Causes of Automatic Transmission Not Shifting Gears and Their Solutions
When the automatic transmission won't shift gears, you will surely be shocked and panicked. Especially if you are on the highway. Nowadays, automatic cars have indeed become one of the choices for drivers because they have practical operations.
Although it is an automatic transmission, it does not mean that this transmission cannot experience damage. In fact, there are various causes that can lead to automatic transmission failure.
Causes of Automatic Transmission Not Shifting Gears
An automatic transmission that won't shift gears can happen at any time. Especially for older cars. Damage to the transmission should be watched out for, as it can lead to further damage.
Here are several causes of the transmission not shifting gears, among others:
1. Brake switch issues
The first cause of the transmission not shifting gears is a problem with the brake switch. When the brake is not pressed when the driver steps on the pedal, the transmission lever that can shift automatically will fail.
To determine if the cause of the transmission not shifting gears is the brake switch, you can check it from the brake light. If you step on the brake pedal but the brake light does not turn on, this indicates a problem.
However, checking the performance of the brake switch is also necessary. Because, the problem could also be caused by the brake needing a reset and should be replaced with a new one.
Read Also: Causes of Automatic Cars Not Being Able to Reverse & How to Overcome It
2. Dirty brake switch
The issue of the automatic transmission not shifting gears can also be caused by a dirty brake switch. Generally, leftover oil dirt that accumulates can become crusty, preventing the brake switch from functioning optimally.
If this happens, the transmission cannot be shifted. This problem usually occurs if the car is often left for a long time and is never warmed up. As a result, dirt continues to accumulate.
The way to address this is by warming up the car, so that the dirt crust can be cleaned. The transmission will then shift easily, but if it has been cleaned and still does not work, it means that the component must still be replaced.
To avoid this problem, you should warm up the car for at least 5 minutes every day. Warm up the car before using it.
3. Damaged gearbox
Another cause could be a broken gearbox cable or the protective layer of the cable peeling off. But how can you ensure if the gearbox is damaged?
If the gas pedal feels heavy when pressed even though the transmission has been successfully shifted, this indicates that the gearbox is damaged. Another sign is that gear shifting cannot occur.
If the gearbox is the source of the problem, you need to take the vehicle to an authorized workshop for further inspection.
Read Also: 6 Ways to Repair a Broken Automatic Car Transmission
5. Distance between pedal and switch is too far
If the various issues above are not the cause, another cause may be the distance between the brake switch and the pedal being too far. Over time, engine components will shift, depending on usage.
In the brake section, the pedal and brake switch can move apart. If the transmission won't shift, you can adjust the distance between these two parts to about one centimeter.
The issue of the automatic transmission not shifting gears is indeed a frightening specter. If you still haven't found the cause, you can take the vehicle to an authorized Daihatsu workshop. Later, the car will be checked.
Checked and repaired by experienced mechanics, all components used in the authorized workshop are also original components, so you don't have to worry about the car experiencing problems. In addition, Daihatsu authorized workshops also have a booking service that provides convenience for vehicle owners to carry out regular services.
