Car Fix DIY Videos

Does your car hesitate or jerk when changing gears? You might be dealing with a faulty transmission shift solenoid. In this video, I’ll walk you through the signs of a bad shift solenoid and what you can do to fix it. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to expensive transmission repairs down the road.

An automatic transmission relies on a complex system of hydraulics and valves to shift gears smoothly. The shift solenoid is an electro-hydraulic valve that controls the flow of transmission fluid, allowing the transmission to change gears seamlessly.

Signs of a Bad Transmission Shift Solenoid
Delayed or Erratic Shifting: This is a common symptom. You might experience delays when accelerating, or the transmission could get stuck in a particular gear.
Rough Shifting: A bad solenoid can cause the transmission to shift gears harshly, with jolts or clunking noises.
Sluggish Acceleration: The transmission not shifting properly can cause sluggish acceleration and decreased performance.
Check Engine Light: While not a guarantee, a faulty solenoid may trigger the Check Engine light or transmission warning light.

Causes of Shift Solenoid Failure
Internal Electrical Issues: Short circuits within the solenoid can disrupt its operation.
Mechanical Issues: Dirt accumulation can prevent the solenoid from functioning correctly.
Transmission Fluid Problems: Low or contaminated fluid can cause solenoids to stick or malfunction.

DIY Diagnosis and Repair Tips
Visual Inspection: Look for damaged wiring harnesses or loose connectors.
Shift Solenoid Testing: You can test for clicks with a battery or measure resistance with a multimeter.

IMPORTANT: While cleaning a solenoid might seem like a quick fix, it’s often temporary. Replacing the solenoid with a new OEM part is the best course of action.

Link to a comprehensive guide on diagnosing and repairing a faulty shift solenoid: https://www.autocornerd.com/can-jerks-when-shifting-to-reverse/#4_Malfunctioning_Shift_Solenoid_Results_In_Inability_to_select_Clutch_Packs

#TransmissionProblems #carrepair #transmissionfluid #automaticttransmission #autocornerd

Timecode:
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:00:19 – How automatic transmission works
00:00:30 – Shift solenoid failure causes
00:00:43 – Delayed gear shifting
00:00:57 – Reverse gear issue
00:01:02 – Erratic gear shifting
00:01:14 – Sluggish acceleration
00:01:26 – Limp mode
00:01:30 – Warning lights
00:01:39 – No trouble codes initially
00:01:59 – PCM detection delay
00:02:12 – Driving with faulty solenoid risks
00:02:34 – Wiring harness issues
00:02:46 – Case study: 2005 Ford Focus
00:03:08 – Case study: 1997 Chevy Blazer
00:03:33 – Transmission fluid impact
00:03:49 – Debris and sludge buildup
00:04:04 – Case study: 1999 GMC Sierra
00:04:27 – Testing shift solenoid
00:04:49 – Cleaning vs. replacing solenoid
00:04:58 – Transmission flush and filter change
00:05:03 – Outro