Transmission not shifting

2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU
208,000 MILES
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HUETT7
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  • 4 POSTS
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?
Mar 8, 2022 at 7:34 AM
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SQM
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 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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Mar 8, 2022 at 2:33 PM
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HUETT7
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Thank you for the response. The check engine light is on with shift solenoid as the first code to show.
Mar 12, 2022 at 6:50 AM
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SQM
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
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Do you know the code number that you got?
This shift solenoid issue could be due to bad solenoid or even wiring issue.
Mar 12, 2022 at 1:11 PM