Transmission Solenoid Warning Signs

By Mister Transmission

What are transmission solenoids?

Solenoids are electro-hydraulic valves that control the flow of transmission fluid needed to change gears, opening and closing in response to the electrical signals they receive from your vehicle’s engine or transmission control unit, which pulls its data from a series of speed sensors in the engine. It is the flow of transmission fluid, which is controlled by the solenoid valves, that pressurizes your transmission’s clutches and bands, facilitating gear changes.

In automatic transmissions, transmission fluid is directed through the valve body by several types of solenoids, including:

  • The transmission shift solenoid
  • The lockup solenoid
  • The transmission control solenoid
  • The torque converter clutch solenoid

Manual transmissions do not typically have shift solenoids. Instead, they use the manual clutch to control how and when gears shift.

The solenoid body itself is generally constructed from steel and designed in a cylindrical shape, with a valve and return spring. The solenoid coil consists of a wire wound around a conductive component that acts as an electromagnet. Though they vary in design, most transmission solenoids comprise the following nine parts:

  • Valve body
  • Inlet port
  • Outlet port
  • Solenoid coil body
  • Coil winding
  • Lead wires
  • Plunger or piston
  • Spring
  • Orifice

If any of these parts fail, your solenoids stop working, and your transmission stops performing.

Why do transmission solenoids fail?

Common causes of transmission solenoid failure include:

  • Electrical issues (e.g. applying incorrect voltage to the coil)
  • Dirty transmission fluid, which may cause the shift solenoid to become stuck open or closed
  • Wear and tear—like any mechanical device or component, solenoids can simply wear out over time, although preventative maintenance can offset or reduce wear and extend the service life of your solenoids

If you suspect that one or more transmission solenoids have gone bad, get in touch with a Mister Transmission near you, and we will help you pinpoint and repair the problem, fast.

When to book a transmission service: 7 signs of solenoid failure

Plenty of transmission shifting problems can be traced back to a malfunctioning shift solenoid, including:

  1. Delayed or unpredictable gear shifting. If you experience a delay in shifting, or your vehicle has ever jumped to another gear on its own, there is a very good chance that one or more solenoids are failing.
  2. Skipping gears. If your vehicle has problems engaging certain gears, and it tends to skip over the “problem gear” whenever you attempt it, there’s a good chance that specific solenoid is broken or worn out.
  3. Getting stuck in certain gears. If your shift solenoid was damaged while a gear was engaged, it might cause the transmission to end up stuck in that gear.
  4. Vehicle sluggishness. Does your vehicle seem a bit sluggish or slower than usual? In response to solenoid failures, some vehicles engage Limp Mode, a protective function for your engine that caps RPM at 2500-3000, limits shifting, and keeps you under third gear. If your vehicle has engaged this protective mode, you’re probably dealing with a solenoid issue.
  5. Inability to downshift/upshift. In many cases, solenoid problems make shifting difficult. Sometimes the transmission will be able to move upward from gear to gear without a problem, but it will be unable to shift back down. This generally occurs when the solenoid has become stuck in an open orientation, perhaps due to physical damage to the solenoid body, wiring issues, or dirty fluid leaving foreign matter that prevents the solenoid from shifting into position.
  6. Check Engine light / transmission warning light. Some modern vehicles come with dashboard indicators that alert drivers to solenoid/transmission issues. If you have an OBD-II code reader, or you drop by your local Mister Transmission for a diagnostics test, you may also see a P0700 code, which indicates that there’s a malfunction with your Transmission Control Module. However, P0700 codes may also indicate problems with transmission fluid levels, broken wires between TCM and ECM, and more. For a concrete diagnosis and cost-effective repair, get in touch with your local Mister Transmission.
  7. Engine continues to rev when applying the brakes. If your tachometer needle keeps climbing as you hit the brakes, there’s a good chance you have a faulty solenoid.

What does it cost to repair/replace transmission solenoids?

Depending on the make, model, and year of your vehicle, transmission solenoid replacement costs can vary. In general, a single faulty transmission solenoid replacement costs approximately $250. Replacing the entire solenoid pack can cost around $400.

As you can see, replacements are often costly, so you want to make sure that you do not replace a functional shift solenoid. To that end, we offer 100% free road tests and multi-check inspections to help you get to the root of the problem, maintain your vehicle’s performance for longer, and pay only for the services you need. To book your free battery of tests, get in touch with your local Mister Transmission.

Book a transmission solenoid repair/replacement at Mister Transmission

For more than 58 years, Mister Transmission has been a leading provider of solenoid maintenance, repair and replacement services across Canada. To date, we’ve helped thousands of Canadians keep their transmission solenoids in-shape, and we can do the same for you.

For your convenience, we offer:

And no matter which location works for you, you’re guaranteed:

  • A history of success—Our commitment to customer care and superior service is borne out by 58+ years of success and over 11,000+ glowing reviews.
  • Leading transmission technology—We equip our highly trained transmission specialists with high-quality tools and leading diagnostic technology to get you great results on every service.
  • Flexible payment plans and customer rewards—We offer flexible payment plans and give away $1000 worth of transmission repair services every month, so you can keep your transmission solenoids in shape without breaking the bank.
  • Nationwide warranty—We stand behind our transmission repair, maintenance, and replacement services with one of Canada’s best warranties.

To book a free road test and multi-check inspection, use the Mister Transmission Finder to connect with a transmission expert near you.

image-reviews image-reviews
Customer Reviews
Hi I had my 1966...
Craig
Hi I had my 1966 Chevelle Malibu SS in at Mister Transmission Sarnia to have the transmission worked on last year. Mike in the back shop worked on my car (pride and joy). He did the repairs that was needed done and a few extra things done without request. The car ran like a dream when I got it back. The cost was lower then they said it would be. I'm very fussy on who works on my car. The owner (manager) was awesome to deal with. Then this week 04 July 2025 I needed a shift cable repaired as I was headed out with my car . I went to the shop and they were over loaded with work. Mike made time to get my car fixed so I could use it on the weekend. They went the extra mile to get my car fixed and again I could not complain about the cost to repair the cable. I fully recommend them and the people that work there are outstanding. A special thanks to Mike who worked on my baby(my car) thanks so much guys. They are my go to shop with my Classic car and all my vehicles.
Date: July 5, 2025
Website: Google
I had a fantastic experience...
Xavier Montenegro
I had a fantastic experience with the whole Mr. Transmission team. Jordan and Jason are fantastic at their jobs, and they are truly willing to be honest and completely transparent with you. I took my 2018 Sierra to them for some transmission work (shocker), and they were quick, and the transmission now works fantastically. There were some small hiccups, the transmission initially acted a little weird, but they were quick to correct that. I had my spark plugs and a few coils swapped over here. One of the coils they got from GM blew up and took a couple of fuses with it. They comped the tow and had it fixed quickly, and were incredibly apologetic about the whole thing. Overall, if you are looking for quality service from a tried and true team, this is the place you want to go.
Date: July 5, 2025
Website: Google
Mandy was extremely helpful in...
Don Brindle
Mandy was extremely helpful in getting out 2009 VW beetle back on the road, we are from out of town and he was very compassionate to our situation and helped at every level, if you are in Cambridge and need help, Mandy is your man!
Date: July 3, 2025
Website: Google
These guys do good work....
Hunter Frederick
These guys do good work. And a fair price. 👍👍
Date: July 3, 2025
Website: Google
Excellent service, and fantastic staff....
KoiLady
Excellent service, and fantastic staff. We’re from BC and travel full-time. Our GMC diesel truck needed a ATF and filter change, and these awesome guys got us in next day. The cost was what they quoted, and we waited while they did the work. We’d absolutely go there again, and recommend them to others.
Date: July 3, 2025
Website: Google
Excellent service, and fantastic staff....
KoiLady
Excellent service, and fantastic staff. We’re from BC and travel full-time. Our GMC diesel truck needed a ATF and filter change, and these awesome guys got us in next day. The cost was what they quoted, and we waited while they did the work. We’d absolutely go there again, and recommend them to others.
Date: July 3, 2025
Website: Google
Amazing customer service from Dan...
Justine Butka
Amazing customer service from Dan and the crew. Took my 2018 Tuscon there with acceleration problems and Dan took the time to investigate and solve the issues even without my vehicle showing any codes. I had previously had 4 visits to other shops without any results to solve this issue and was told because there was no engine code they couldn’t do anything. But, Dan was able to diagnose and solve the problem and in 2 days had my car back on the road. It was a clogged catalytic converter. Thank you for your professionalism and experience.
Date: July 1, 2025
Website: Google
They assisted me with a...
Omid Bashiri
They assisted me with a test drive without any appointment to figure out the problem of my transmission. No other place could identify but this location. Great place to service your vehicle that you can trust
Date: June 29, 2025
Website: Google
Had my truck in for...
Isaac Fitz
Had my truck in for a transmission fluid, filter, diffs fluid and t case and had it back same day running smooth. Even showed up late accidentally and they were still able to complete everything
Date: June 28, 2025
Website: Google
Took my Nissan Rogue in...
Shaina Crawford
Took my Nissan Rogue in for some much needed TLC and I was very pleased with my experience. Very friendly staff, quick and efficient with their work. Would definitely recommend to anyone in need.
Date: June 28, 2025
Website: Google
Featured Services
Transmission Repair

The evolution of transmissions has made these machines and systems increasingly complex. When transmission repairs are required, determining the cause and cure for what ails can be tricky.

Read More
Transmission Technology

At Mister Transmission we have access to leading-edge diagnostic equipment, enabling us to offer you the fastest and most accurate findings about what’s going on inside your vehicle’s transmission.

Read More
Transmission Maintenance & Service

Just as you have other parts of your car serviced, your transmission needs maintenance to ensure a long life and avoid transmission problems.

Read More
Mister Transmission Blogs
Recent Blogs
Finding A Reliable Transmission Shop Nea...
The transmission is the heart of your vehicle’s power system. When it starts to
Read More
June 23, 2025
Complete Guide To Transmission Replaceme...
Transmission replacement becomes necessary when wear and damage go beyond repair.
Read More
June 16, 2025
Is Your Vehicle Showing Transmission Pro...
Transmission problems often begin with small signs that many drivers choose to
Read More
June 9, 2025
What Does A Transmission Flush Do? Is It...
A transmission flush is a professional service designed to remove old, degraded
Read More
May 31, 2025
Why Is My Car Not Shifting Gears Properl...
Have you noticed your car struggling to shift gears? Whether it hesitates, jerks, or
Read More
May 23, 2025
What Happens When Transmission Fluid Is ...
Transmission fluid plays a critical role in keeping a vehicle’s transmission system
Read More
May 15, 2025
Used Transmission Vs. Rebuilt Transmissi...
Choosing between a used transmission and a rebuilt transmission is an important
Read More
May 7, 2025
Preventative Transmission Maintenance: 5...
A vehicle's transmission is one of its most critical components, responsible for
Read More
April 30, 2025
Transmission Rebuild Vs. Replacement: Wh...
When a vehicle's transmission begins to fail, owners often face a crucial decision:
Read More
April 23, 2025
Transmission Overheating Causes: How To ...
Transmission overheating occurs when the system becomes too hot to function properly.
Read More
April 16, 2025