How to Solve Delayed Shifting in an Automatic Transmission? (5 Common Causes)

In this brief guide, we are going to provide you with the common causes for delayed shifting in automatic transmission and what you can do to rectify these problems before they worsen.

Nowadays, automatic transmission does not require any manual input to shift gears while driving as most of their cars have automatic transmission. Various sensors and mechatronic systems work in coordination to shift gears automatically. 

Automatic transmissions have a global reputation for quality, reliability and durability. However, the delayed shifting is a problem with automatic transmissions and we’ll tell you the causes and how you can solve them.

What are the common causes for delayed shifting in automatic transmissions?

Most of the common causes for delayed shifting in automatic transmission are:

• Transmission fluid leakage
• Transmission overheating 
• Torque converter malfunction
• Shift solenoid malfunction
• Incorrect gear ratio

Why is Transmission fluid leakage a cause for delayed shifting in automatic transmission?

Modern transmissions are very advanced and leakage proof systems. Although if there is a fluid leak then the loss of fluid can cause friction between the moving parts and result in delayed shifting in the automatic transmission

What are the signs of this problem with the automatic transmission?

You would get an error such as P0842 or errors in the similar range which are associated with transmission fluid pressure. If these sensors get a low pressure this will indicate there is not enough fluid and a leakage somewhere in the transmission.

How to solve this automatic transmission problem?

Detecting where the leak is and closing it, is the most obvious solution to fix this sign before it causes mechanical damage to your car. Usually the gaskets or the seals in the transmission are worn out or broken to cause a fluid leak.

Why is Transmission overheating a cause for delayed shifting in automatic transmission?

Automatic transmission overheating would mean the transmission is operating at a temperature above its normal working temperature and this causes the transmission fluid to not function properly and as a result of this it causes delayed shifting in the automatic transmission.

What are the signs of this problem with the automatic transmission?

Generally when an automatic transmission overheats an error is shown. This error is not immediately visible on the screen but requires a diagnostic tool to get these actual error codes.

How to solve this automatic transmission problem?

After cooling down the automatic transmission check the gearbox oil for its condition. Change it if it is too thick and completely black. Also, check your clutch if it is the problem behind this malfunction.

Why is Torque converter malfunction a cause for delayed shifting in automatic transmission?

The torque converter is the link between the engine and gearbox so if the torque converter is malfunctioning then you would experience delayed shifting from your automatic transmission.

What are the signs of this problem with the automatic transmission?

Firstly you would be unable to stop the car when releasing the throttle pedal for disengagement problem and secondly for engagement from even if you press too much throttle the car will not move forward.

How to solve this automatic transmission problem?

If the clutch of the torque converter is worn out then you need to replace it or else the solenoid might be broken which also might need replacing. In the worst case the entire assembly needs to be replaced if the state of the torque converter is beyond repair.

Why is Shift solenoid malfunction a cause for delayed shifting in automatic transmission?

Shift solenoid malfunction means there is a problem with the gear shifting and in turn this means that you will experience delayed shifting from your automatic transmission. 

What are the signs of this problem with the automatic transmission?

P0750 is the code that will be shown if there is a shift solenoid malfunction with the automatic transmissions. This is a generic code which you will get using OBD-II for your transmission.

How to solve this automatic transmission problem?

Some common solutions are changing the transmission fluid and filter or replacing faulty solenoids. Also you can repair or replace a faulty transmission pump.

Why is Incorrect gear ratio a cause for delayed shifting in automatic transmission?

Gear ratios are set for smooth transition from one speed to another and that is why if there is an incorrect gear ratio, this would cause a delayed shifting in your automatic transmission.

What are the signs of this problem with the automatic transmission?

P0730 is the code that will be shown if there is an incorrect gear ratio with the automatic transmissions. This is a generic code which you will get using OBD-II for your transmission.

How to solve this automatic transmission problem?

Firstly try resetting the gear ratios and then the wires connecting sensors to the transmission control module and other electrical connections should be inspected and any damaged or corroded wires in and near the transmission control module should be repaired or replaced to fix this issue.

How to precisely diagnose these common causes for delayed shifting in automatic transmission?

To properly diagnose these problems, you need a scan tool to read these codes from the Transmission Control Unit. Firstly, If an automatic transmission is malfunctioning, it immediately informs the driver with an error message on the screen.

How to prevent getting these problems in the first place?

To prevent these problems, you need to change the automatic transmission oil as per the manual or when it is too dirty. This is the easiest and most effective way to take care of your vehicle transmission and also drive your vehicle in a recommended way.

FAQs: Delayed shifting automatic transmission problems

How do you fix an automatic transmission delay?

Below are some of the solutions for your delayed engagement problem:

• Avoid Revving The Engine: Do not rev your engine too hard to avoid damage to the clutches
• Check Fluid Levels: Appropriate fluid levels are very important to maintain as low fluid level can cause major damage and also result in shifting delays
• Check Your Transmission Filters: If these filters are clogged, fluid quality will deteriorate faster than usual and result in delayed response from the vehicle

Why does my transmission hesitate to shift?

It’s usually a problem with the transmission clutch. But if you find that the vehicle isn’t shifting smoothly, it could also be a sign of transmission trouble. If the fluid looks dark or has a burnt smell, then your mechanic can drain it and replace it with new transmission fluid.

Conclusion

In this brief guide, we have provided you with the common causes for delayed shifting in automatic transmission and what you can do to rectify these problems before they worsen.

If you have any questions or comments please let us know.

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