I am noticing that my auto transmission seems to be "slipping into neutral". I was going home from work yesterday and was in drive doing about 20 MPH. Next thing I know the engine is reving a little higher and the car feels like it is in neutral. I noticed this once about a month and a half ago driving about 70 with the cruise on and it seems like it went to neutral. I am going to mention this to the dealer next time I go in for an oil change, just wanted to see if anyone else has had this problem.

 

you got some issues. Check your fluid level, if all is well you may have worn a belt or the clutch plate that holds the ring gear to go into 2nd in the tranny. Your 1st gear is fine, 3rd is fine and reverse is still good right? I would go to the dealer and tell them your auto drops into neutral after passing first (or is it doing it after 2nd going into third?).

 

hahaha the things i've done to my AT im suprised its still around. mitsu really put a lot of engineering in to the lesser noted aspects of the car. i also drove around on the donut for about 6 months pulling ebrakes and speeding the whole time. the donut is still in my trunk after all that

 

In drive, you can accidently "elbow" the knob to neutral. That has happened to me a few times. Of course, it will never go to park w/o pressing the brake pedal. Reverse. Unknown, nor I'm willing to try on any car.

Did you make any sudden twist on your body like getting something within your car or turn to look at your blindspot?

No on the low tranny fluid. You'll hear grinding noise w/ each shift, especially going to "park" or thumping through the gears at each shift pts or revving extraordinary high at each shift point.

If you were driving and actually witness the movement from "D" to "N". I'll start worrying a lot or call the ghostbusters.

 

it seems that the car is going into neutral not the gear box, so it could be a number of things such as your lockup clutch could be worn or not engaging or any number of other things. Untill you get that on a diagnostic computer we are all just grasping at straws.

 

Thanks All, Just trying to see if anyone else has had this problem. Looks like I'm the only one so far. I have about 11500 miles and it's only done it 2-3 times. The last time being yesterday on my way home from work. I'll try to keep a better eye on what is all happening when it does it, and one eye out for those damn ghosts .

 

trust me your not the only one. i have the sam problem in my automatic 02 oz. It seems to loose its gear and ends up in a nuetral position for a sec. that not when shifting. and not from anything hitting the shifter. i have about 45,000 miles on her and have not changed the fluid. i plan on doing so soon. but ya, my auto is acting funny too!!

 

Customlancer, have you said anything to the dealer? If so, what was their response? I will be taking mine in sometime later this month for a service and to have them look it over and any information that I can use with them would be a great help!!

 

i havent taken it in. Im afraid that they will say somethings broken that'll cost money i dont have. plus i think its the way i drive. I would have to admit, I am rough with my baby.

 

how many miles you got on it? IT could be under warranty. believe me ignoring it wont make it go away. it may save you money in the long run. A $200 service is much cheaper than a $2000 transmission.

 

i have just about 45,000 miles on her. i should service the tranny. thanks for the advice. you make a good point guru!!

 

Good luck, please post with any results that you get, thanks. I will post my results once I take it in.

 

could it been the transmission was downshifting because it was slightly uphill and shift back because it realized it wasn't that steep?

 

Not in my case, I was cruising along during rush hour and was going about 15-20 mph. The engine rpms jumped up without going faster. I put the tranny in neutral, then back in drive and all was well.

 

There really aren't any Lancers in the US right now that aren't still under warranty and this is definitely a warranty repair. That means it's not a $200 service or a $2000 transmission - it's free.
-N