It can be frustrating if your Honda Fit isn't changing gears. If the car isn't shifting gears, it is tough to get from point A to point B. So what could cause your Honda Fit to have this issue? We have researched for you to narrow down the reason(s) for this issue.
Whether you have a manual or automatic transmission will determine why your Honda Fit is not changing gears. For both transmission types, low transmission fluid is a common culprit to gear shifting issues. The issue could be from low fluid in the master cylinder, broken clutch cable, bad brake light switch, or bad sequencers for manual transmissions.
As you can see, there are several potential culprits with shifting issues. A Honda Fit is dependable, but like any vehicle, it isn't perfect. This article will discuss the shifter gear issues for both the automatic and manual transmissions on the Honda Fit. In addition, we will discuss the repair costs. Without further ado, let's get into it!
Honda Fit Not Changing Gears - What Could Be Wrong?
The transmission is a tricky thing to deal with. It's not always easy to tell what might be wrong when it won't shift properly.
This might be a sign that the vehicle will need to go into a shop for repair. However, the reasons as to why this is happening can depend on if it is a manual or automatic transmission Honda Fit.
Low Transmission Fluid
The first thing to check is to ensure that the transmission fluid isn't low. This can cause problems with not being able to get out of park or shifting gears.
Low transmission fluid can be a symptom of a bigger issue. It might be time to take the vehicle in for a full checkout from an experienced mechanic, but it's something to check for.
Low Fluid In Master Cylinder
If the transmission fluid is full but isn't shifting properly, there are other things to look for. For example, low fluid in the master cylinder can cause shifter problems. The clutch doesn't engage when this happens because of the low fluid in the master cylinder.
The Brake Light Switch
Another possible solution is looking at the brake light switch because it could be faulty. For those who have a manual transmission, the brake light switch could be behind the clutch pedal, and for those with an automatic, it will be on or near your brake pedals.
You may have to remove a few things from under the dash before accessing either switch. In addition, the toggle for this might have become bent or just worn down, so it could need replacing if that does not work.
Bad Sequencer
A bad sequencer can be another cause for not shifting gears because the vehicle won't know what gear it is supposed to shift into.
A sequencer is like a second computer for the transmission, and it sends out the right signals to shift correctly. So, for example, if you have a manual Honda Fit, it can't shift into first gear without this being in working order.
With that being said, the car won't do anything until this is fixed because it is telling it to shift incorrectly.
But again, the same rules apply for those with an automatic transmission as well. Your local mechanic can inspect this to determine if it is faulty or needs a proper cleaning before anything else.
Broken Gear Selector Cable
Another issue that you could be having with the automatic transmission is a broken gear selector cable. The cable can get worn out and can no longer select which gear the vehicle should go into.
Another item to check for on an automatic transmission is faulty circuitry or a short in any circuitry. This could potentially cause your vehicle not to shift gears correctly, which will require you to replace or rewire any faulty components.
Broken Clutch Cable
A broken clutch cable could be another reason for your Honda Fit not shifting gears for manual transmissions because the cable might have snapped.
This is usually a sign that you need to replace or at least inspect the cable. The cable can get worn out over time and eventually snap without warning, so it's better to have it checked out by a mechanic sooner than later.
Honda Fit Manual Transmission Problems
In addition to all of the above, there are usually a few signs that point out a manual transmission problem. The first sign is if the car grinds when shifting gears. This means that there could be debris in the transmission, and it needs to be flushed out before anything else.
In addition, a grinding noise can also mean that the gears are not lining up correctly and need to be inspected closely. You will have to remove the transmission cover and inspect all gears for any abnormalities or problems to check this.
Another issue with a manual car is if it won't move when you shift into gear. This usually means that the clutch is gone and needs to be replaced. However, if you hear a grinding noise when trying to shift into gear, then it may just need to be flushed out.
A final symptom of a manual transmission problem is if the vehicle won't go into any gears or has trouble shifting between two gears.
If you put your car in neutral and rev the engine, it should go to a high RPM. If this does not happen, it probably means that the clutch is bad and cannot disengage or change gears.
Honda Fit Automatic Transmission Problems
Like we mentioned above, there are usually a few signs of an automatic transmission problem as well.
The first of which is the car not moving at all, even in gear. If an automatic goes into gear and you try to drive it but it won't budge, the transmission has a problem.
Another sign that an automatic may have is that the gears grind or don't shift right. Again, this may only happen once or twice. If this happens to you multiple times, it probably means a problem with the transmission.
One final symptom of an automatic transmission issue is if the car revs excessively high when in gear. If this happens to you, your car might have short circuitry and require you to take it to your mechanic for inspection.
In any case, if you are having issues with your Honda Fit shifting gears, then there is probably something wrong with either the transmission or some circuitry.
Where is the Honda Fit transmission control module located?
The Honda Fit transmission control module is also known as the TCM or ECU. The ECU controls all of the electronic components related to your engine and interacts with other elements on the car.
The transmission control module can often be found at or near the back of your car's engine. It will usually go underneath other modules, so you'll have to look around for it!
Sometimes this component is located under the center console in an interior compartment. Lastly, it could be under the hood by the battery. Where precisely the TCM is will depend on what year and model of Honda Fit you have.
To check the TCM, you will have to open up a diagnostic test in your car's computer system, which your mechanic can access. The TCM is connected to this system, so it can be tested through the computer to see any malfunctions or issues.
How much does it cost to fix a transmission control module?
Fixing a transmission control module can cost a pretty penny. RepairPal states that the repair can cost, on average, between $716 and $779!
If you are given a hefty repair bill, you aren't obligated to have the part fixed. You can weigh the pros and cons of using the money to buy another vehicle if you have to address if this is a rare fix or if the vehicle has been nickel and diming you for some time.
If a vehicle continually has repair issues, it may be time to look for a new one.
Honda Fit Transmission Replacement Cost
Coggin Honda in Jacksonville, Florida, states the cost of a new Honda Fit transmission could be over $3,500 depending on the vehicle. However, transmission services such as fluid changes and flushings are considerably fewer expensive, in some cases costing less than 150 dollars!
Is it worth replacing the transmission?
Determining if it is worth replacing a transmission can make for a tough decision. As we said above, transmission replacements can be upwards of $3,500. Some mechanics are willing to do a payment plan. However, that money instead could go towards a new and more reliable vehicle.
In closing
Overall, if your Honda Fit isn't changing gears, get it into a mechanic you trust. Diagnosing it yourself can be difficult unless you are an experienced mechanic.
A mechanic will give you a good idea of the total costs to repair the issue, and then you can make an educated decision from there.
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