Why does my automatic transmission not downshift or upshift?

In ‘Limp In Mode’, the automatic transmission will not downshift or upshift at all. The usual cause of this condition is an electrical issue, like a bad shift solenoid… although some internal mechanical problem/damage can also cause this.

When does the transmission shift out of 2nd gear?

Transmission does not shift out of 2nd gear. This generally happens when the PCM senses an electrical problem and commands the transmission to stay in what is known as ‘Limp In Mode’. In ‘Limp In Mode’, the automatic transmission will not downshift or upshift at all.

Can a bad transmission shift solenoid cause hard shifting?

You may also have intermittent problems with the transmission shift solenoid, which will cause shifting problems. This can cause hard shifting or shiftings at too low or too high RPM, for example.

What happens when downshift solenoid does not work?

If the downshift solenoid fails or has an issue, the vehicle may experience late shifting when slowing down. The transmission may stay engaged in a higher gear for an extended period of time when it should be downshifting. This will cause the engine to over rev, and may put additional unnecessary strain on the engine and transmission.

In ‘Limp In Mode’, the automatic transmission will not downshift or upshift at all. The usual cause of this condition is an electrical issue, like a bad shift solenoid… although some internal mechanical problem/damage can also cause this.

Transmission does not shift out of 2nd gear. This generally happens when the PCM senses an electrical problem and commands the transmission to stay in what is known as ‘Limp In Mode’. In ‘Limp In Mode’, the automatic transmission will not downshift or upshift at all.

Can a car shift gears without a downshift solenoid?

Downshift solenoids are an important transmission component, and without them, the vehicle will not be able to shift gears properly, sometimes even to the point of rendering the car undriveable.

What are the symptoms of a bad or failing downshift solenoid?

An illuminated Check Engine Light is another symptom of a bad or failing downshift solenoid. If the computer detects a problem with the downshift solenoid circuit or function it will set off the Check Engine Light to alert the driver of the issue.