Why Is My Car Not Shifting Smoothly? Transmission Problems

Let’s face it: a transmission rebuild is a big deal. Chances are it’s the largest investment you’ll ever make when it comes to car repairs. So when you get it back, you expect it to shift perfectly. Not an unreasonable expectation.

But it might not shift the way you were hoping… at least, not right away. And that may be perfectly normal.

Transmission Slipping Issues

Here is why your car is not shifting smoothly:

Today’s automatic transmissions are fully controlled by computers. Nothing new there; we’ve been talking about that for years. What you might not realize is that those computers do more than tell the transmission when to shift: They also modify operating commands to compensate for a host of variables, such as component wear, by going through a “learning” process.

That’s why you may not notice a problem with your transmission until it completely fails; the computer has been adapting its commands to maintain a smooth, clean shift as long as possible. Those adjustments can compensate for a lot of wear inside the transmission.

That’s not all: Today’s transmission control systems also adapt to your particular driving habits. Are you a bit heavy on the gas pedal? The computer will learn that and compensate to provide the best performance and smoothest shifts.

Same thing if you’re particularly light on the gas. Or if you tend to drive on flat or hilly roads. Whatever the conditions, the computer system will learn and adapt. But that learning process takes a little time.

After a major repair, the technician resets the computer to base operating levels; with those settings, the transmission works, but not at its best. From there the computer begins to learn, based on internal clearances… and your driving style. And it’ll continue learning for a few weeks or more. During that time, the transmission may not shift at its optimum level. Give it a little time; it’ll get there.

Transmission Problem Repair

In the meanwhile, if you’re unsure of your transmission’s operation and your car is not shifting smoothly after it’s had a major repair at your nearby Cottman center, give them a call. They’ll check the transmission and the computer system to make sure it’s learning properly. Just know that your transmission computer may continue to learn for several weeks before it begins operating at its best.

  • Gail Parker
    Gail Parker
    2021-06-15
    Google

    The customer service was concerned about the parking area for my vehicle for overnight early bird service.They called me to inform me they were gonna check back with me before any services on my vehicle were done with my approval which, made me comfortable to know they showed responsibility in their work.

  • Leslie Meyers
    Leslie Meyers
    2021-04-09
    Google

    Fast, friendly, reliable and fair. I ended up having to get my town & country transmission repaired/replaced & my spark plugs replaced right before Christmas this past year & they said they could do it the next day if I could leave it that day. Well I didn't have a ride home & my other car needed a jump start since we hadn't driven it much. The owner not only offered to drive me home, but also jump start my other car so I could of get my niece from school. If that's not service, I don't know what is. They also ened up doing my 2014 escape transmission the yr b4. They were recommended by a friend & I would recommend them as well.

  • Hina K. Huynh
    Hina K. Huynh
    2021-03-18
    Google

    I purchased a "newly" used vehicle and was concerned about transmission issues and they made sure I was taken care of. The staff was extremely friendly and polite, and not only did they provide me with all the necessary services I needed, they also educated me. I would highly recommend this location.

  • Miriam Green
    Miriam Green
    2021-03-12
    Google

    The service was great. Someone recommended them to me. They took care of the issue I was having with my vehicle with no issues. I’ll be going to them from here on out! A very satisfied customer

  • Samuel Jones
    Samuel Jones
    2021-02-04
    Google

    Staff were all professional. Manager was a saint, gentleman, and scholar. Great company with excellent values. I would highly recommend them.

  • K. Raymer
    K. Raymer
    2020-11-20
    Google

    Kevin and his entire staff are the best. I had a brake caliper fail and they took care of very quickly and for a great price. Since then, I had new flare fenders with led lights installed on my Jeep Wrangler. Same great service and value.

  • Loren Vann
    Loren Vann
    2020-11-18
    Google

    I have been taking my vehicles to Cottman for the last year and I have never been disappointed. Kevin is the General Manager and I have known him personally for several years. This is an honest shop with quality work and great, trustworthy employees. Law Enforcement friendly, which is a major plus. It is hard to find a reliable place for vehicles now and days so skip the stress and take your vehicles here.

  • Stephanie Besos
    Stephanie Besos
    2020-10-28
    Google

    I love this place. came here a few years back, great work. just came in recently, wanted to wait a few days for the review.let me tell you Vicki was amazing and as helpful as can be and kevin did repair and excellent job on my transmission as well as work with me . had a world of trouble with my warranty place but they did their best to help with it all and my car is running excellent. will be back soon for oil change and any future repairs. thanks guys.

  • Stephanie Besos
    Stephanie Besos
    2020-10-21
    Google

    I love this place. came here a few years back, great work. just came in recently, wanted to wait a few days for the review.let me tell you Vicki was amazing and as helpful as can be and kevin did repair and excellent job on my transmission as well as work with me . had a world of trouble with my warranty place but they did their best to help with it all and my car is running excellent. will be back soon for oil change and any future repairs. thanks guys.

  • Conley Smith
    Conley Smith
    2020-10-20
    Google

    My experience at Cottman was awesome! The waiting lounge was very clean and looked great. The front desk staff was kind and personable. My wheels got aligned very quickly and they did a great job for an awesome price! The owner is extremely professional and quite handsome as well.

  • Randall Vann
    Randall Vann
    2020-10-18
    Google

    Best shop to have your vehicle repaired. Professional and timely. Owner gives fair prices and easy to work with. I would highly recommend to anyone.

  • Mike Villegas
    Mike Villegas
    2020-10-15
    Google

    The work was excellent and done in a timely manner. Found the best pri ce for the work needed!!!

  • Justin Davis
    Justin Davis
    2020-10-10
    Google

    Great customer service!! The staff was very attentive. A issue arose while they were working on my vehicle, and the mechanics diagnosed it and where back on track in no time. What I liked the most was that they kept me in the loop while they tried to find a resolution.

  • Steve Lilley
    Steve Lilley
    2020-09-17
    Google

    Fast and efficient service.