Few things are scarier than having your automatic transmission pop out of gear while driving down the road. But understanding why this happens reveals how to fix it.
Methodically troubleshooting why your transmission is aggressively popping out of gear will guide you in making the right repairs for safe dependable driving.
What Causes an automatic transmission to pop out of gear while driving?
These are the most common reasons for Automatic Transmission Pops Out of Gear While Driving:
Worn detent springs – Weak detent springs allow the transmission selector to vibrate out of gear under load.
Faulty band adjustments – Improper band adjustments lead to delayed harsh gear changes.
Low transmission fluid – Insufficient fluid pressure allows gears to disengage.
Solenoid failures – Bad electrical solenoids prevent firm gear engagement.
Clutch pack wear – Worn clutch discs don’t stay gripped firmly together allowing slippage.
Selector linkage issues – Damaged or detached cables/linkages cause sloppy shifter engagement.
Transmission computer faults – Sensor problems provide wrong data for shift timing.
Hard shifts plus bumpy driving greatly accelerate the wear of these internal components leading to pop-out issues.
Symptoms of Transmission Problems Causing Gear Popping
Notice these signs that often accompany automatic transmissions jumping out of gear:
- Sudden, firm gear disengagement while driving
- Transmission slamming loudly into the next gear
- Burning smell from transmission overheating
- Torn, shiny metal flakes on the transmission dipstick
- Check engine light illuminated
- Shuddering feeling when gears change
- Delayed harsh shifts at higher mileages
- Grinding noise as gears clash when popping out
Don’t ignore these symptoms that indicate potential transmission damage needing service. The problems will worsen if left unchecked.
How to Diagnose the Specific Cause
Follow this process to pinpoint why your transmission is popping out of gear:
- Scan computer for transmission fault codes pointing to specific failures
- Test throttle pressure and solenoids using transmission scan tool data
- Check for low fluid, dirty fluid, leaks pointing to internal issues
- Inspect detent springs, rollers, and plungers for visible damage
- Road test to compare shift timing, firmness, and slippage in each gear
- Notice if the problem mostly happens from a stop or at higher speeds
- Review service history for any recent transmission repairs
- Check all selector and throttle linkage attachments
Proper hands-on diagnosis identifies whether electronic or mechanical fixes are needed.
DIY Fixes for Automatic Transmission Pops Out Of Gear While Driving
Some basic home remedies can help confirm the cause or provide temporary relief:
- Add transmission fluid if the level is low – lack of pressure allows disengagement
- Replace worn detent springs if visibly damaged
- Adjust shift linkages to ensure firm lever engagement
- Use cleaner or lube to free up any sticky solenoids
- Install an auxiliary transmission cooler to reduce operating temperatures
- Replace worn selector and detent components
- Try a transmission additive with anti-wear properties
But frequent popping out of gear generally requires a full professional rebuild to address the internal failures.
When to Call a Transmission Mechanic
Seek professional transmission service if the Automatic Transmission Pops Out of Gear While Driving :
- No DIY fix successfully prevents recurring pop-out-of-gear issues
- Burning smells come from the transmission
- Visible particles or excessive metal debris are on the dipstick
- Severe shuddering, chattering, or grinding occurs when shifting
- Computer fault codes point to solenoid or sensor failures
- Linkage adjustments do not remedy detachments or play
- Fluid leaks or empty levels unable to be refilled are noticed
Extensive internal damage like worn bands, clutches, gears, or hydraulic failures requires specialty transmission shop repair.
Typical Costs Of Fixing
Expect average repair costs of Automatic Transmission Pops Out of Gear While Driving:
- $150-$300 to replace solenoids or sensors
- $250-$800 for a quality rebuild with new clutches, seals, bands, etc.
- $1000-$4000 for replacement transmission swap
- $100+ for computer resetting and programming if needed
Add roughly $200 per hour for labor at most transmission shops based on make and model.
Preventing Future Automatic Transmission Pop Out Failures
Reduce the chances of annoying Automatic Transmission Pops Out of Gear While Driving issues by:
- Changing transmission fluid and filter per maintenance schedule
- Addressing slipping and hesitation issues promptly before damage builds
- Avoiding excessive towing/hauling beyond vehicle rating
- Checking and replacing worn linkage bushings when looseness develops
- Going easy on transmission instead of frequent hard wide open throttle shifts
- Fixing leaks immediately and maintaining proper fluid levels
- Following manufacturer’s recommended service schedule
With some diligence on maintenance and driving style, an automatic transmission can reliably stay engaged in gear over 200,000+ miles in most cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes an automatic transmission to jump out of gear?
Common causes are low fluid pressure, faulty solenoids and sensors, worn clutches, damaged linkages, blocked fluid passages, and detent springs unable to hold the shifter firmly in gear.
What happens when a transmission pops out of gear?
The transmission disengages and then abruptly slams back into the next gear. This lurches the vehicle and causes a temporary loss of acceleration. It also generates internal damage as components forcibly clash.
What are the warning signs of impending transmission failure?
Slipping gears, burning smells, loud vibrations, abruptly firm shifts, warped gears on the dipstick, debris in the fluid, check engine light illumination, and sudden pop out of gear while driving.
How do you know if your transmission is damaged?
Damaged transmissions exhibit symptoms like gear slippage, ground-up metal in the fluid, heavy vibrations and noises in each gear range, and sudden shifts in and out of gear. Diagnostic trouble codes also confirm issues.
Is it safe to drive with a damaged transmission?
It is never recommended to continue driving once transmission damage is detected or suspected. Doing so risks transmission failure leaving you stranded and necessitating very costly repairs.
Can worn transmission components be repaired?
Some minor fixes are possible, but once transmissions begin aggressively slipping or popping out of gear extensive internal damage has likely occurred necessitating a professional rebuild or replacement.
Conclusion
Don’t ignore an automatic transmission that starts violently popping out of gear while driving. addressing the issue promptly significantly reduces repair costs and avoids being stranded with a failed transmission. Follow the diagnostic steps to pinpoint the source based on electronic, hydraulic, or mechanical faults. Then have proper professional service completed as soon as possible to get your transmission reliably keeping you in gear.
