – than others. As with any transmission repair, it’s best to have a mechanic diagnose the underlying problem rather than taking matters into your own hands, but we have a few likely causes your mechanic may come back with after diagnostics.
Does it Matter Whether it’s an Automatic or Manual Transmission?
Yes and no. While automatic transmissions are mechanically different from manual transmissions and therefore may need somewhat different repairs, all transmissions serve the same function and have similar parts. Most of the causes behind a car that’s shifting rough are common between both automatic and manual transmissions. Your mechanic should be able to accurately diagnose any necessary auto repairs, no matter what type of transmission your car has.
What Necessary Auto Repairs May Make Your Car Shift Rough?
Your car’s transmission is a complex system of mechanical parts. When any of them wear out, it can cause noticeable problems with how your car drives. While a mechanic will have to diagnose the necessary auto repair in your case, there are a few likely causes.
An Overdue Transmission Fluid Replacement
Transmission fluid keeps all the parts in your car’s transmission moving smoothly. Just like an oil change, you should schedule transmission fluid replacement services at regular intervals. If your transmission fluid is too low or dirty, it can cause slipping from low fluid and rough shifting because of increased friction. If this is your car’s problem, it’s fortunately an easy fix as long as the low fluid didn’t do extended damage, but you should get a transmission fluid replacement service scheduled as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
A Faulty Clutch
No matter what type of transmission you have, it uses clutches to help change gears. If a clutch is wearing out, it can cause difficulty or
rough shifting. This can also cause gear slipping, so if you notice your car coming out of gear while driving, that could point to this being a necessary repair. While clutches will wear out over time, having old or low transmission fluid can speed up the wear and tear on your clutch.
Worn Out Gears
Over time, especially with manual transmissions your gears will wear out and this can make it difficult to get into and stay in gear. If your car is shifting rough, especially if you’ve ruled out a problem with your transmission fluid, it could be a worn gear or synchronizer. This can present similar symptoms to a faulty clutch, so it’s important to have a trusted technician diagnose the necessary auto repairs.
Trouble with the Torque Converter
In an automatic transmission, your torque converter transfers power from the engine to the transmission, which is then sent out to the wheels. Your torque converter also has a clutch and can wear out, causing your transmission to experience trouble going into overdrive and for your engine to experience a higher-than-normal rpm during cruising. A completely bad converter can also cause engine stalling at stops and noise if becoming defective. This part can also cause other problems for your engine and transmission, so it’s important to have it inspected by a mechanic.
A Failed Solenoid
How does transmission fluid move through your transmission? Valves that are operated by solenoids. They’re electro-hydraulic valves that open and close to allow the correct amount of transmission fluid to flow at the right time. This helps keep your transmission operating smoothly and if one or more solenoids are worn, clogged, or stuck, it can make shifting gears rough or the transmission wont shift at all.
A Faulty Sensor
Modern cars rely on a number of sensors to keep various systems operating as they should. Whether they’re monitoring engine or transmission temperature or vehicle speed, they all play important roles and will become defective out over time. In automatic transmissions, some of these sensors tell your transmission when to shift gears. If the incorrect speed is registered, it can lead to erratic or rough shifting. Fortunately, replacing sensors is sometimes relatively simple and is likely to make a big difference in drivability.
Need a Transmission Repair? Come to Your Nearest AAMCO Location
If you’re worried about your car’s transmission, there’s no better place to come than your nearest AAMCO. Our transmission experts are trained on the wide variety of transmissions on the road today and are equipped to diagnose and repair anything your car needs. Give us a call with questions or schedule your appointment online today.