Solutions for Car Not Moving When in Gear
2 Answers
Remove the plug from the main oil passage pressure test hole, start the engine, and shift the control lever to the forward gear position to check if there is hydraulic oil flowing out from the test hole. If there is no hydraulic oil flowing out from the main oil passage pressure test hole, open the oil pan and inspect whether there is any looseness between the manual valve rocker arm shaft and the rocker arm. Open the oil pan and check if the oil pump inlet filter screen is clogged. If there is some oil pressure in the main oil passage when starting the engine cold, but the oil pressure drops significantly after the engine warms up, it indicates that the oil pump is worn.
I've encountered several situations where the car wouldn't shift gears. The most common issue with manual transmissions is a slipping or completely failed clutch, where pressing the pedal offers no resistance. For automatic transmissions, it's often a problem with the transmission control module, causing gear shifting to fail. Another possibility is that the handbrake isn't fully released, jamming the wheels, especially in winter when it can freeze. Other causes include a broken driveshaft, differential failure, or the transmission fluid running out. To address it, I first ensure the handbrake is released and then try shifting gears again. If an automatic car doesn't respond, I check if the transmission fluid level is low. For safety, avoid forcing the car to start, as this could damage the engine or transmission. If the issue is beyond my capability, I immediately call a tow truck to take it to a professional repair shop, where diagnostic tools can identify the core problem.
