When attempting to accelerate engine revs high car does not Move, transmission not shifting properly

GAGE CUNNINGHAM

MEMBER
2001 SATURN SL2
2.2L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
54,456 MILES

I took off from a red light and the car revved up to 6,000 rpm's and would of kept going if I let it, but I heard some noises and it revved real high. I put the car into neutral after I realized it would not accelerate at all. So when I put it in neutral and then back to drive I heard something click. I hit the gas and it drove, so I tried to get back on highway and when I accelerated hard and put a lot of stress on the engine it revs up high and will not shift. Now if I drive very easy like very normal and not try to get on the car at all it drives somewhat okay. Until I hit the gas hard it will rev up high and I will have to let it rev down and then put into neutral and then to drive again to get it to go. This just started three days ago.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,724 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

It sounds like the transmission is slipping. First, make sure the fluid is clean and full. Low fluid can cause the pressure in the transmission to drop.

Also, take a look through this link. It discusses transmission issues, one of which is slipping. See if mirrors what you are experiencing.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/automatic-transmission-problems

When you check the fluid, it should be a pink/reddish color and should be done with the engine at operating temperature, running, and the vehicle in park on a flat surface.

Let me know if anything here helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe