Transmissions are undoubtedly the most critical element in every car model, transmitting power from the car’s engine to the wheels.
However, this process is not always smooth; whether automatic or manual, numerous first-timers and beginners still struggle to align the gear and clutches correctly!
Recently, Bryan’s Garage team also received many questions regarding problematic transmission, including dilemmas about the first gear.
Why is my car transmission not shifting out of first gear? What are the best tips to troubleshoot it?
Why Is The Transmission Not Shifting Out of First Gear?
Why is my transmission stuck in 1st gear?
There are failures in these compartments: the transmission fluid, gear shift solenoids, torque converter, synchros, clutch, shift lock, engine computer, and linkage.
Have professional services check your car when this shifting problem arises.
1. The Transmission Condition and Fluid Level
Like engines, most transmission systems have their own lubricating oil to keep complex mechanical features from excessive grinding.
There’s no need to change these transmission fluids as frequently as engine oils, however (manufacturers often issue an average estimation of every 30,000-60,000 miles).
After all, transmissions are sealed units, meaning their fluids cannot get fouled by external contaminants.
But does that mean they will never become polluted? Unfortunately, the answer is no. Transmission gears often break down on microscopic levels, destroying these dirty fluids from the inside.
Worse, since everything is happening within the car, few drivers can notice the differences – until the fluids gush out in large pools!
Low automatic transmission fluid levels might also be another culprit. But how to confirm that?
Most cars install extra dipsticks at the engine’s back, whose working mechanism is similar to engine oil dipsticks.
Pull them out and wipe them clean. Then reinsert the dipsticks to check the current transmission levels.
2. The Transmission Shift Solenoids
Transmission shift solenoids control gear-shifting systems by assessing the right momentum based on your engine’s speed and current load.
Hence, a failing solenoid will lead to delayed, rough shifting, rendering your car unable to shift out of the first/neutral gear.
This issue must receive an on-time diagnosis to prevent worsened transmission damage.
3. The Torque Converter
Most drivers – even seasoned ones – are unfamiliar with torque converters since their structures are complicated.
Nevertheless, there’s one thing you should know: they take charge of the car power’s direct transfer, meaning its breakdown will be a huge disaster.
Numerous problems will appear: overheating, slipping among planetary gears, stuck solenoids, shifting issues, and acceleration loss.
Torque converter replacements are super costly as a result, easily passing $1000 (and we haven’t even counted the labor costs, which have also increased over the years!)
Ask yourself whether such expensive repairs are worth it. Otherwise, simply buy another car.
4. The Synchros
Do you know how the car gears can mesh together smoothly despite their rapid spinning? This feat is all thanks to the synchros (short for synchronizers).
Unfortunately, like anything else, synchros will wear down over time – especially if there’s lots of aggressive shifting and heavy-footed riding on your trip.
When it happens, the transmission will grind during gear-shifting and even pop out. No wonder you struggle to shift these gears in the first place!
Thankfully, replacing the broken synchros is quite affordable – particularly when compared to rebuilding the entire transmission solenoid system.
5. The Clutch
Dragging clutches also put excessive strain on your manual transmission, which stems from internal defects with the hydraulics or clutch pedal linkages.
If the discs let the car transmission slide off, the car will receive no power at all – even when your transmission seems to be in the right gears.
The discs are wearable components that require regular replacements.
So if your car suffers from shifting challenges, power loss, and slipping transmission, it’s time to have it adjusted or replaced immediately.
6. The Shift Lock
Is your car equipped with automatic transmission?
Then you might know already that the car transmission will never let drivers shift off park unless it can sense that someone is occupying the driver seat with their feet on the brakes.
That’s called a shift lock system – one of the vehicle’s most important safety features.
Here come two potential scenarios. The car refuses to roll because:
- Some clumsy passengers or curious children have accidentally bumped the shifters
- Malfunctioning shifters keep you from gear-shifting.
Fortunately, most automatic-transmission cars arrive with shift lock overrides.
Refer to the manual to confirm how they work and where they are installed – usually somewhere amidst the console. Insert the key for lock release, and you are all set.
7. The Engine Computer
For those who haven’t known, automatic transmissions in modern cars are strictly controlled by ECU (the engine control units), which use accurate readings on valve body positions and engine speeds to determine the right timing for transmission shifting.
So once something goes horribly wrong below the hoods that ECUs fail to compensate for – or the ECU itself undergoes glitches and damage – your car transmission wont shift out of first gear.
In that case, replace or reset the ECU with the help of expert OEM technicians!
8. The Transmission Linkage
Whether the car incorporates manual or automatic transmission, there’s a high chance that something in the transmission or the cabin shifter has disconnected itself due to the road’s rough bumps or accidental crashes.
The shifter might move but doesn’t change gears in some cases; Other times, it will not shift out of the 1st gear at all.
Observe whether the clutch pedals sink deep to the ground before you can feel their bike points. If yes, hydraulic or pedal cable adjustments are recommended.
How To Fix Manual/Automatic Transmission Not Shifting Out of First Gear
As previously mentioned, adjusting or replacing the broken/malfunctioning features mentioned above is your best bet to fix transmission not shifting gears.
Note that some parts can be extremely expensive (ex: the torque converters), and sometimes, there are so many defective elements that an entire rebuild is needed. Prepare your budgets!
How Much Does Transmission Repair/Replacement Cost?
The money required to troubleshoot gear not shifting on limp mode depends on your car’s model and the damage severity. Nevertheless, expect to invest $300 to $3500 for it.
Here are some common services:
- New clutch replacements: $800-$1500
- Remanufactured transmission: $1300-$3400
- Salvage speed sensors and transmission filters: $800-$1500
- Rebuild: $1100-$2800
Conclusion
Why is the car transmission not shifting out of first gear? Not one, not two, but eight different reasons have been provided to help you assess the root causes much more quickly.
And while seasoned drivers can probably fix it at home, we suggest turning to certified mechanics for proper analysis and replacements.
Transmission devices are the lifesaver of every car; without sufficient wheel power, your vehicle will be no different from useless bits of metal.
Hence, always remember to keep your weekly/monthly maintenance schedule.
Feel free to contact Bryan’s expert team for more questions or clarifications on automatic transmission 1st gear problem.