Trouble Shifting? Here’s What You Need to Know!

If your vehicle isn’t shifting between gears smoothly, you may have a transmission issue or some other sort of drivetrain problem. It doesn’t matter if you drive an automatic or manual transmission vehicle. It needs to shift properly in order for you to get where you need to go. Here are some common shifting problems we see at Ralph’s Transmission:

Slipping Out of Gear

Sometimes, the vehicle tends to slip out of gear while you are driving. It may only be happening with one gear or it could be a problem no matter what gear you are in. It is not only a nuisance, but it is a clear sign that something is wrong within the transmission system. You may simply be due for a transmission service to replace the fluid, or it could be a mechanical issue.

Excessive Grinding

Even the best manual transmission drivers will accidentally grind the gears every now and again when shifting. However, if excessive grinding is happening with each shift, there may be some problems to address. It could be the driver’s fault or there could be significant transmission damage causing the grinding. Automatic transmission drivers should definitely be concerned if they hear or feel the gears grinding as the vehicle shifts. That should not happen, so it’s best to get your vehicle looked at by a transmission expert as soon as possible.

Not Going into Gear

There are instances where the vehicle won’t engage in certain gears like reverse or first, or maybe you are having trouble shifting into any gear at all. This is obviously not a good sign, so it’s best to get the transmission inspected by a professional mechanic who can identify the problem at hand.

Sluggish Acceleration

Another common issue is when the vehicle feels sluggish. It may feel like it is shifting smoothly, but it isn’t responding as well as usual when you accelerate. This is often indicative of an internal transmission issue that you will want to get checked out sooner rather than later.

These are just some examples of common shifting troubles that many drivers experience. They are all signs of transmission problems. You may only need a standard transmission service to replace the old transmission fluid, filter and pan gasket. Or, there may be a more significant concern that needs proper diagnosis and repairs.

If you are experiencing trouble shifting in your vehicle, bring it to Ralph’s Transmission for a free inspection and diagnostic testing. We’ll get to the bottom of the problem and let you know what needs to be done to fix it. Call us today at 209.526.1909 or schedule your service appointment online.

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