☰
GET A QUOTE

Q: Transmission slipping while driving

asked by on February 18, 2016

The transmission of my car seems to be slipping between first and second gear while I am driving on city streets. When driving on the expressway, the car runs fine.

Recommended Services

Gears slipping when accelerating Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote
Or For Any Other Auto Repairs Get a Quote

The transmission in your Pontiac uses solenoids to control the shifting from one gear to the next. Typically there is a solenoid for 1st and 2nd gear, a second solenoid for 3rd and 4th gear and a 3rd and 4th solenoid for overdrive and reverse. The symptoms you describe lead me to believe you are experiencing a faulty shift solenoid. To be 100% certain, I would recommend enlisting the assistance of a certified mechanic to come by and inspect your Pontiac. They will have the experience and tools needed to quickly determine the problem with your transmission. They will also be able to make the repairs needed to keep your transmission shifting smooth in every gear.

Pontiac
transmissions
V6-3.8L
Grand Prix
slipping
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

Water blowing out tailpipe.
The first thing I would have to ask is if the cooling system is getting low on coolant. Does the engine run rough or misfire? The water coming out of your tail pipe may be just that, water due to...
Read more
Battery Light on
Hello! The Battery Light indicates that there is a failure in the charging system. This should be diagnosed and repaired sooner than later, as a failing charging system can leave you stranded. The charging system needs to be tested to...
Read more
Tie rod loose
If one tie rod is loose, then more than one may be loose in the front end. The CV joint boot is most likely torn, causing the grease to leak. The loss of grease will cause the joint to go...
Read more
2003 Mini Cooper struggling getting into reverse, unles going into third gear first
It's pretty common with these Minis. You might have the shifter bushings checked. Maybe the bushings are starting to wear. But those Minis are not the greatest built vehicles. As they age, they get all kinds of problems. I would...
Read more
How would I know if it was my upper or lower oxygen sensor that has gone out?
Typically if an oxygen sensor is bad, the check engine light would come on and a fault code stored in the engine control unit. There are other ways a technician can verify if oxygen sensors (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/oxygen-sensor-replacement) are performing as they...
Read more
Car door handle from outside is got free and on pushing, it is felt very light and does not open the door.
Hi there. Based on what you have written above, it is probably a good idea to have a professional mobile mechanic come to your location and complete a door handle is not working inspection (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/door-will-not-open-inspection). This will allow them to...
Read more
Van cranks but wont start
If the starter motor is turning the engine over rapidly, at sufficient RPM, but the engine does not catch and run, that means that there is an ignition, fuel, air induction, or mechanical fault in the engine that will have...
Read more
Sudden play & random tugging in steering wheel. Hear clicking from steering wheel & front left tire both while driving straight.
Hello, thank you for writing in. Checking the brakes was a great place to start. At this point the first thing we need to find out is if symptoms happen always, or only when driving over bumpy roads. If you...
Read more
Would a rack a pinion cause popping when I turn?
A rack and pinion steering system will not make a direct popping sound, but if the bushings are broken or damaged, then the system will move around and pop against the frame. Billing question was sent to CS for the...
Read more

Related articles

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Clutch Cable Adjuster
Common signs include difficulty disengaging, loose clutch pedal, and an excessively tight clutch cable.
Read more
How to Use Autostick
Autostick gives drivers with automatic transmissions the feel of a manual car. It allows the driver to upshift and downshift for extra control.
Read more
How to Replace a Transmission Speed Sensor
Transmission speed sensors accurately calculate a car's road speed. If this sensor is faulty, a Check Engine Light will indicate the driver.
Read more

Browse other content

Services
Cars
Cities
Maintenance