What are the reasons for an automatic transmission car not moving when starting?
3 Answers
Automatic transmission car not moving when starting reasons are as follows: 1. Car does not move when in gear: The car does not move when in gear, which is a comprehensive functional failure involving the clutch, transmission, and drive axle. When diagnosing, the fault location should be determined first, and the condition of the two wheels can be checked first. The order of diagnosis is generally from the drive wheels forward through the rear axle to the drive shaft and then to the transmission, and finally to the clutch. If the drive shaft rotates but the car does not move forward, the fault is in the rear axle. 2. Car does not move when starting in a certain gear, drive shaft does not rotate: If the car does not move when starting in a certain gear and the drive shaft does not rotate, it indicates that the fault is in the transmission. Remove the transmission cover and check whether the transmission shift fork is broken or whether the guide block fixing screws are loose. If the above checks are normal, perform a gear engagement test. If the second shaft does not rotate in a certain gear, it means the half-round key of that gear is cut off.
I've been driving for over 20 years and have encountered several situations where an automatic transmission car wouldn't move when starting. The most common reason is forgetting to release the brake - many modern cars now have active brake systems that will automatically lock and prevent starting if the brake is pressed too hard or if the pedal doesn't return to position. Not fully releasing the parking brake is another frequent mistake, especially when rushing out the door. If the transmission fluid is too old or insufficient, it can cause inadequate internal lubrication, making the car hesitate to move. A faulty gear position sensor might also make the car think it's not in Drive. Once, my car had an issue with unstable oil pressure due to aging torque converter seals. My advice is to first check basic operations: make sure the brake is released, the gear is in D or R position, and the parking brake is disengaged. If that doesn't work, promptly check the transmission's condition - don't underestimate it, as minor issues left unattended can damage major components. Regular transmission fluid changes during routine maintenance can prevent problems and avoid unnecessary repair troubles.
Recently, as a novice driver, I encountered the embarrassing situation of my car not being able to start, which really panicked me. At first, I thought the gear lever wasn't pushed into place, stuck in Neutral instead of Drive. After struggling for a while, I found out the sensor of the electronic handbrake was malfunctioning, causing the system to lock and not release. Sometimes, low battery power can also affect the transmission response—the engine starts but the power doesn't transfer. If the brake discs are rusty or contaminated, they might temporarily lock the wheels. A simple solution is to turn off the engine and restart the car, then re-operate the gear and brake. Regular practice of starting operations helps familiarize yourself with your car's functions, such as how to use the auto-hold system. When encountering such issues, don't panic—checking basic items first can save a lot of time and effort. Temperature fluctuations in the fuel system due to weather changes might also cause temporary blockages.
