What are the reasons why an automatic transmission car does not move when the accelerator is pressed?
3 Answers
Automatic transmission car does not move when the accelerator is pressed due to: 1. The clutch is not fully engaged; 2. The car's handbrake is not released; 3. The gear is stuck and not fully engaged; 4. The clutch friction plate is severely worn. The letter meanings of an automatic transmission car are: P stands for Parking, R stands for Reverse, N stands for Neutral, D stands for Drive, L stands for Low gear, S stands for Sport mode, and OD stands for Overdrive. Precautions for driving an automatic transmission car are: 1. Do not shift into P while driving; 2. After driving, the engine must be turned off and shifted into P to remove the key; 3. Do not shift into N while driving to coast.
I've been driving automatic transmission cars for over a decade and have encountered several instances where pressing the accelerator didn't move the car. The most common issue is transmission-related, such as the gear not being in Drive (D) but stuck in Neutral (N) or Park (P), making it impossible to accelerate. Sometimes, it's due to aged or insufficient transmission fluid, causing the gears to turn roughly. Engine problems shouldn't be overlooked either; a clogged fuel pump or faulty ignition coil can prevent power delivery. Electronic Control Module (ECM) failures are even more troublesome, as the computer might misinterpret signals and lock the powertrain. Once, my car stalled at an intersection because of a faulty throttle position sensor. In such situations, don't panic—first try turning the engine off and restarting, or gently press the brake to check if it's stuck. It's crucial to promptly visit a repair shop to inspect the chassis and safety systems to avoid stalling in the middle of the road and causing accidents. This is about driving safety—never delay.
As a car enthusiast, I often tinker with automatic transmissions. When the accelerator doesn't respond, it's mostly due to incorrect transmission status. The most typical case is wrong gear selection, like being restricted in snow mode or eco mode. Another common issue is sensor failure - either the throttle position sensor or wheel speed sensor sending erratic signals, misleading the ECU to cut power. On the engine side, intake manifold leaks or faulty spark plugs can cause weak acceleration. Also, this happens when the engine isn't properly warmed up, especially during cold winter starts. A friend's Corolla once had this issue - turns out the transmission fluid needed changing. First check the dashboard warning lights yourself. Don't force the accelerator as it might damage internal components, affecting fuel efficiency and performance.
