Transmission Downshifts Hard While Slowing Down?

I have had a few times when my car suddenly jumped to a low gear while quickly slowing down, causing the RPMs to jump up to 4-5000 RPMs. It remains in that gear until I am practically stopped. Is this normal? Here you will come to know why transmission downshifts hard while slowing down.

What Causes Transmission Downshifts Hard While Slowing Down?

While your vehicle’s engine may create the inertia to move forward, the transmission determines the speed based on the driver’s desire and sends the power to the wheels to maintain or increase the speed. When things are working well, you should rarely notice the transition between gears in an automatic, especially if the transmission happens to be a CVT.

The most common symptoms of transmission problems include:

1. Slipping Transmission

Slipping occurs when the transmission slips from one gear to the next, instead of gliding smoothly as it should. Transmission slipping can occur in one or several ways including:

1. Interruption in acceleration
2. Extremely high RPMs
3. Check engine light on
4. Burnt smells
5. Difficulty shifting gears

Causes of transmission slips include:

1. Low or Burnt Transmission Fluid

Low fluid can result in overheating and a deficiency in the creation of hydraulic pressure that is needed to engage gears. Burnt fluid is caused by an overheated transmission or a lack of maintenance which is a bad sign.

2. Faulty Clutch

Both manual and automatic transmissions use a series of clutches that aid in changing gears. Automatic transmissions are equipped with clutches in the torque converter that locks up at high speeds to prevent slipping, as well as in other areas throughout the transmission that can wear or burn out due to a lack of transmission fluid.

3.Worn Out Gears or Transmission Bands

With use and time, years can wear out. When gears don’t properly fit together, they can create a jerky shifting experience. Similarly, transmission bands that are linked to the gears, in automatic transmissions, can wear down or break over time and require replacement.

2. Rough Shifting or Jerking Transmission

A car that is experiencing rough shifting may have trouble accelerating, struggle to change gears, or lack a smooth transition. Rough shifting is often described as a clunk or a thud feeling when the vehicle shifts from one gear to the next.

Causes Of Rough Shifting Include:

1. Transmission Fluid Low or Poor Condition

Vehicles low on transmission fluid or that are operation-torn out or contaminated fluid are likely to experience hard shift conditions.  The fluid in your transmission should appear clean, light in colour, and somewhat transparent.

2. Vacuum Troubles

On older vehicles, the transmission would know when to shift based on the assistance of a vacuum modulator valve. The valve determines the load of the engine via a hose, called the vacuum line, that connects to the intake, measuring the amount of vacuum within the engine.

3. Faulty Sensor

Many vehicles today are equipped with loads of sensors that communicate to their internal computers, including some that influence the transmission to shift. If the sensors are not functioning properly or receiving the incorrect data, it can cause rough shifting.

3. Delayed Engagement (Delayed Gear Shift)

Delayed Engagement is defined as the pause or delay in response that it takes from shifting from Park into a moving gear such as Reverse or Drive. Delayed engagement should not be ignored and is a warning sign that your transmission needs attention sooner rather than later.

Causes of delayed engagement include:

• Poor fluid maintenance
• Failed transmission solenoids

Common Transmission Troubles

Slipping rough shifting, and delayed engagement troubles are often due to poor condition or lack of transmission fluid; that’s why it is so important to have the condition of your fluid checked and flushed every 30,000 – 50,000 miles.

If you experience any of the above symptoms while driving your vehicle and it’s accompanied by the Check Engine Light, have the vehicle inspected immediately wear out.

While your vehicle’s engine may create the inertia to move forward, the transmission determines the speed based on the driver’s desire and sends the power to the wheels to maintain or increase the speed. When things are working well, you should rarely notice the transition between gears in an automatic, especially if the transmission happens to be a CVT.

Some Additional Signs Of Transmission Problems

Below are some of the commons signs that you need to look out for:

1. You Can Smell Fluid Burning

Extremely hot transmission fluid has a distinct, acrid smell that does not smell like burning oil but more like burning rubber. Running your car with old, contaminated transmission fluid is just as harmful to the engine and transmission as never changing the oil.

2. Noises In Neutral

If you suspect your transmission needs attention, try your car in neutral and listen for unusual whining, groaning or ticking noises. Wear and tear on parts such as bearings or gear teeth often cause noises that indicate a failing transmission.

3. Slipping Gears

Healthy transmissions keep your car in one gear until you decide to change the gear. When your transmission “slips”, it may show an RPM of 3500+ or take a long time to coast. Additionally, your vehicle may seem to delay accelerating when you press on the gas, which is an indication that it is not transmitting enough power to the engine’s internal combustion part. Transmission slips could also result from broken or worn out bands.

4. Your Vehicle Won’t Go Into Gear

Low transmission fluid may prevent your car from engaging gears. Is the transmission downshifts hard while slowing down? It may indicate a leak probably exists somewhere ialongthealongongine?. For cars with manual transmissions, it could be a sign of a worn clutch plate if the vehicle manages to engage and creep a little bit forward. Regardless of whether it is a minor fix, automobiles that don’t slide easily into gear require immediate attention by a professional mechanic.

5. Leaking Transmission Fluid

Causes of transmission fluids leaks include loose pans, improperly tightened bolts or unsecured drain plugs, cracked pan gaskets and damaged toque converters or fluid lines. Constantly replacing lost transmission fluid isn’t the answer to correcting these problems, either. Getting the leak repaired so that fluid levels remain steady will dramatically extend the life of your vehicle.

6. Your Check Engine Light Comes On And On

You might not hear strange noises or notice a pool of red transmission fluid under your car but when your check engine light comes on, you do exactly what it says and get your engine and transmission checked professionally.