What Causes a Van to Start but Not Move When Shifted into Gear?
2 Answers
The reasons why a van starts but does not move when shifted into gear are as follows: 1. Torque converter: The torque converter shaft is seized, causing the fuel injection pump to stop working. 2. Lubricating oil: The lubricating oil passage is blocked, leading to insufficient lubrication, which results in the planetary gear carrier burning out. 3. Oil pump shaft: The oil pump shaft is broken, causing the oil pump to stop working or the differential to lack oil and burn out. 4. Transmission: The transmission oil pan is damaged, and all the transmission oil leaks out, causing vehicle issues. 5. Solenoid valve: The transmission valve body or solenoid valve is damaged and not functioning. 6. Loose linkage: The linkage or cable between the gear shift lever and the manual valve rocker arm is loose, keeping the manual valve in the neutral or parking position.
I've been driving a van for over a decade and have encountered the issue of the vehicle not moving after starting and shifting gears several times. The possible causes could be a clutch system failure, such as severely worn clutch plates preventing power transmission, or low fluid levels making the pedal feel unresponsive. Other reasons include loose or jammed shift linkage preventing the gear from engaging properly, or if the handbrake isn't fully released, it can lock the wheels. I remember once during a delivery run when this suddenly happened, and it turned out to be a problem with the differential lock. From a safety perspective, it's crucial to turn off the engine immediately and inspect: first, check if the handbrake warning light is off, then lightly press the accelerator to listen for any changes in the engine sound. Avoid forcing the vehicle to move to prevent damage to the transmission. Vans often carry heavy loads, leading to faster clutch wear, so I recommend annual maintenance of the drivetrain system to avoid costly and time-consuming major repairs.
