Posted on 10/31/2025
A healthy transmission should shift smoothly, hold gears without slipping, and respond the same way every day. When things start to feel off, the warning signs are usually small at first. You might notice a delayed engagement when shifting from park to drive, a flare in engine speed between gears, or a new sound that was not there last month. Catching these clues early keeps repair costs down and helps you avoid a tow. Here are five problems we often see, how they show up, and what you can do about them before they turn into major work. 1. Delayed Engagement After Selecting Drive or Reverse You move the shifter, a second passes, then the vehicle finally moves. That delay is your first hint of low line pressure or an internal seal that is not holding pressure like it should. Cold mornings make this more noticeable because fluid is thicker. If the delay grows longer over a few weeks, or you need more throttle to get moving, have the fluid level and condition checked s ... read more