The car is started, but why doesn't it move forward?
3 Answers
The reasons for not moving forward are as follows: 1. Neutral gear is engaged: When in neutral, the vehicle's gearshift lever is not placed in any forward or reverse gear, and the transmission is completely separated from the drive wheels. At this time, the vehicle has no forward power. 2. Reverse gear is engaged: The function of reverse gear is simple, which is to make the vehicle move in the opposite direction and achieve reversing. A vehicle with reverse gear engaged will move backward instead of forward. 3. Handbrake is not released: The handbrake is used to stabilize the vehicle after it is parked, to prevent accidents caused by the vehicle rolling on a slope. Therefore, when starting the vehicle, the handbrake should be released, otherwise it will affect the vehicle's forward movement. 4. The vehicle is stuck by an obstacle: When the vehicle is blocked by road obstacles, it may not have enough forward power due to excessive resistance. 5. Engine power failure: When there is a power failure, the vehicle loses its forward power and naturally cannot move forward.
I recently encountered this situation - I started the engine and pressed the accelerator, but the car wouldn't move at all. It scared me so much I almost called the police. It might be because the gear was still in P or N, and I completely forgot to shift to drive. Or with a manual transmission, if you don't press the clutch pedal, the accelerator won't work. Another common issue is when the handbrake isn't fully released, making it feel like the wheels are stuck. There's also a significant chance of transmission failure, such as insufficient oil pressure or internal mechanical problems, which can cause power transmission to fail. It could also be a faulty sensor causing the onboard computer to misinterpret signals and cut power. I recommend immediately checking the gear position and handbrake. If the car still won't move, don't force it - it's safer to have it diagnosed by a professional repair shop. Forcing it could damage the transmission.
As a veteran driver with thirty years of experience, I must say this isn't anything new. The most common issue is incorrect gear selection—still in park or neutral; for manual transmissions, the clutch might not be fully depressed. Check if the handbrake is completely released, as rust can sometimes cause it to stick. Faults in the driveshaft or differential can also make moving forward difficult, especially if you hear unusual noises. Automatic transmissions perform worse when fluid levels are low or deteriorated. My advice is to turn off the engine, restart it, and try shifting gears again. If that doesn't work, stop and seek assistance. Don't attempt too many times to prevent engine overload.
