Q: My car isn't changing gears properly. 2006 Chevrolet Impala

asked by on September 07, 2016

My car was drive fine yesterday morning then around the afternoon. My car would stop changing gears properly and then at one point it won't change gears at all the rpms would go up but the car wouldn't move. I think it might be the transmission but I'm not sure.

My car has 13667 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Transmission Fluid Service $140.08 - $502.73 Get a Quote
Car is hard to shift Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello. I would check the transmission fluid level and condition on the dipstick. If it is low and/or has a burnt smell (transmission fluid should be a reddish color), then you may have a failed transmission. Changing the fluid and filter MIGHT help, but if it has gotten to the point of slipping as you describe, the transmission may need an overhaul. If you need help having this checked, a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, can inspect the shifting problem and advise you on an appropriate repair.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Check Engine light on with code P2181
Having the OBD code for your Volkswagen Eos is a great start to narrowing down a proper diagnosis on your vehicle. The code, P2181, stands for Cooling System Performance. This code is meant to give a certified mechanic a starting...
Can I turbocharge my car?
In order to turbo charge the car you would first have to find a kit that is made for your car. Only a kit made for your car would work since there would be many changes that may cost a...
Not starting distributor spark
Hi there. You need to see if the distributor is turning when the engine is cranking. If not, then the vehicle has a broken timing belt (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/timing-belt-replacement). I would usually check the timing belt to see if it is intact....
Clutch pedal gets stuck sometimes
You may have a clutch pedal pivot bushing binding or the clutch master cylinder piston binding in the bore of the master cylinder. You should disconnect the clutch master cylinder and see if the pedal moves freely in the pivot...
When you did this SRX was it the 4.6L? If so, did you have to pull the front grill, fan, radiator, and condenser?
Hi and thanks for contacting YourMechanic. It seems that the rectifier has failed in the alternator or the diodes are burned in the alternator. This will cause the amperage to spike to the high A/C voltage and try to charge...
Having problems with transmission cooler connectors leaking with a new radiator.
The new radiator most likely did not come with new quick connectors for the transmission cooler lines going into the radiator. You had to remove the old ones from the bad radiator and transfer them into the new radiator. The...
When I put it into Drive, it won't barely move, but it will reverse.
Hi there. Unfortunately, this sounds like an internal failure of the transmission. One or more of the components inside the transmission that is required to engage the forward gears has failed. The transmission will require replacement or a rebuild. Unfortunately,...
I have a vibration in the center of my truck from 55-80 mph
If the driveshaft was rebuilt, I would first check to be sure that the shaft is balanced AND true. The biggest problem though is identifying a facility with the appropriate CALIBRATED equipment and knowledgeable staff. If you can identify a...
2006 mazda 3 automatic jump from2nd to 4th gear
Check the fluid first for both level and quality. If the fluid is not dirty or burnt and the level is correct, shift problems of the type you are describing are caused by solenoid failures, a defective valve body, a...

Related articles

How a Hydraulic Clutch System Works
If your car transmission has a hydraulic clutch, chances are you’re wondering exactly how it works within your shifting system. Most clutches, especially...
How to Buy Good Quality Transfer Case Fluid
Do Do you drive an all-wheel drive, or four-wheel drive vehicle? If so, you can bet it most likely has transfer case fluid. The transfer case fluid is found within the transfer fluid case. This case can sometimes be called...
How to Know When Your Transmission Is Not Working
Most vehicles use some sort of transmission to transfer the power generated from the engine, into usable power that can turn the wheels....