Why is my automatic transmission not changing gears? via drivingdotca
For most of us, there’s little to think about when driving our vehicles — get in, buckle up, start it up, and head out. Improved reliability over the years, combined with a proliferation of driver assistance features, make it easy to take our vehicles for granted, but if we take some time to understand certain features of automatic transmissions, it can pay off at the gas pump.
Why is my automatic transmission not changing gears?Most late-model automatic transmissions have a variety of electronics build into them. They allow on-board computers to control shift points and bring the desired performance based on several factors, including throttle position. In order to operate efficiently — and that doesn’t always mean saving fuel — some features of these transmissions are inhibited when the fluid is cold.
For example, torque convertor lock-ups won’t happen until the fluid is fully warmed up. On a gearbox with fewer forward gears, such as a four- or five-speed automatic, this lack of convertor lock can mean a substantial increase in RPMs at highway speeds. At 100 km/h, these engines can rev 250 rpm or more when the convertor is unlocked, thus causing the engine to drink considerably more fuel.
RELATED Your Corner Wrench: Vital fluids — Transmission and brakes Maintaining your transmission isn’t as easy as you think How can I maximize fuel economy with an automatic transmission?If you’re really interested in getting the best fuel economy, keep your vehicle’s speed lower until things warm up. Not only will your wallet thank you, but so will your transmission — aggressive throttle-stabs on a cold engine and transmission can cause internal clutch wear, among other things.
Will driving manual avoid these issues?For those #SaveTheManuals types, don’t gloat too much. Shifting as fast as possible into the highest gear to lower engine speed can have its own negative effects; if you’re constantly running below 1,500 rpm in slower traffic — warm or cold — your engine may experience carbon build-up and other deposits due to incomplete combustion. Let it go long enough, and your vehicle will start to display running problems.
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