Last updated on August 1st, 2023 at 08:12 am
Are you having strange shifting issues or unexpected error messages on your dashboard?
If one of your shift solenoids is damaged, it can cause many strange problems with your automatic transmission vehicle. And that is why this guide will help you identify the most common causes and symptoms of Bad Transmission Shift Solenoid. Where they are located and how to fix them.
Causes of a Bad Transmission Shift Solenoid
There are four probable causes of a bad transmission solenoid, and the following are the common causes to be aware of:
1. Dirty Transmission Fluid
Dirty transmission fluid is one of the leading causes of a bad shift solenoid. Transmission fluid can get dirty over time and can lead to a shift solenoid failure if it isn’t changed. Transmission fluid can get too dirty and cause the shift solenoid not to move properly. You should also remember to change your transmission fluid regularly if you have an automatic transmission.
2. Slipping Transmission
A slipper transmission is another common reason for a bad shift solenoid. This could happen if the clutch does not engage properly or if the transmission fluid is low.
Slipping transmissions can lead to the solenoid failing because the car cannot be held in one gear. The transmission will slip and cause the car’s steering wheel to jerk or lurch as you shift gears. It’s crucial to have your car checked out by a mechanic if it is showing signs of slippage.
3. Poor Solenoid Wiring
The wires connecting to the shift solenoid may become worn or damaged over time. If the wires fail to function properly, the solenoid will not send the correct signal, and the gears will not shift correctly. It is essential to replace damaged wires as soon as you notice them.
4. Wear & Tear
It is unlikely that the solenoid will experience wear and tear. However, wear and tear on associated components can hurt the transmission shift solenoid.
The valve body which controls the transmission fluid movement can wear out. The shift solenoid will experience less hydraulic pressure, which will eventually cause it to fail.
8 Sign or Symptoms of Bad Shift Solenoid.
1. Check your engine light:
The check engine light is the most obvious indicator that your car has problems. Check engine lights can be caused by a bad shift solenoid or other factors.
The check engine light will turn on if there are problems with the car’s emissions control system. A bad shift solenoid could also cause it.
It’s crucial to have your car checked by a mechanic if you see the check engine light. If you don’t act quickly, a problem in the emission control system could cause severe damage to your engine.
2. Transmission Warning Light
The transmission warning light is another sign that your car needs attention. This light is a gear that has an exclamation mark in the middle. This light means there is an issue with your transmission. Low fluid levels could indicate a problem, but it could also be a more serious issue, such as faulty shift solenoid.
A transmission warning light will appear on your dashboard if there is a problem. To have the problem diagnosed quickly and fixed, you should take your vehicle to a mechanic. Neglecting to see the warning light can lead to worsening transmission problems and even complete failure.
3. Untimely gear shifting:
Untimely gear shifting is one of the most obvious signs of a bad solenoid shift. Untimely gear shifting is a sign that the shift solenoid may be failing.
Sometimes your car may shift gears automatically without you even having to touch it. Sometimes, your car may slip into one gear, and not shift to another.
4. Skipped Gears
Skipping gears is another sign of a bad shift solenoid. If the car is trying to shift into a higher gear, but the shift solenoid doesn’t work properly, it will skip that gear and go into the next.
If you drive in third gear but try to shift into fourth, the car will shift into fifth. This is an indication that your shift solenoid may not be working correctly.
Skipping gears can lead to car damage and loss of power. This can be particularly dangerous if you’re driving on the highway.
5. Difficulty in Engaging gears
A bad shift solenoid can also cause difficulty in engaging the gears. This is when the shift solenoid does not allow the transmission to engage with the gear properly.
If your car won’t start up when you try to shift it into drive or reverse, this could indicate a problem with the shift solenoid.
It can make driving your car difficult and frustrating if you have trouble engaging the gears. You must take your car to a mechanic if you have difficulty engaging the gears.
6. Delayed Upshifting and Downshifting
Bad shift solenoids can cause delayed upshifting and downshifting. The shift solenoid does not allow the transmission to engage with the gear properly.
It could indicate a problem in the shift solenoid if your car takes longer to go into drive than it should.
Failing shift solenoids can cause your car to slip out of its gear when you drive. This serious problem can occur at any moment and cause your car to slip out of gear.
7. Stuck in Neutral Gear
A bad shift solenoid can cause the car to be stuck in neutral, which is one of the most common signs. It can cause your car not to move when you attempt to shift gears. This can be frustrating.
https://44d3c0d6015fcd8a1a1d9140fc2509f3.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html You can try a few things to alleviate the problem while you wait. You should ensure your car is in a park and that you have the parking brake engaged. Alternately, you can shift gears manually using the column’s gearshift.
8. Transmission Noises
You may notice strange sounds coming from your transmission. This could indicate a problem in the shift solenoid. You may hear a clicking, grinding, or whining sounds when the car is in gear. These sounds can signify that your shift solenoid has failed and must be replaced or repaired.
You should take your vehicle to a mechanic if you hear unusual noises from the transmission. They can then diagnose the problem and fix it.
How to Correct P0752 Shift Solenoids A Block on
- If the Bad Shift Solenoid is caused by a damaged or clogged transmission filter, you will have to replace the filter. You may have to watch another video on how to replace the filter.
- Replace the defective Shift solenoid.
- Finally, check the transmission fluid level and replenish it if necessary.
If you find that the transmission fluid is contaminated or dirty, then change it completely.
Hi dear, my name is Jeffery Ekweghi, and I am a certified mechanic and autobody parts technician. I created this site to share my expertise and experience with car lovers looking to resolve their car-related issues. I am certified in private cars and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. I have worked as a mechanic since 2015 and have experience in vehicle brands like Subaru, Jeep, Toyota, TATA, BMW, Mazda, Honda, Nissan, Kia, TVs, and Others; however, I primarily specialize in Toyota vehicles.
