Shift Solenoid in Your Transmission and Its Importance

Even the smallest components play a crucial role in transmission systems. One such component is the shift solenoid. The shift solenoid impacts your transmission overall operation and performance ensuring smooth and seamless gear shifts.

How a Shift Solenoid Works

The flow of the transmission fluid is controlled by a transmission shift solenoid. The shift solenoid transfers fluid in and out of the transmission by a module that sends an electrical signal. At the right rate the fluid passages open and close with the shift solenoid directing the fluid pressure to various transmission components. This controls the flow of transmission fluid so that the gears can change smoothly. An automatic transmission usually has two to five shift solenoids. There are three main types of transmission solenoids. The transmission control solenoid, the shift solenoid, and the lock up solenoid.

Signs of Solenoid Failure

Shift Solenoids operate submerged in transmission fluid and tend to fail mainly from harsh elements such as cold and hot cycles. Wear and tear can also cause mechanical failure to occur. Malfunctioning shift solenoid can damage your transmission if left unchecked. Dirty transmission fluid may cause a problem with the shift solenoid opening or closing because of being stuck.

Gears Skipping –

If your vehicle tends to skip over gears without engaging most likely a solenoid or solenoids are failing.

Certain Gears are Stuck – If a gear was engaged at the time of damage, your transmission may remain stuck in that gear.

Cannot Upshift or Downshift –

Solenoid problems can delay gear shifting and may not downshift as you slow down.

Check Engine Light On –

The check engine light may come on if the purge solenoid is failing.

At Eagle Transmission in Mesquite our skilled technicians have in-depth knowledge of transmission systems and components. Preventive maintenance and regular inspections can prevent major repairs down the road.

Eagle Transmission in Mesquite Serving the entire Dallas Metroplex including, Wilmer, Desoto, Cedar Hill, Rockwall.