A common problem that arises with cars is when the speedometer not working and transmission not shifting. There are many different reasons this can happen, but if you know what to look for, it’s not difficult to diagnose and repair. Here we’ll go over some of the most common causes of these problems as well as how they can be fixed!
If your speedometer isn’t working and your transmission is not shifting, the fix can be quick and easy! In most cases, a broken speedometer cable or a faulty sensor will cause this. Replacing the cable is an easy job that can be done in under an hour. First of all, make sure you have the right tools for the job. You will need a ratchet, a speedometer cable socket (US), and about one hour of time.
If your transmission isn’t shifting or is stuck in first gear, it could be caused by a faulty sensor. There are many sensors that work together to make sure the gears shift and can break down at any time and cause issues. The fix for a bad sensor is easy, but it can take a little longer depending on which sensor needs to be replaced.
Causes and Solutions of Speedometer Not Working and Transmission Not Shifting
Here are the common causes of speedometer not working:
- Faulty Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS). This is usually the root of transmission shifting problems. A common reason for this is the low voltage at the sensor, which can be fixed by changing the sensor.
- Faulty speedometer cable. A broken speedometer cable can cause issues with both shifting and knowing how fast you are traveling. Replacing the cable is an easy job that takes less than 30 minutes to complete. The fix is easy, but it requires that you already have an extra speedometer cable (if not, head on down to your local auto store). First of all, find where the old cable currently ends and then cut the cable. The end that you just cut will need to be replaced with a new one, and this replacement piece needs to be twelve inches longer than the original cable.
- Faulty transmission control module (TCM). This is usually found in older vehicles. If there are any problems with the vehicle’s computer, it can cause issues with shifting.
- Damaged drive gear. It is also possible for there to be damage inside of the transmission which causes abnormal or no shifting. The fix here is to replace the drive gear which can be done in under an hour.
- Bad fluid level switch or sensor. This is usually not the root of the issue, but it needs to be checked if there are other issues.
- Electronic Control Unit (ECU) malfunctioning. Your car’s ECU is the brain of your vehicle. The ECU regulates many factors of vehicle activity, including shifting gears, so if you notice any problems with shifting it might be time for a visit to a mechanic who specializes in electrical systems.
- Low or Dirty Transmission Fluid. If you notice that your car has not been shifting gears and the fluid level is low, it’s time to change the transmission fluid. It might be a little difficult to get to, but this easy task will keep things running smoothly. Dirty transmission fluid can cause all sorts of problems; even if your car is working fine now it’s still worth changing the fluid as soon as possible.
Conclusion
These are just some of the main causes for the speedometer not working and transmission not shifting. There are several other possible reasons, but these are the most common!
Transmission problems are never an easy thing to figure out, but if you know what to look for and how to fix it, there’s nothing you can’t handle! If your speedometer isn’t working or your transmission is not shifting, use this list to help you solve the problem.
If you have tried any or all of these solutions and your speedometer still isn’t working, it might be time to consider taking the car to a mechanic who has experience with auto electrical systems…if you try to fix it yourself and you end up breaking something else, this will cost a lot more in the long run. If you have been having shifting problems because of a faulty sensor, this is a great place to start. If not, it’s time to give some more specific attention to the issue.
Remember that as cars age, there is a chance that they will break down due to their own age and mileage on them. By taking care of your car and sticking with routine maintenance, however, you can avoid many repairs and keep yourself from having any surprises whenever you go for a drive.
For more information on how these sorts of problems can be fixed, talk to a local mechanic who is experienced in car electrical systems and transmissions!
