Are you experiencing transmission delayed engagement whenever you’re trying to accelerate? If so, then there are a few possible reasons why your automatic transmission car has delays in shifting.
This issue commonly occurs when shifting gears to either Drive or Reverse, and instead of getting quick response in shifting, you get 1 to even 3 seconds delayed engagement.
So in this short blog post, I will discuss what is transmission delayed engagement, its causes and some possible quick fixes suitable for DIYers like you. Lets begin!
What is Delayed Engagement in Automatic Transmissions?
As its name suggest, a shifting action in an automatic transmission that results in a delays is called “delayed engagement”. Delays can be as fast as a few seconds or for worse case scenarios, can last up to a minute.
Shifting delays commonly happens during cold start though this can also be experienced anytime while driving. Automatic transmission vehicles with irresponsive shifts are noticeable when shifting from Park into a driving gear such as Drive or Reverse.
Since automatic trannies these days are quite complex, some are engineered to naturally have delayed engagement when shifting. Some are perfectly suited for their engines, providing smooth and rapid transmission reactions.
However, if your car suddenly lost that responsiveness when shifting, then a transmission issue is very likely. So let me give you some reasons why delayed engagement in transmission happens.
Causes of Transmission Delayed Engagement
To fix any issue on your tranny’s engagement delay, you’ll first need to identify what causes the delay as this issue can be the result of many things such as worn out components inside your transmission.
Extreme temperatures can also cause engagement delays but the issue often goes away on its own once the engine is warmed up.
So since I am just a regular gearhead like you, I can only provide basic reasons why delayed engagement occurs. Other than what I will list below is up to the task of a transmission mechanic expert.
Bad Transmission Fluid
Like your engine, all types of automatic transmissions require fresh fluid to help lubricate all internal moving components. Though ATF has longer mileage than motor oil, you still have to know how to properly maintain your automatic transmission by changing its fluid.
Here is my FAQ post regarding proper transmission maintenance for your car.
And of course, if you feel that there is a significant delay in shifts, then the first thing that you should think of is the capacity and quality of your stock ATF as it is your primary clue for your tranny’s state.
First is to check if your tranny has the right fluid level. If it’s below the suggested operating level, then your transmission system is likely leaking fluid. Learn how to spot transmission leaks in this post.
If the fluid level is good, then check the state of your ATF by looking at its color. If the fluid is dark red, brown or black, then it means that your ATF is already burned and needs immediate complete transmission check (not just ATF change). Remember that your mechanic won’t suggest a fluid flush if your ATF is already burned.
Transmission Filter
Another component in your transmission that needs to be checked or even replaced is the filter. Always check your owner’s manual for the recommended mileage schedule for a filter change.
Why transmission filters are important? Well, a clogged or dirty filter can greatly affect your tranny’s internal pressure which results to gear engagement delays.
So once you notice shifting delays, then it is probably time to change both your ATF and filter.
Worn Bands or Seals
Do you know why automatic transmissions are much pricier compared to manual transmissions? It’s because they are composed of so many gears, clutches, solenoids, and bands, which manages all the shifting job for you.
Overtime, abuse and with so many miles, it is only natural for these components to begin to wear out and fail. Any of these worn components require replacement. And guess what is the product of worn out seals, bands or clutches? Transmission delayed engagement of course!
Faulty Shift Solenoid
Transmission solenoids are valves that controls the flow of fluid throughout the transmission system. This means a worn or faulty shift solenoid can pretty much cause a significant delay of gear engagement.
Solenoids have tiny plungers which overtime can fail. Also, electromagnetic coils inevitably fails due to constant vibration and high temperature. If these coils gets faulty, the solenoid is unable to open and close in time to assist in gear engagements.
Always Do Regular Transmission Preventive Maintenance
As I mentioned above, delays in shifting normally goes away as the engine and transmission warms up to their operating temperature. If this is the case for your car, then you got nothing to worry about.
So in order to prolong the lifespan of your automatic transmission and prevent gear engagement delays, here are some of the prevention tips that you should actively follow and practice regularly.
- Regularly check your ATF levels
- Have a certified transmission mechanic check or do repair for leaks
- Change or flush ATF according to its recommended mileage interval
- Always use the recommended ATF by your vehicle manufacturer
- Replace your transmission filter together with ATF flush or change
- Use OEM automatic transmission filter
- Have your transmission hydraulic system and fluid pump checked by transmission mechanic
- Replace all worn or faulty seals, bands, and solenoids
Summary
There you have it! If you notice that your shifting isn’t that responsive as it used to be, then you probably have tranny issues that needs to be fixed.
Some of the tasks above can be done by yourself. However, if the task in hand requires pulling down the transmission for component replacement, then it is better to leave the job to transmission experts. Until my next post!
