What Causes an Automatic Transmission Car Not to Move When Accelerating?
2 Answers
An automatic transmission car not moving when accelerating may be due to the clutch not fully engaging, the handbrake not being released, or worn clutch plates. Introduction to Automatic Transmission Gears: Generally, an automatic transmission has 6 to 7 gears arranged sequentially from front to back. These are: P (Park), R (Reverse), N (Neutral), D (Drive), with some drive gears including D, 3, 2, and 1. Some models have only three drive gears (D, 2, 1). If equipped with a four-speed transmission, there is an additional overdrive selection switch (O/D) to engage the overdrive gear. Correct Driving Method for Automatic Transmission Cars: The correct driving method for an automatic transmission car is to start the engine with the gear lever in the P position. Additionally, the brake pedal must be depressed to shift from P to other gears. When starting, push the gear lever to a lower gear (i.e., 2 or 1, some models also have 3), and after the speed increases to a certain level, shift to D for normal driving. When cruising at high speeds on highways, selecting the O/D gear can save fuel.
When the car doesn't move after stepping on the accelerator, I think it might be a common minor issue. For example, forgetting to release the handbrake, especially when starting on a slope, the car will feel like it's locked and completely unresponsive. Another reason could be that the gear shift lever isn't in D or R position, still stuck in P or N, where the engine revs loudly but the wheels don't turn. I've made this mistake myself and was extremely nervous at the time, but luckily restarting the car solved the problem. If it's not these issues, there might be a transmission problem, such as insufficient oil or a faulty torque converter, preventing power from reaching the wheels. Engine issues like stalling or insufficient fuel can also cause this—remember to check the fuel tank indicator light. In such situations, I recommend pulling over first, avoiding hard acceleration to prevent damage to components, then checking the basics and trying to restart the engine. If that doesn't work, seek professional help, as safety is the top priority. It's important to develop good driving habits, such as confirming the handbrake is released and the gear is properly engaged before starting, to reduce such incidents.
