7 Common Allison Transmission Shift Selector Problems
Allison Transmission is undoubtedly one of the most reputable brands in the automatic transmission industry.
The shift selector is the component of the Allison transmission system that lets the user select the desired gear, which is an essential part of driving.
Therefore, stay tuned as I go into details about the problems and their solutions.
What Causes Allison Transmission Shift Selector Problems?
As a vehicle owner, there’s nothing more challenging than not being able to choose the gear that you want. It is not only frustrating but can lead to unwanted situations and accidents.
The shift selector needs to be working perfectly for a smooth driving experience. To ensure that, you must first know the reasons behind a problematic shift selector. Some common causes are –
- Problem with the air intake system
- Inadequate or flawed transmission fluid
- Abnormal adjustment of the gears and levers
- The activation of limp mode
- Bad fuse or relay
- Wiring issues
- Stuck or slipping gear
Troubleshooting Shift Selector Problems On Allison Transmission
Being an Allison lover, I can relate to other users’ worries and frustrations regarding any problem with the transmission system.
Just like any other mechanical components, problems with the shift selector are nothing out of the ordinary, and you can handle them with simple tricks.
Let’s dive in!
#1- Transmission fluid – inspect the quality and level
One of the critical causes associated with the Allison transmission shift selector problems is bad transmission fluid.
Old and filthy fluid can’t provide the necessary lubrication, which can result in malfunctioning of the shift selector, like delayed shifting and jerking.
Also, the fluid level is an important factor for adequate lubrication. It can be harmful to the transmission system if it gets too low. You should always make sure that the fluid is at an optimal level.
Just replacing the old transmission fluid solved the issue for me. Also, the steps are pretty simple.
- Step 1: Drain the old transmission fluid.
- Step 2: Clean and flush the area properly.
- Step 3: Fill up with fresh, high-quality transmission fluid.
- Step 4: While replacing the fluid, check for leakage and take action if needed.
Note: While refilling with new transmission fluid, don’t choose fluid that’s too thick, as that can result in stuck gears. Using the fluid of the accurate viscosity grade required for the transmission system is vital.
#2- Blown fuse and wiring issues – check and repair
If the shift selector has no power, a faulty fuse or lousy wiring can be behind it. The wiring connects the shift selector to the TCM (transmission control module).
Any problem with the wiring can directly influence the performance of the shift selector. The wires can get damaged and wear out or corrode over time.
Corroded wires can’t deliver the signals properly, which can cause shift selector problems. If you find any damaged wires, take the necessary actions to repair or replace them.
Another culprit can be a damaged fuse. Here are the steps to fix it:
- Step 1: Locate the fuse responsible for the shift selector. It can be outside near the electrical bay or inside near the shifter panel.
- Step 2: Check the fuse for signs of damage.
- Step 3: Replace it with a new one if needed.
Note: If the new fuses continue to blow, the problem may be severe. In that case, it is necessary to consult an expert to get to the root cause and fix that.
#3- Slipping gear – discover the reason and fix
Automatic transmission slipping when accelerating can be problematic for the person driving. Imagine driving the vehicle at a constant speed when the gear automatically slips to a lower gear!
The following steps helped me regain control of the gear as I encountered this issue.
- Step 1: Check the gears for signs of exhaustion and damage. Take an expert’s help to solve the issue.
- Step 2: Check the quality of the transmission fluid and replace it if necessary. Depleted fluid can disrupt the smooth functioning of the gears.
- Step 3: Ensure that the transmission fluid is at an optimal level. Don’t overfill or keep it low.
- Step 4: Check the solenoid and TCM for damage and fix them.
- Step 5: Inspect for signs of a failing torque converter and seek an expert’s assistance. Alongside the slipping gears, some other common symptoms are – a burning smell, jerking, and jumping of the gears.
How Serious Is The Allison Transmission Shift Selector Malfunction?
Allison’s transmission system faces some common shift selector problems. From my experience, most of the time, those problems are not that severe, and I can take care of them with some simple tricks.
However, if simple solutions can’t solve the problem, there may be something serious going on with the transmission system. The wisest thing to do in such cases is to consult a technician. Delaying the repair can cost you a lot more than needed.
frequently asked questions (FAQs)
My experience with the Allison transmission system has been pretty good so far, apart from occasional problems, which are normal for any mechanical components. Now let’s see what others feel about it from these frequently asked questions.
What is the limp mode, and why does it activate?
Limp home mode is a protective feature of the Allison transmission system that activates when your vehicle is under a lot of pressure or overheating. So before you start fixing the issue, you must carefully check those first.
Check out this video to get an idea of how to fix Allison transmission limp mode:
What causes irregular alignment of gears in the Allison transmission system?
A common problem with the Allison transmission system is an irregular alignment of gears with the shifter. This mostly happens after transmission maintenance. All you need to do to solve this problem is take help from a qualified technician and get the shifter cable resized.
What is the ideal interval for replacing transmission fluid in the Allison transmission system?
The ideal interval for replacing transmission fluid in the Allison transmission system is after every 1200-4000 hours or approximately 24-48 months of driving. However, if you use the vehicle frequently, you should determine the interval based on the hours you drive.
conclusion
To recap, here are the 7 Common Allison Transmission Shift Selector Problems:
- Problem with the air intake system
- Inadequate or flawed transmission fluid
- Abnormal adjustment of the gears and levers
- The activation of limp mode
- Bad fuse or relay
- Wiring issues
- Stuck or slipping gear
Any problem with the Allison Transmission shift selectors requires immediate attention and thorough inspection. You should never compromise your safety.
If you are dealing with shift selector problems and can’t seem to determine the cause behind them, don’t hesitate to consult a qualified technician for the best result.
Finally, always remember that maintenance is the key! Experts recommend taking the Allison transmission system for maintenance after every 24 months to keep it in good shape.
Video References
Don Smith
Craig’s Car Care
Nthefastlane
Some Previous Allison transmission Related Related Articles:
- Allison 1000 Transmission Problems (With Troubleshooting)
- 5 Common Signs Of Allison Transmission Going Out (With Fixes)
- 7 Common Allison 3000 Transmission Problems [Easy Fixes!]
Certification: BSc in Mechanical Engineering
Education: Mechanical engineer
Lives In: 539 W Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75208, USA
Rasel is an auto mechanic student and writer with over half a decade of experience in the automotive field. He has worked with top automotive brands such as Lexus, Quantum, and also owns two automotive blogs autocarneed.com and taxiwiz.com.
