What are the reasons why an automatic transmission car does not move when shifted into reverse?
3 Answers
Automatic transmission cars do not move when shifted into reverse due to the following reasons: 1. The gear is not fully engaged; 2. The handbrake is not released; 3. The gear synchronizer in the transmission is stuck; 4. Reverse gear oil circuit leakage; 5. Reverse gear and high gear clutch failure or reverse gear brake slippage. An automatic transmission eliminates the need for the driver to manually shift gears, as the vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions. Typically, automatic transmission cars have six gear positions, arranged from top to bottom as: P, R, N, D, S, L. Driving an automatic transmission car generally requires the use of the parking gear (P), reverse gear (R), neutral gear (N), and drive gear (D) to meet driving needs. However, in some special driving environments, other functional gears may be required.
I often help friends with car issues. If an automatic transmission car doesn't move when shifted into reverse, it could be due to low transmission fluid level causing gears not to engage; or a faulty brake switch, as many cars require firmly pressing the brake to shift gears; it might also be that the gear selector isn't fully moved to the R position, which seems minor but can cause jamming; sometimes it's an engine power transmission issue, like clutch slippage or torque converter damage. My suggestion is to first do a simple check: sit firmly, press the brake pedal hard, and try shifting; if that doesn't work, start the car and check the dashboard for warning lights. Regular transmission fluid maintenance can prevent issues, otherwise waiting until a breakdown means towing is too late. Don't attempt DIY repairs; it's better to visit a professional shop for peace of mind.
Last time when I was driving in the parking lot, the car wouldn't move after shifting into reverse gear, which scared me into a cold sweat. After checking, I found out it was because the brake wasn't fully pressed down, and the seat was too far forward, making my movements inadequate. It worked normally after adjustment. My friend's car had a broken transmission sensor, so the signal couldn't reach the computer, and it was fixed after replacing a small part. Common reasons also include the engine not starting properly or the gear lever being too old and loose; cold starts in winter can also cause stuttering. Simple steps: ensure the car is fully started, press the brake firmly, and pause for a few seconds after shifting gears; if it still doesn't work after several attempts, get it repaired as soon as possible to prevent more expensive major repairs. Pay attention to smooth gear shifting in driving habits.
