What are the reasons for the warning light being on and the car not shifting gears?
2 Answers
The reasons for the car warning light being on and the inability to shift gears include the following. Dead battery: This could be due to the car headlights being left on for a long time, causing battery drain, or the battery lifespan has expired. It is generally recommended to replace the battery every 2 years. Additionally, installing xenon headlights, high-power audio systems, or DVD players can also cause vehicle circuit failures. Checking for a dead battery is simple—just press the horn. Incorrect gear position: For automatic transmission vehicles, the gear must be in P (Park) or N (Neutral) when starting. If it is in R (Reverse) or D (Drive), the car won't start. Some manual transmission cars may also fail to start if the clutch is not pressed. Fuel quality issues: Water or sediment in the fuel tank can cause problems. It is advised to refuel at reputable gas stations. When traveling, you can use a gauze wrap over the fuel nozzle to filter out impurities. Lack of antifreeze: Adding water or low-quality antifreeze to the car can cause the entire cooling system to freeze in extremely cold winter conditions, leading to engine block cracks, failure of the water pump to function, inability to start the car, and damage to other engine components.
I just encountered a similar issue where the gear wouldn't engage when the warning light came on, and it really stressed me out at the time. From experience, the main cause is usually a transmission system error, such as insufficient or degraded hydraulic fluid—low pressure naturally prevents gear shifting. The warning light typically indicates the onboard computer has detected an abnormal signal; things like a faulty sensor, loose wiring, or control module failure can trigger a protective mode that locks the gears. Some automatic transmission models also behave this way when an engine fault is detected. My advice is to first check the transmission fluid: park the car, pull out the dipstick to inspect the level and color—top it up with fresh fluid if it's low. But if the fluid is black or has a burnt smell, you must replace it entirely. If you can't handle it yourself, tow it to a repair shop—don't force it, or you'll risk damaging parts and facing even costlier repairs. Regular transmission fluid maintenance is crucial; I change mine every two years to avoid such hassles and save money in the long run.
