Transmission not shifting

HUETT7

MEMBER
2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU
208,000 MILES

My car has an automatic transmission. When I begin to accelerate, the car won't change gears automatically and it seems like it's forcing itself to change them. The RPMs just gets higher and doesn't want to change gears. The car will get up to 40MPH and begins to stall. Could it be just a tube up that it will need, or will it be the transmission?

3 Replies

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

Anytime there are shifting issues with the transmission, first you want to make sure that the fluid is at the correct level and in good condition. As low or contaminated fluid can trigger harsh shifting or no shifting at all.
If the fluid is good, it could be a number of internal issues like the shift solenoid or transmission pump.

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

Sometimes with shifting issues the check engine light gets illuminated. Is the check engine light on?
If it is, then scanning and retrieving the codes can help with the diagnostics.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

I have attached the transmission fluid check procedure below for your reference.

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.

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