Find Out Why Your Transmission is Kicking

By Mister Transmission

Are you experiencing transmission hard shifting problems? Discover what the possible causes are and how you can prevent them

It’s one of the most common problems drivers experience when troubles arise with their vehicles’ transmissions: transmission kicking, also referred to as hard or jerky shifting when changing gears. If you’re experiencing this unsettling problem, a variety of potential causes could be responsible.

More often than not, hard transmission shifts can be attributed to an inadequate level of transmission fluid in your vehicle, or the fluid’s effectiveness is failing because it’s old, dirty, and needs replacing. If the transmission begins to overheat, the fluid will oxidize and it won’t lubricate or cool the transmission. Further, it’s possible your car needs a new transmission filter and a transmission flush, too.

Other possible causes of transmission kicking include:

  • Sensor-related problems. There are electronic sensors located throughout your vehicle that is designed to send and receive signals from the car’s internal computer system. Some of the sensors onboard are responsible for determining when your transmission changes gears, but if the signals between sensors and the computer get crossed, it can lead to hard shifting issues.
  • Clogged or loose vacuum lines. Leaky, loose, or clogged transmission vacuum lines or hoses affect the pressure in the transmission and can create all sorts of problems including hard shifting.

Preventative Maintenance Is Essential

Avoiding a costly transmission repair is entirely dependent upon preventative and proactive maintenance conducted at regular intervals by a certified and experienced professional technician.

Know the faulty transmission warning signs, and if you’re seeking a smoother ride in your car, visit a Mister Transmission location near you to get help correcting the kicking feeling coming from your transmission.

Find a location near you and make an appointment today. Take advantage of our free 21-point multi-check inspection and avoid the cost and aggravation associated with a failing transmission.

Want to know more?Visit our one of locations!

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Customer Reviews
Stu and Joe were very...
Colby Waldo
Stu and Joe were very helpful in finding parts that are near impossible with a great attitude towards everything and a fair price for fair work one of the few shops I'll ever recommend in red deer they do an amazing job hands down!
Date: February 12, 2026
Website: Google
Great pricing and great work
Wayne Lindsay
Great pricing and great work
Date: February 12, 2026
Website: Google
Great service and got our...
Bill Davidson
Great service and got our company truck back fast
Date: February 12, 2026
Website: Google
Roma was a pleasure to...
Mariam Malang
Roma was a pleasure to deal with. Very honest and transparent about the problem and the cost to repair. Would highly recommend!
Date: February 12, 2026
Website: Google
Awesome place to go for...
Clinton Slaunwhite
Awesome place to go for any automotive needs, they only do the work required, and don’t push anything on you… Very honest . First, early diagnosis by looking at it, they believed it to be a damaged radiator, but after taking it apart, realized it was just a seal that needed to be replaced… They easily could’ve just changed the radiator and nobody would’ve known, instead they just replaced the seal and cut my Original quote by $600+ Highly recommend
Date: February 12, 2026
Website: Google
Great customer service and very...
Junaid Khalid
Great customer service and very honest; they did a road test and diagnostic for free and were incredibly helpful! Highly recommended
Date: February 11, 2026
Website: Google
I can’t say enough good...
DuDeK Master
I can’t say enough good things about this shop. I brought my car in fully expecting the transmission to be the problem because it was struggling badly to shift and barely accelerate. Instead of jumping straight to an expensive transmission repair, Gary took the time to properly diagnose the issue and was honest and upfront with me. He clearly explained that the transmission itself was not the problem and pointed me in the right direction, which likely saved me thousands of dollars! He was professional, knowledgeable, and didn’t try to upsell or pressure me into unnecessary work. He also took the time to write me a detailed email of the issues he found and also sent it to the other shop so I wouldn't have to explain it myself! That kind of honesty is rare and very much appreciated! When I showed up the next day to pay for the diagnostics and have my car towed to the other shop, he didn't even charge me! I would absolutely recommend this shop to anyone dealing with transmission concerns or who just wants straight answers.
Date: February 11, 2026
Website: Google
nice honest people, loved the...
Apo Opa
nice honest people, loved the service.
Date: February 11, 2026
Website: Google
Excellent service!! I mostly dealt...
Lisa N
Excellent service!! I mostly dealt with Jason, a pleasure to deal with. Throughout the time that our van was at the shop Jason kept open communication with us. He answered all of our questions, was always polite and pleasant. They fixed the issue with our van on a timely manner, and there were no extra surprises at time of payment. I totally recomment them. Thank you Jason. 👍
Date: February 11, 2026
Website: Google
Had a great experience at...
Haseeb Hashimi
Had a great experience at Mister Transmission. The team was honest, professional, and got everything handled smoothly. Huge shoutout to Luke for being super helpful throughout the whole process, he kept me updated, explained everything clearly, and made the repair stress-free. Highly recommend.
Date: February 11, 2026
Website: Google
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