Auto transmission having trouble getting into 5th gear?

Question

I have an '03 Automatic Suzuki Aerio. I love this car and try my best to take care of it. I was having trouble with the engine making a rattling noise when accelerating uphill, but all the dealership found was an oil leak. Recently, however, I've noticed that when getting onto a highway and the car is going from 3rd to 4th, it will stay in fourth gear for up to a minute or longer than it should be. The engine will be loud, so I know it still has to get into that 5th gear but it just won't get into it for minutes after. I've tried accellerating even up to 68 (I hate being a speed demon) with no help. I hate having to be patient with it and I know that something could only be getting worse. In the past 6 months the anti-freeze/coolant has run down completely and ive had to fill it myself, but I doubt thats the real problem. The shifter has an Overdrive on/off and its always set to on.. Maybe its glitching? I'd appreciate any help.

Answer 1

I would start by checking the oil level. the next step would be to check the color of the trans oil and its smell. Basically you need to check if the oil smells and looks burnt. As to the coolant, it does play a role in the performance of the trans. Many of these japanese vehicles won't go into overdrive until the engine is warmed up enough. If you have replaced the coolant with regular water, that could also be a problem Water co-rodes the coolant temp sensor and causes it to give a bad reading to the computer so the computer won't think the vehicle is warmed up enough and not cause the overdrive to kick in. If that's the case, you need to find this sensor , take it out, and get a sandpaper and clean the tip of it. If these don't work, then you may need to take it to a technician and have it checked properly.

Answer 2

When you say that it makes a "rattling" noise, do you think it could actually be a "knocking" sound? If so, get to a mechanic. I had that happen and eventually my engine blew a piston, the rod went through the head.

If it's a rattle, it could be the fuel pump pushrod. A rattling sound is generally a fuel issue. Have you recently switched fuel brands? You could be getting bad fuel. When your tank gets close to empty, try filling the tank with a better quality gas such as Mobile or Sunoco or some other quality gas. You don't need to get a gas with a higher octane rating, just change the brand for awhile. If it's a fuel issue, you should not notice a rattling noise after about 100-150 miles.
You could be also be hearing an exhaust leak, flywheel crack, or maybe a piston pin.
Also, overheated valve edges can create a rattle as well as loose plugs or a weak valve spring.
First try changing your fuel.
Good luck to you!

Answer 3

I'm pretty sure the 2005 Sunfire only had a 4 speed automatic transmission. Anyway, the symptoms sound like the fluid is low. Don't drive around too much until you can check the fluid level, if it's too low for too long you'll burn out the transmission. Hopefully it will act normal when you add fluid, but it is possible the transmission is failing depending on how many miles you have on the car. The transmission on those Sunfires and Cavaliers weren't the best to begin with.

Answer 4

That car is not really that old. I would look for a small hole in the modulator valve line that goes to the intake manifold from the transmission. Sounds like a vacuum leak to me.

Answer 5

Another thought would be to check the vacuum lines to the trans... Modulator may not recognize engine vacuum...which would show as incomplete shift or no up shift.... also check (read) engine service codes.... easy way to find hidden faults...

Answer 6

maybe you need fluid or theere is serious transmission problems. Is th car not under warranty? You are in deep trouble if you must pay to have it repaired. Ouch.

Answer 7

. Sounds like a vacuum leak to me

Answer 8

See a tranny shop. The bands in the tranny may need tightening.

Answer 9

Take it to the mechanic