What Are the Reasons for a Vehicle Not Moving When in Gear?

[DiLillian]

The reason a vehicle does not move when in gear is a comprehensive functional failure of the car: 1. If both rear wheels are thrown out, it may be due to a broken axle sleeve or the wheel hub bearing lock nut coming off; 2. If the drive shaft rotates but the car does not move, the fault lies in the rear axle. When turning one rear wheel, if the drive shaft does not rotate and the other rear wheel rotates in reverse, it indicates that all the rivets of the driven bevel gear are sheared. If the other rear wheel also does not rotate, the half shaft should be disassembled and inspected for breakage; 3. If the drive shaft does not rotate when the transmission is in a certain gear, the fault is in the transmission. The transmission cover should be removed to check if the transmission fork is broken or if the guide block fixing screws have fallen off; 4. If the drive shaft does not rotate in any gear of the transmission, the fault lies in the clutch. Check if it is severely slipping, if all the spline teeth of the clutch driven disc hub and the steel plate rivets are sheared, or if the steel plate is broken. Replace the parts or perform repairs based on the fault location.

[Gretchen]

As an experienced veteran car owner, I've encountered several instances where the car wouldn't move after shifting gears, which is often caused by clutch issues. In manual transmission vehicles, worn or slipping clutch plates can prevent power from reaching the wheels, making it feel like the gear is engaged but the car doesn't move. Sometimes this problem is more noticeable during cold starts because the clutch fluid hasn't warmed up yet. Another possibility is transmission failure, such as stuck gears or damaged synchronizers, which are more likely to occur after prolonged high-load driving. My suggestion is, if shifting gears doesn't produce any response, try pressing the clutch pedal a few more times to see if it helps. If not, take it to a professional repair shop immediately to avoid damaging the transmission. Regularly changing clutch fluid and transmission oil can prevent many problems - safe driving should always come first.

[Mercedes]

My automatic transmission car previously had an issue where it wouldn't move after shifting gears, and it turned out to be a problem with the transmission control system. Many modern cars rely heavily on computers and sensors. For example, if the gear position sensor fails or gets clogged with dirt, it can prevent the gear signal from being transmitted. Alternatively, insufficient or contaminated transmission fluid can affect the operation of the hydraulic system. After starting the car, check the dashboard for any warning lights, such as the engine light or abnormal gear indicators. From my experience, start by simply checking the fluid level and cleanliness. If that doesn't help, use an onboard diagnostic tool to read the error codes. Addressing minor electronic system faults promptly can prevent them from escalating into major transmission repairs.

[LePeter]

As someone who often helps friends with car repairs, the reasons for a car not moving when in gear can be complex, but the troubleshooting steps are quite straightforward. First, confirm whether the handbrake is released or if the gear is properly engaged without any misoperation. Then, check the clutch fluid level or automatic transmission fluid level—insufficient fluid can cause transmission failure. If it's a mechanical issue, such as a deformed clutch pressure plate or internal transmission wear, professional inspection is needed. Tip: Try shifting gears a few times while stationary; if there's no resistance or abnormal noise, it's likely time for a repair—don't tamper with it to avoid making things worse.