What are the reasons why an automatic transmission car does not move after starting and shifting gears?
3 Answers
Automatic transmission car does not move after starting and shifting gears due to reasons such as the handbrake not being released, clutch failure, or not pressing the brake pedal. If the handbrake of an automatic transmission car is not released, the vehicle may also not move when shifting into reverse gear. Automatic transmission vehicles generally have two types of handbrakes: mechanical and electronic. For a mechanical handbrake, you can press the handbrake button, lift it slightly upwards, and then release it. For an electronic handbrake, the issue might be a stuck motor or switch. The owner can disconnect the battery negative terminal for a few minutes and then reconnect it. If there is a failure in the reverse gear clutch or high gear clutch, or if the reverse gear brake is slipping, the owner should take the car to a 4S shop or repair shop for professional handling to resolve the issue. To shift into or out of the R gear, the brake pedal should be pressed, and the safety button on the gear lever should be pressed or the gear lever should be pushed down. Both P gear and N gear can be directly switched to R gear, but switching between forward gear and R gear should pause at N gear.
As a seasoned driver with years of automatic transmission experience, I can tell you this situation is quite common. The most frequent cause is not pressing the brake before shifting gears, as vehicles have safety lock mechanisms to prevent accidental movement. It could also be due to a loose or worn-out shift linkage, causing the command not to transmit properly. If the engine revs loudly after shifting but the car doesn't move, there might be an issue with the transmission—perhaps low or dirty fluid affecting hydraulic pressure. Another possibility is a faulty sensor, which controls gear shifting. Don't forget to check if the parking brake is released or if there's any debris stuck in the tires. If this happens, avoid forcing the car to move, as it could lead to more severe damage. Instead, stop and inspect the issue first; if unresolved, visit a repair shop for diagnosis. Regular maintenance is crucial—don't skip periodic transmission fluid changes.
When driving an automatic transmission car, I have also encountered situations where the car doesn't move after shifting gears, usually because the brake pedal wasn't fully depressed after starting. Automatic transmissions are designed with a misoperation prevention function, which only releases the gear when the brake is firmly pressed. Other reasons include loose or worn shift cables that interrupt the shifting signal, or abnormal engine operation, such as excessively high temperatures affecting power transmission. Electronic systems can sometimes malfunction, such as gear position sensor failure. I recommend first trying to firmly press the brake pedal a few times. If that doesn't work, check if the transmission fluid is sufficient or deteriorated, as these can prevent issues. Avoid starting on slopes for extended periods. Never risk driving under such conditions—safety first. Seek professional repair promptly.
