Here's a breakdown of the likely causes and what you should do:
Possible Causes of Second Gear Slip:
* Worn Clutch Pack: This is the most common culprit. The clutch pack in second gear is worn out, allowing the gears to slip instead of engaging properly.
* Low Transmission Fluid: Insufficient fluid can lead to insufficient lubrication and pressure, causing slippage. Check your fluid level *first* – it's the cheapest and easiest check. Low fluid may indicate a leak, which needs to be addressed.
* Contaminated Transmission Fluid: Dirty or burnt transmission fluid can damage the clutch packs and other internal components.
* Worn Synchronizers: These help match the speed of the gears before they engage. Worn synchronizers can lead to grinding and slippage.
* Internal Transmission Damage: More serious issues, like broken gears or internal wear, can also cause slippage. This is less likely if the problem is only in second gear.
* Valve Body Problems: The valve body controls fluid flow within the transmission. Problems here can affect gear engagement.
What You Should Do:
1. Check the Transmission Fluid: This is crucial. Consult your owner's manual for the correct procedure and fluid type. If the level is low, add the correct fluid, but be aware that this is only a temporary fix if there's a leak.
2. Have it Professionally Diagnosed: Take your GTP to a reputable transmission shop or mechanic specializing in automatic transmissions. They have the tools and expertise to diagnose the specific problem. They can perform a proper fluid and filter change (if needed) and conduct a more in-depth inspection.
3. Get a Repair Estimate: Once the problem is identified, get a written estimate for the repair. Transmission repairs can be expensive, so it's important to understand the costs before proceeding.
4. Consider the Cost vs. Value: Depending on the age and condition of your GTP, the cost of a transmission repair might exceed the vehicle's value. Weigh the repair cost against the car's overall worth before committing to the repair.
Do NOT attempt to fix this yourself unless you have extensive experience working on automatic transmissions. Improper repair can lead to catastrophic transmission failure, resulting in a much more expensive repair or the need for a complete transmission replacement.
