Delays while shifting gears will feel like a hesitation in speed change, followed by a jerk. This could stem from several problems in your car. Narrowing down the issue is both time-consuming and costly. The following are 2 possible reasons for your delayed shifting.
Check Your Transmission Solenoid
The transmission solenoid helps your transmission system select a speed according to your needs. But, like every other component in your car, it can fail. One of the obvious signs is gear delays. The delay occurs because the solenoid could not communicate your power needs to your transmission when you requested it. Remember that this does not mean that your gear just slipped.
The following are other signs that your transmission solenoid is the reason for your gear delays:
- Your car might go into limp mode. This happens to prevent damage to your transmission and forces your car to stay at second gear or lower. You will only be able to increase your speed up to around 30 miles per hour.
- The check engine light might turn on. You could try to read it using your owner's manual and a code reader. But, usually you will see codes ranging from P075-P0758 if the problem is related to your solenoid.
- Your transmission may sound strange when it is in neutral.
- The transmission may shift into the wrong gear or not shift at all.
You can talk to your auto care specialist about some of these issues so that he or she can help confirm your suspicions.
It May Be Your Powertrain Control Module
The powertrain control module or the PCM is your vehicle's computer. This is an essential component and could lead to a lot of problems, including gear change delays. The following are a few symptoms related to a bad PCM:
- The car may just run poorly because your PCM is not reading your engine's information correctly. The PCM might send insufficient or too much gasoline to your engine. Insufficient gasoline might stall your car or cause it to accelerate poorly. Too much gasoline might cause black smoke or high emissions, not to mention that it will quickly use up your fuel.
- Your dashboard lights might come on at the wrong time.
- Your car might not start at all because your PCM failed to push enough fuel to your engine.
- Trouble codes might show up in your code reader, but they will be erratic or inconsistent.
Remember that you can have your auto care technician, like those at Fox And Fox, deal with this issue and these symptoms. But, hopefully, this guide is able to speed up your repairs and get you back on the road.
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