Q: Transmission slack

asked by on January 29, 2017

Transmission has developed alot of slack when shifting from drive to reverse. Shifts hard going to reverse but smooth going back to drive.

My car has 52000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Transmission Fluid Service $140.08 - $502.73 Get a Quote

This is often a sign of low transmission fluid or a faulty transmission control solenoid. As you know, automatic transmissions use pressurized hydraulic fluid to change gears. Every time a gear change is required, the car’s computer activates a transmission solenoid, which directs transmission fluid into the valve body to engage the correct gear. When this is faulty or not working properly, this can cause a delay in gear shifting or in some cases cause the car to not shift at all. This type of problem is amplified any time the transmission is low on fluid creating a drop in hydraulic pressure. I would recommend having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your vehicle.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I use the lane change signals?
You should always use your signals when you are changing lanes, to alert drivers around you that you are doing so. You can signal a lane change with the turn signal lever, which is located on the left side of...
How do I turn the Bluetooth off?
If you do not want the Bluetooth system to be connecting with your phone, you can easily turn the Bluetooth system off. To do so, follow these steps: 1. Press the Phone Send button. 2. Following the tone, say “Connect...
Spark plug blew out
Spark plugs blowing out are not uncommon for that specific year and engine of the vehicle. When a spark plug blows out, usually the threads need to be repaired, or replaced, and a new spark plug installed. This job may...
Need advice on whether or not brake fluid should be replaced on my car
The brake fluid in all cars should be changed (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-does-brake-fluid-get-contaminated) to prevent the fluid from turning black and creating sludge buildup in the system. This will also keep the internal system from causing wear on the rubber seals and components....
My car broke down and won't move.
Hi there. There are several things that could cause your vehicle to not move, however, with the loud clinking noise the transmission has something that broke in it. Is seems that either a bearing inside the transmission failed and has...
Çv boot torn
Hi There, Unfortunately, there is no way to tell exactly how far your car will make it with a torn CV joint boot. Depending on how long this has been torn and how much damage has already occurred, this may...
My steering wheel locked up or got stiff and the battery light came on and oil light came on but battery is fine and oil is there
Depending on whether your truck came with electric power steering or hydraulic power steering, this could have been caused by failing power steering whether it be hydraulic or electric. To provide steering assistance in an electronic power steering system, an...
How many O2 sensor does a 2008 Dodge charger V8 have
Hi There, You should have two O2 sensors (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/oxygen-sensor-replacement) per bank. One is in front of the catalytic converter (typically in the exhaust manifold) and one is behind the catalytic converter, which is used to monitor the function of the...
The thing that the spark plug goes into broke. Do you know what it's called and where I can get a new one
If you are referring to an issue with the female threads in the aluminum cylinder head, into which you install and tighten the spark plug, if the plug broke at those threads, or the cylinder head threads got damaged, there...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
When When you were a kid, almost every family you knew had a Dodge Grand Caravan. However, thanks to the rise of SUVs, CUVs (crossover utility vehicles), and sport wagons, this model has lost a lot of ground over the...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Nissan 370Z
Whether Whether you opt for the roadster or the coupe in the 2012 Nissan 370Z, you will be choosing a machine that will provide outstanding performance and a luxurious interior that you won’t be able to tear yourself away from....
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
It’s It’s not a sedan and it’s not quite a sports car, but chances are that brand-loyal fans desiring that luxury-class hard-top convertible with some oomph under the hood won’t care. The SLK roadster boasts three attractive engine options, and...