Q: Transmission jumping when shifting

asked by on February 11, 2016

The automatic transmission in my car is jumping when going from first to second gear.

Car is hard to shift Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

With the engine fully warmed up and running in Park, open the hood and look for the transmission dipstick. Pull it out and give it a wipe. Dip it back into the tube and pull it out, this time noting the level and condition. There should be hash marks engraved to the dipstick indicating proper level. If the level is low, you have a leak. If the fluid is dark and smells of burnt plastic, you have internal clutch failure. I suggest having a qualified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, fully diagnose your transmission issue to see what repairs are needed.

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

How does the automatic climate control system work?
If your vehicle includes an automatic climate control system (higher end trims only), you have the ability to “set it and forget it” when it comes to heating and cooling. Using the system is simple, too. Here’s what you need...
Engine ticks on a 2006 Acura TL
The only ticking sounds that you generally get are either the valves are out of the adjustment, the lifters are bad themselves, or the fuel injectors are ticking. So get yourself a little stethoscope and listen around. Maybe it's the...
When start Mazda Protege, there is a squeak in the engine area
The noise is coming from the serpentine belt (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-serpentine-drive-belt). The belt is most likely loose or glazed over from needing to be replaced. Check the belts for tightness by twisting it between your finger and thumb and it will be...
car shut off no water or oil in car now won't start
There are multiple reasons why your Dodge Durango may have stopped running. The water in the oil is typically a problem with a blown head gasket (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/what-is-the-purpose-of-engine-gaskets), but most of the time a car will stop running completely when there...
Car won't go in gear when hot?
Hi there, thanks for writing in. I'd be happy to help. Your transmission is a computer-controlled transmission which can be affected even when something as simple as a weak battery (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-battery) is the issue. I would first suggest checking the...
Transmission temperature sensor failure
The transmission temperature sensor does exactly as it sounds - it regulates the temperature of the transmission. This is an extremely important measurement of the health of your transmission as excessive heat can damage and shorten the lifespan of your...
My 2000 Honda Accord makes a sound every time I turn the wheel. Like a rubbing groaning sound
This may be related to a failing power steering pump (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/power-steering-pump-replacement) or low power steering fluid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/power-steering-fluid-service) levels. As you may know, the power steering system uses a pump, normally driven by a belt. The pump supplies pressure as it...
Question about buying radiator for 1999 ford ranger v4 2.5l
Hi Javier. Thanks for the question today. In cases like this, you want to replace what you currently have active, as it's possible that the previous owner has removed the OEM transmission cooler, which may be the reason for the...
ball joints
Vibration felt through the steering wheel at high speeds is often due to tire imbalance/tire defects although worn suspension components can be a contributing factor. If ball joints have failed early, there are only a handful of possible explanations for...

Related articles

Top 10 PZEV Cars for Eco-Friendly Drivers
Teddy Leung / Shutterstock.com The whole idea of a PZEV (that is, a partial zero-emissions vehicle), seems paradoxical. You’d think it’d have to either be zero-emissions or not in the category at all. But as contradictory as...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Transmission Speed Sensor
Common signs include harsh or improper shifting, cruise control not working, and the Check Engine Light coming on.
How Long Does a Shift Interlock Solenoid Last?
Modern Modern transmissions are much more advanced than they were only a few decades ago, particularly automatic transmission. There are many new features and designs on the market, ranging from ‘slick’ shifting transmissions to manual shift paddles on the steering...