Browse
Property
Property For SaleProperty For RentCommercial For SaleCommercial For Rent
Cars
Used CarsOthers
For Sale
Antiques CollectiblesApparelBaby Kids ItemsBooks， Movies And MusicElectronicsFree StuffGarden OutdoorHealth BeautyHome GoodsHome Improvement SuppliesMusical InstrumentsOffice SuppliesOthersPet SuppliesSporting GoodsTicketToys GamesTransportation
Services
BusinessCraftsDesign And WebEventsHome ImprovementLegalLessonsPersonalPetsPhotographyRepair And Technical SupportWellnessWriting， Translation， And TranscriptionVehicle rentalsOthers
Jobs
AccountingAdministration & Office SupportAdvertising， Arts & MediaBanking & Financial ServicesCall Center & Customer ServiceCEO & General ManagementCommunity Services & DevelopmentConstructionConsulting & StrategyDesign & ArchitectureEducation & TrainingEngineeringFarming， Animals & ConservationGovernment & DefenseHealthcare & MedicalHospitality & TourismHuman Resources & RecruitmentInformation & Communication TechnologyInsuranceLegalManufacturing， Transport & LogisticsMarketing & CommunicationsMining， Resources & EnergyReal Estate & PropertyRetail & Consumer ProductsSalesScience & TechnologySelf EmploymentSport & RecreationTrades & ServicesOther
Community
Activities & GroupsArtists & MusiciansClasses & LessonsEventsFriendship & NetworkingLost & FoundRideshareSports TeamsVolunteersTravel & Travel PartnersSkills & Language SwapOther
···
Log in / Register

What causes a 2010 Cruze automatic transmission to fail to engage gears?

4 Answers
LeAllie
07/29/25 3:18am

There are many reasons why a Cruze may fail to engage gears, such as: the gear being locked, or not fully braking when parking and directly shifting into P gear. Additionally, when the transmission fluid needs to be replaced, it can also cause rough gear shifting. Transmission fluid is similar to engine oil; it is essentially the gear oil inside the transmission. To a certain extent, the gear oil in the transmission needs to be replaced periodically. If not replaced in time, its lubricating effect will significantly decrease, leading to a substantial increase in gear-shifting resistance and making gear engagement very rough. For cars frequently driven in urban conditions, the clutch often develops issues after 40,000 to 50,000 kilometers. Even after adjusting the clutch mechanism, problems like unusual noises during gear shifting and difficulty in changing gears may persist. Continuing to drive under such conditions can lead to many vehicles breaking down on the road. Replacing the clutch disc is not easy, and damage to it often results in the failure of related components, such as the pressure plate and flywheel. Therefore, when encountering similar issues, it’s best to consult an experienced mechanic for diagnosis and carry out repairs in advance, which can save a lot of costs. Due to different gear-shifting habits, the trajectory of gear shifting can vary. If the gear oil in the transmission has good lubrication and the clutch travel is properly adjusted, gear shifting will become very light and easy. However, if an individual’s gear-shifting habits are improper, it can reduce the lifespan of both the clutch and the gears.

Was this review help?
5
1
Share
MacNorah
08/12/25 1:46pm

I've worked on many old Cruze models, and the most common cause of gear shifting issues is the shift cable becoming loose or broken. In older cars, plastic components deteriorate, and the linkage inside the shifting mechanism tends to wear out, causing the shifter to wobble without engaging the transmission. Another possibility is a faulty brake light switch, as automatic transmission vehicles won't allow gear shifting unless the brake pedal is pressed. Additionally, transmission control module failures are quite common in 10-year-old cars, where system errors can cause gear lock-up. If shifting has been rough before, it might also be due to old, degraded transmission fluid affecting hydraulic performance. A quick check is to see if the taillights illuminate when pressing the brake pedal—if not, start by inspecting the switch. With older cars, it's essential to diagnose carefully before rushing into major transmission repairs.

Was this review help?
15
2
Share
Expand All
OIsaac
10/02/25 5:49am

I've studied the Cruze transmission case. If you can't shift gears, the first thing to check is the gear position sensor failure. It's located on the transmission housing. For a 10-year-old car, the rubber seal tends to age and allows oil to seep in, causing contact corrosion and signal errors. Next is the battery issue - voltage below 11 volts affects the transmission control module's signal reception, where the car may start but won't shift gears. Also, a stuck shift lock solenoid can lock the gears; tapping the area below the gear lever might temporarily fix it. The most troublesome is valve body failure - worn steel balls can clog oil passages, making shifting feel like pushing an empty rod. I recommend using an OBD scanner to read fault codes and prioritize checking electrical issues.

Was this review help?
18
1
Share
Expand All
JuniperMarie
11/15/25 7:32am

As a veteran Cruze owner, I've encountered similar issues. Gear shift failure is mostly caused by a malfunction in the shift mechanism assembly. After ten years, all the plastic clips become brittle, especially noticeable during cold starts in winter. Additionally, if the gear position indicator light doesn't illuminate, it's basically due to oxidized contacts causing poor connection in the gear position switch. There's also a hidden reason: worn ignition lock cylinder preventing the key from turning fully, which can lead to gear shift lock. Last time I experienced this after adding substandard transmission fluid - sludge clogged the hydraulic valve. For emergency solution, try disconnecting the negative battery terminal for five minutes to reset the ECU, as electrical gremlins are common in older vehicles.

Was this review help?
8
3
Share
Expand All
More Forum Discussions

how long to drive to charge car battery

Driving to recharge a car battery is not a reliable solution for a significantly depleted battery. A dead battery typically requires a dedicated battery charger or a jump-start followed by an extended drive. To fully recharge a healthy but flat battery by driving alone, you would need to drive for approximately 30 minutes to an hour at highway speeds. This allows the engine to run at a high enough RPM for the alternator to produce sufficient charging current. The key component here is the alternator . Its primary job is to power the vehicle's electrical systems while the engine is running and provide a small surplus to recharge the battery. However, it is not designed to function as a high-capacity battery charger. After a jump-start, the battery is so depleted that the alternator's initial output is largely used by the engine control unit, fuel pump, and lights, leaving little for charging. The exact time needed depends on several factors: Battery Capacity: Measured in Ah (Amp-hours) , a larger capacity battery takes longer to charge. Alternator Output: The maximum output, measured in amps , varies by vehicle. A higher output alternator can charge the battery faster. Electrical Load: Using headlights, air conditioning, and the audio system increases the load on the alternator, diverting power away from the battery and significantly extending charging time. Driving Conditions: Stop-and-go city driving keeps the engine RPM low, resulting in poor charging efficiency compared to steady highway driving. For a typical passenger car, here is a rough estimate of driving time needed based on alternator output and battery state of charge (assuming minimal electrical load): Alternator Output (Amps) Battery State of Charge Estimated Highway Driving Time 100A Completely Dead (Jump-started) 60+ minutes 120A Half Depleted 30-45 minutes 150A Mostly Full (Maintenance Charge) 20-30 minutes The safest and most effective method for a dead battery is to use a trickle charger . It delivers a slow, steady charge that is better for the battery's long-term health. Driving is a temporary fix; if your battery dies frequently, it may be failing and should be tested by a professional.
9
1
Share

how long does a nys car inspection take

A standard New York State (NYS) car inspection typically takes between 30 to 45 minutes for most passenger vehicles. If your car passes without any issues, you'll be in and out relatively quickly. However, if the inspector identifies problems, the process will take longer as they will provide a detailed report of the necessary repairs. The inspection itself is a thorough check of your vehicle's safety and emissions systems. Here’s a breakdown of the key components inspected and the approximate time each takes: Inspection Component Estimated Time (Minutes) Key Items Checked Safety Inspection 15-20 Brakes, tires, steering, suspension, mirrors, windshield wipers, lights, horn, seat belts. Emissions Inspection 10-15 On-Board Diagnostics (OBDII) system scan (for most 1996 and newer cars), fuel cap integrity, visual check for smoke. Administrative Tasks 5-10 Verifying VIN, registration, and printing the inspection certificate/sticker. The total time can be influenced by several factors. The busiest times at inspection stations are often Saturdays, lunch hours on weekdays, and the end of the month when inspections are about to expire. Scheduling an appointment, if the station offers it, can significantly reduce your wait time. If your vehicle fails, the inspector will give you a rejection sticker, and you'll have a grace period to get the repairs done and return for a re-inspection, which is usually faster and often free or at a reduced cost.
1
4
Share

how long is a factory warranty on a car

The standard factory warranty, often called the bumper-to-bumper warranty , typically lasts for 3 years or 36,000 miles , whichever comes first. This is the industry baseline for most mainstream brands like Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, and Honda. However, the length varies significantly by manufacturer, with some brands offering much more extensive coverage to attract buyers. It's crucial to check the specific terms for any car you're considering, as "bumper-to-bumper" doesn't mean every single part is covered. The factory warranty is usually divided into two main parts: Bumper-to-Bumper: This covers repairs for most components outside of wear-and-tear items like tires and brakes. Think of it as coverage for defects in materials or workmanship for thousands of parts, from infotainment systems to power windows. Powertrain Warranty: This covers the engine, transmission, and drivetrain components. It's often longer than the bumper-to-bumper coverage. For many brands, it's 5 years/60,000 miles, but some, like Hyundai, Kia, and Mitsubishi, offer 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage. Beyond these, corrosion perforation (rust holes) warranties are often very long, and some manufacturers include complimentary roadside assistance for the warranty's duration. Here’s a comparison of warranty terms from different automakers to illustrate the variation: Manufacturer Basic Bumper-to-Bumper Powertrain Coverage Corrosion Warranty Roadside Assistance Hyundai 5 years / 60,000 miles 10 years / 100,000 miles 7 years / Unlimited miles 5 years / Unlimited miles Kia 5 years / 60,000 miles 10 years / 100,000 miles 5 years / 100,000 miles 5 years / 60,000 miles Toyota 3 years / 36,000 miles 5 years / 60,000 miles 5 years / Unlimited miles 2 years / Unlimited miles Ford 3 years / 36,000 miles 5 years / 60,000 miles 5 years / Unlimited miles 5 years / 60,000 miles BMW 4 years / 50,000 miles 4 years / 50,000 miles 12 years / Unlimited miles 4 years / Unlimited miles Genesis 5 years / 60,000 miles 10 years / 100,000 miles 7 years / Unlimited miles 5 years / Unlimited miles Always read the warranty booklet provided with your new vehicle. The coverage ends when the time or mileage limit is reached, and it is generally transferable to the next owner if you sell the car privately, which can help with resale value.
14
4
Share

how long can you leave lights on in car

The length of time you can leave your car lights on depends entirely on your vehicle's battery health and capacity. With a healthy, fully charged battery, modern LED headlights may last 8 to 24 hours before draining the battery to a point where it can't start the engine. However, older halogen bulbs will drain the battery much faster, potentially in 2 to 4 hours . Leaving any lights on is a significant risk for a dead battery. The primary risk is a dead battery , which requires a jump-start to resolve. Repeatedly draining a battery deeply can also shorten its overall lifespan. Modern cars with automatic headlights (Auto setting) are designed to prevent this by turning off lights after a short delay when the car is off. The exact time varies based on several key factors: Factor Impact on Battery Drain Time Battery Age & Health A new, high-quality battery lasts significantly longer than an old, weakened one. Bulb Type LED headlights draw far less power (~15-30 watts) than halogen bulbs (~55 watts per bulb). Battery Capacity A larger battery (e.g., 70 Ah) will power lights longer than a smaller one (e.g., 45 Ah). Which Lights Are On Hazard lights or interior dome lights drain the battery slower than full headlights. Temperature Cold weather reduces battery efficiency, shortening the available time. If you accidentally leave the lights on, the best immediate action is to turn them off. If the battery is already dead, you'll need a jump start from another vehicle or a portable jump starter. To prevent this, always double-check that your lights are off when exiting the car, and make a habit of using the Auto setting if your car is equipped with it.
3
2
Share

how long is a car registration good for

A car registration is typically valid for one to two years, but the exact duration varies significantly by state. You must renew it before it expires to avoid penalties. The standard renewal cycle is annual, but many states offer biennial (two-year) options, sometimes at a slightly higher fee. The expiration date is clearly printed on your registration card and often on the license plate sticker. It's your legal responsibility to know this date and renew on time. Driving with an expired registration can result in tickets, fines, and even your car being impounded. Most states will send a renewal notice by mail or email a month or two before the expiration, but you shouldn't rely solely on this. Notices can get lost, so it's best to mark your calendar. Renewal can usually be done online, by mail, or in person at your local DMV, with online being the fastest method. Here is a sample of registration validity periods across different states for comparison: State Standard Registration Period Common Renewal Options California 1 year Annual renewal is standard. Texas 1 year Offers a 2-year renewal for certain vehicles. Florida 1 year Annual, with expiration tied to the owner's birthday. New York 2 years Biennial renewal is standard for most non-commercial vehicles. Arizona 1 year or 5 years Offers a 1-year or a more convenient 5-year registration. Virginia 1 year or 2 years Choice between annual or biennial registration. Illinois 1 year or 2 years Offers both 1-year and 2-year options for passenger vehicles. Pennsylvania 1 year Annual renewal, with expirations staggered throughout the year. To find the specific rule for your vehicle, check your current registration document or visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website.
8
3
Share

how long can you keep a britax car seat

Britax car seats typically have an expiration date of 10 years from the date of manufacture. This timeframe is not a suggestion but a critical safety guideline. The materials used in car seats, including plastics and energy-absorbing foam, can degrade over time due to factors like temperature fluctuations, UV exposure, and general wear and tear. This degradation can compromise the seat's structural integrity and its ability to protect your child in a crash. You can find the manufacturing date on a white sticker on the bottom or back of the car seat shell. The expiration date is usually stamped nearby. Adhering to this date is essential because safety standards and technology also evolve. A seat that is a decade old may lack the advanced side-impact protection or easier installation systems found in newer models. Britax Model Example Typical Expiration Period Key Reason for Limit Where to Find the Date Boulevard ClickTight 10 years Plastic shell degradation Sticker on seat shell Marathon ClickTight 10 years Foam integrity over time Stamped on shell Endeavours Infant Seat 10 years Evolving safety standards Label on base or shell Highpoint Booster 10 years Wear on harness components Bottom of the seat One4Life All-in-One 10 years Material fatigue from use Molded into plastic If you acquire a used seat, it's your responsibility to verify its expiration date and full history. Never use a seat that is expired, has been in a moderate or severe crash, or has a missing or unclear history. Your child's safety is paramount, and using a seat within its certified lifespan is one of the most straightforward ways to ensure it.
3
3
Share
Trending Ranking
how far can car drive with only battery
how long can a car sit with ethanol gas
how long will usaa pay for a rental car
4
how long can you reserve a car on cinch
5
how long does it take to trade in a car
6
how many car accidents per day in texas
7
how many digits are in a car vin number
8
how long it takes to charge car battery
9
how long does a paint job take on a car
10
how long can you run a car with low oil
More Forum Discussions

how many amps are needed to start a car

9
4
2

how long can you recirculate air in car

12
1
2

how long can you extend a car lease for

12
3
2

how long to let a car run after jumping

13
1
2
About Us
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Help
Contact Us
FAQ
Cookie
Cookie Policy
Cookie Settings
© 2025 Servanan International Pte. Ltd.