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2018 Encore transmission jerking and delayed shifts - what's going on?

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Kim L. · rep 0 · May 22, 3:54 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Buick Encore Preferred

Hey everyone, I'm having some really frustrating issues with my 2018 Buick Encore Preferred. It's only got about 65,000 miles on it, and lately, the transmission has been acting up.

When I'm accelerating, especially from a stop or at lower speeds, it feels like it's jerking pretty hard between gears. Sometimes there's a noticeable delay before it shifts, almost like it's slipping. It's making me nervous about driving it, especially in traffic.

Has anyone else experienced this with their Encore? Is this a known issue for this model year? Any advice on what I should be looking at or asking a mechanic to check?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 3:54 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Transmission jerking and delayed shifts in your 2018 Buick Encore can be concerning, but it's a problem with several common causes. Here's what you should investigate:

  1. Check Transmission Fluid Level and Condition:

    • Cause: Low or dirty transmission fluid is a frequent culprit. Over time, fluid can degrade or leak, reducing its lubricating and hydraulic properties.
    • Action: Check the fluid level according to your owner's manual (often with the engine warm and running). Note its color and smell; burnt smell or dark color indicates degradation.

  2. Transmission Solenoids:

    • Cause: The transmission uses solenoids to control fluid flow and engage gears. Faulty or sticking solenoids can lead to erratic shifting, delays, or harsh engagement.
    • Action: A diagnostic scan can often pinpoint solenoid issues, sometimes showing codes like P0751 (Shift Solenoid 'A' Performance) or P0700 (Transmission Control System Malfunction).

  3. Transmission Control Module (TCM) Software:

    • Cause: Sometimes, the TCM's software can have glitches or require updates to optimize shift points and performance. Buick has issued TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) for various transmission behaviors.
    • Action: A dealership or a specialized transmission shop can check for and apply any available software updates.

  4. Internal Transmission Wear:

    • Cause: While less common at 65,000 miles, internal wear on clutch packs or other components can cause slipping and harsh shifts.
    • Action: This is usually a last resort diagnosis after other simpler causes are ruled out.

When to See a Shop: It's highly recommended to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic or a Buick dealership as soon as possible. Ignoring transmission problems can lead to more severe and costly damage. They can perform a diagnostic scan, check for TSBs, and accurately diagnose the root cause of the shifting issues.

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