A car’s speedometer calculates the car’s speed interaction through the transmission and driveshaft. The car’s computer translates rotational speed into the linear speed of your car, then transmitted to you through the speedometer. There’s a possible risk to drivers when the speedometer isn’t working properly.
On the other hand, automatic transmission transfers the power to the drive wheels from the engine. Manual transmission fluid transfers engine power to make the meshing gears smooth and connected. No matter what type of transmission you’ve, you won’t be able to go whether your transmission is not shifting.
Any car that’s speedometer not working will be very unsafe and impractical. You can put yourself at risk of an accident by unknowing your speed. Similarly, when transmission is not shifting, you won’t be able to go. So, you must stop driving and find out the reason behind it.
In this article, we’ll discuss in detail why the speedometer not working and transmission not shifting. Our article helps you to find out the reason and solve your car’s problems. Hopefully, you can easily solve the situation with the help of an expert mechanic.
Table of Contents
Speedometer Not Working and Transmission Not Shifting
Causes of Speedometer Not Working:
As its name indicates, a speedometer is an instrument on a car’s dashboard that informs the speed of your car. Knowing the proper speed is essential from a safety standpoint.
Working a speedometer is necessary for safe driving. When you see it’s not working properly you should find out why it’s not working.
Common Causes:
- Broken Speed Sensor: Speed sensors have many functions, for example, indicating the car’s speed, and regulating fuel flow. It also operates the cruise control and ignition timing. Once the speed sensor has failed, it can stop the speedometer from working. Additionally, you can also notice that you’re not able to use the car’s cruise control, as a result, your car can’t run smoothly. Also, the faulty speed sensor will commonly come to the Check Engine light on, which indicates that there’s a problem.
- Bad or Damaged Wiring: Besides, there’s a chance of damage to the wires when it’s exposed to the wet condition. Wet wires can easily short out, the final result is a blown fuse. When the fuse is blown, it can cause the speedometer to fall to zero. In that condition, you have to replace the fuse when it is damaged anyhow.
- ECU Malfunctioning: The engine control unit (ECU) is called the car’s computerized brain. ECU functions on many important activities, one of them is speed. Once there’s any malfunctioning with the ECU, it must affect the identifying ability of the car’s speed. The result is the speedometer not working suitably.
Solutions of Speedometer Not Working:
A malfunctioning speedometer can be annoying and unsafe, but there are some straightforward steps to troubleshoot the problem.
- Inspect the fuse. A blown fuse might be the reason for the speedometer’s failure. Find your car’s fuse box and search for the speedometer fuse. Replace it if needed.
- Examine the wiring. Damaged wiring between the sensor and the speedometer may cause it to malfunction. A mechanic can inspect the wiring and resolve any issues.
- Ask a mechanic to examine the sensor. The speedometer connects to a sensor that gauges wheel speed. If this sensor is faulty, the speedometer won’t function. A mechanic can assess the sensor and replace it if required.
Causes of Transmission Not Shifting:
Any car has either automatic or manual types of transmissions. Manual transmissions are sealed units, so you don’t need to check them. Even no need to add transmission fluid directly to the manual transmission. However, you can check and change the transmission fluid to an automatic transmission.
So, we’ll discuss the automatic transmission shifting problems. You can experience a lot of transmission shifting problems, here’s some common reasons.
Common Causes:
- ECU Malfunctioning: The engine control unit (ECU) works the computerized brain of your car. ECU regulates many factors of car activity. One of the main reasons why your car’s automatic transmission isn’t shifting shall be the bad ECU. It’s recommended to check out the car’s ECU by a mechanic who has expertise in the electrical system.
- Low or Dirty Transmission Fluid: Transmission fluid roles are very functional for both automatic and manual transmission. No matter what type of transmission you’ve, when your transmission is not shifting, it’s the possibility of transmission fluid. Dirty and old transmission fluid can lose viscosity, collect debris and stop working suitably. So, old transmission fluid needs to be replaced sometimes. Likewise, once your transmission has any leak, then the inside transmission fluid level goes too low, you’ll also face the problems.
- Additional Causes of Shift Condition: Although these are mostly responsible for transmission not shifting, there are also additional reasons. For case, bad connection, worn out sensors also lead the transmission to “no shift” condition. So, you have to look at the engine for worn, disconnected or damaged wiring, and blown fuses. Also, have a check at the engine light that comes for problems with the sensors. All of these are responsible for the impossible shifting.
Solutions of Transmission Not Shifting:
Your car may be damaged if your gearbox won’t shift, but you can fix it by checking a few fundamental elements.
- Examine the liquid level: Insufficient fluid levels may cause poor or no shifting. Check the fluid level with the dipstick and add more if necessary.
- Look at the shift solenoids: Shift solenoids control the transmission fluid flow; if they aren’t working properly, they might lead to shifting issues. A mechanic can inspect and, if necessary, replace the solenoids.
- Have the transmission control module checked by a technician: Transmission management is this module’s responsibility. The transmission can’t shift if it’s malfunctioning. If necessary, a mechanic can inspect the module and replace it.
FAQ
I’ve listed the most frequently asked questions about speedometers not working and transmissions not shifting:
Can I still drive my car if the speedometer doesn’t work?
Yes, you can still drive your car even if the speedometer isn’t working, but it’s important to be aware of posted speed limits and drive cautiously.
How much does it cost to fix a speedometer?
The cost of fixing a speedometer can vary, but it typically ranges from $50 to $250, depending on the make and model of your car.
Is there a fuse for the speedometer?
Yes, there may be a separate fuse for the speedometer in your car’s fuse panel. You can check it to see if it needs to be replaced.
How do you know if your speedometer is broken?
You can tell if your speedometer is broken if it displays an incorrect speed or doesn’t display a speed at all. You must also check for warning lights on the dashboard.
Conclusion:
Speedometer not working and transmission not shifting are two common problems that many drivers face. Although they are different components, the causes and solutions are almost similar. Then, always suggest examining your car’s expert mechanic in the problem.
Once the speedometer isn’t working it will be very unsafe and impractical. You can put yourself at risk of an accident by slowing your speed. Likewise, when the transmission is not shifting, you won’t be able to go anywhere with your car.
We’ll discuss in detail all about these two problems so that you can detect your own. You can also solve your car’s problems with the help of expert mechanics. Hopefully, you can easily detect what’s the problem and solve the situation with expert help.
