How Erratic Gear Shifts Can Make Your Range Rover Unreliable

Your Range Rover is designed for longevity, but over time, it can run into mechanical problems. One such problem is erratic gear shifting, which can be dangerous and convert driving your car from a joyful experience to an unreliable and frustrating one. Erratic gear shifting is never a good sign, and driving a car that shifts erratically puts you and anyone on the road around you in danger. That’s why we’re discussing what causes erratic gear shifting in your Range Rover, why it’s a problem, and how to fix it as quickly and painlessly as possible.

Causes of Erratic Gear Shifting

Gear shifting problems generally stem from transmission issues, which is a scary thing for any car owner to hear. If left to deteriorate, transmissions can be very expensive and time-consuming to repair. That’s why as soon as you notice a potential problem, you should act quickly to fix it.

Let’s look at what specifically causes the erratic gear shifting, aside from just a general transmission issue:

• Low transmission fluid: This is one of the first things you should check as soon as you notice any possible transmission problems. The transmission fluid is responsible for keeping all the internal pieces of the transmission lubricated and working properly, so without enough of it there will be problems. Check your car’s owner’s manual for recommendations on how often transmission fluid should be replaced, but make sure to check it periodically even if it’s not time to replace it yet. If it’s too low or dirty-looking, you may need to replace it early.
• Leaks: Branching off from low transmission fluid, if you check the fluid and it seems unusually low, you could have a leak on your hands. Check to see if you notice any liquid pooling under the car. Clean transmission fluid is clear or pink in color, while dirty transmission fluid is red or brown.
• Clutch malfunction: The clutch is responsible for regulating the amount of power that a car’s engine uses when starting up to keep the vehicle from trying to do too much too fast and leading to gear crunching and other issues. If it’s not doing its job properly, shifting gears will become much more of a hassle, especially when your journey is just starting out.
• Problems with the gear selector bushing: A bushing is a rubber covering that functions similarly to the way cartilage does between the bones in your body. It covers places that move a lot and allows them to move without causing friction or locking up. If these bushings get worn, the areas they protect will not be able to move as easily, which can lead to issues like gear slipping or crunching.

The Importance of Fixing Erratic Gear Shifting

For many car owners, the idea of taking your vehicle to the shop is anxiety-inducing and frustrating, but particularly when it comes to gear shifting problems, this is not something that should be pushed to the wayside. Transmission problems are very serious and driving with one puts you and everyone else on the road in danger.

The last thing you want is to try to get on the highway, only to discover that your car won’t get up to speed, or to stall out in the middle of nowhere during a long journey. These are some of the things that can happen if you allow transmission problems to fester, and when you do eventually bring your car in for repair, it can increase the cost, time to repair it, and frustration on your part. If you suspect your Range Rover is in need of repairs, call us today to speak with one of our technicians.

European Motor Cars Can Help

You don’t have to let gear problems fester. If you are located in or near Summerlin, Spring Valley, or Las Vegas, Nevada, our technicians at European Motor Cars are happy to help you through your Range Rover’s transmission problems. We have years of experience working with this make and its models. We will determine the problem using the most up-to-date diagnostic tools and to make repairs quickly and affordably. If you would like to set up an appointment or learn more about our automotive repair services, contact us today!