Browse

Property For Sale Property For Rent

Used Cars Others

Antiques Collectibles Apparel Baby Kids Items Books， Movies And Music Electronics Free Stuff Garden Outdoor Health Beauty Home Goods Home Improvement Supplies Musical Instruments Office Supplies Others Pet Supplies Sporting Goods Ticket Toys Games Transportation

Business Crafts Design And Web Events Home Improvement Legal Lessons Personal Pets Photography Repair And Technical Support Wellness Writing， Translation， And Transcription Others

Activities & Groups Artists & Musicians Classes & Lessons Events Friendship & Networking Lost & Found Rideshare Sports Teams Volunteers Travel & Travel Partners Skills & Language Swap Other

What Causes an Automatic Transmission Car to Suddenly Fail to Shift Gears?

2 Answers

BeckettMarie

09/07/25 7:09am

Here are the specific reasons why an automatic transmission car suddenly fails to shift gears: Cold Weather: Difficulty in shifting gears in cold weather is a normal phenomenon. After starting the cold car and driving for a while, the transmission temperature rises, making shifting easier. Possible Gear Damage: The positioning component of the gear lever's ball head may lose its function, allowing the gear lever to rotate freely around its own axis, making it impossible to accurately control the gear. Wear on the Spherical Working Surface: If the spherical working surface at the lower end of the gear lever is worn, the gear lever cannot control the shifting fork or the shifting head's slot, making both shifting into and out of gear impossible.

Was this review help?

14

5

Share

SanAlejandro

09/19/25 6:17am

I've encountered situations where an automatic transmission car suddenly can't shift gears several times, which is quite common. The most frequent cause is a faulty brake switch, because I need to press the brake pedal to shift gears. If the switch fails, the system thinks I'm not pressing the brake, leaving it stuck there. Low or deteriorated transmission fluid level can also cause issues. If the fluid is too thin or insufficient, internal components can't be lubricated, and the shifting mechanism gets jammed. Last time my car had this problem, I found the fluid had turned black when checking the oil pan. Another minor trouble is a blown fuse in the control system, preventing gear signals from being transmitted. Simply replacing the fuse solved it. I suggest staying calm first, trying to gently wiggle the steering wheel or press the brake pedal a few more times. If that doesn't work, pull over immediately to check the fluid level or call for roadside assistance. Regular transmission fluid changes during maintenance can prevent this, saving both money and hassle.

Was this review help?

15

4

Share

Expand All

More Forum Discussions

What brand of engine does the Hongqi H9 use?

Hongqi H9's engine is produced by China FAW. This V6 engine, codenamed CA4GC20TD-31, is a domestically independently developed V6 engine. The CA4GC20TD-31 V6 engine is not equipped with a common turbocharger, but rather with a supercharger. This engine incorporates many technologies, such as a 200BAR fuel injection system. High-pressure fuel injection can effectively improve fuel atomization, thereby promoting gasoline combustion, which not only enhances power but also effectively reduces harmful emissions. During low-speed driving, the variable tumble technology can reduce the intake cross-section to lower emissions; during high-speed driving, it increases the intake cross-section to boost air intake. The engine consistently maintains excellent dynamic responsiveness. Coupled with the supercharger, it provides the engine with more efficient air intake, enhancing power while also improving fuel combustion quality.

What does EPC displayed on the vehicle dashboard mean?

The EPC indicator light has two illumination states: power-on self-test illumination and illumination under other circumstances. The power-on self-test is an indication that the vehicle monitors the status of all sensors before driving. Generally, if the vehicle is not started after power-on, the light will turn off by itself after about 3 seconds. In other cases, if the EPC indicator light remains on or does not turn off for a long time after the vehicle is started, the main reasons for the EPC indicator light staying on include faults in the engine intake system, throttle valve, fuel system, engine, ECU control unit, or brake lights. Below is a detailed introduction to the causes of the EPC light turning on under other circumstances: Engine intake system fault: The EPC light will prompt when the engine intake is not smooth or the intake volume is insufficient. Throttle valve fault: Carbon buildup is a common fault in the throttle valve. Additionally, dirt on the main body can also affect intake, causing the indicator light to turn on. Fuel system fault: For example, issues such as substandard fuel, fuel deterioration, or poor fuel atomization. Engine fault: Insufficient engine pressure or problems with the power system, such as the intake valve, can also trigger the EPC light. ECU control unit fault: For instance, interference with the vehicle computer signals or false alarms from the vehicle computer. Brake light fault: Situations like the brake light not turning on, brake switch failure, or brake circuit failure. Solutions for when the vehicle EPC indicator light turns on: Troubleshoot the intake system fault, use fuel with the appropriate octane rating, clean the throttle valve, etc. Remove carbon buildup from related parts. Re-flash the ECU-related data. If the EPC indicator light turns on, the owner can first try turning off the engine and restarting it to check if the EPC light remains on. If it does not turn on again, there may be no issue, possibly just the EPC indicator being affected. If the EPC indicator light remains on or frequently turns on, the vehicle should be driven to the nearest repair point for professional assistance in troubleshooting to eliminate potential safety hazards promptly. The full English name of EPC is Electronic-Power-Control, which translates to electronic power control. Most people refer to it as the engine electronic stability system. The EPC system mainly includes controllers and sensors related to the power system. When the sensor data in the system is abnormal, the EPC system will take measures on the power system according to preset programs. Common EPC indicator lights are generally displayed in two colors: yellow and red. If the EPC fault light is yellow and the vehicle can still operate normally, drive slowly to a repair point for inspection. If the EPC fault light is red, it indicates a more serious situation. The vehicle should be pulled over immediately, and relevant repair personnel should be contacted for maintenance. Forcing the vehicle to drive under such conditions can directly affect the core components of the vehicle or driving safety.

What is the first maintenance mileage and time for FAW-Volkswagen?

Volkswagen's first maintenance should be done within one year or 7,500 kilometers. The first maintenance items include: Oil and oil filter replacement, battery inspection, brake pedal and parking brake inspection, brake pads and brake discs inspection, brake fluid inspection, clutch fluid inspection, tires and tire pressure inspection, lights, horn, wipers and washers inspection, and vehicle electronic system inspection. Engine oil selection for first maintenance: The official oil used for the first maintenance is Shell's semi-synthetic oil, with the oil model being 5W-40. Taking 0W-20 as an example: 0W in 0W-20 represents the cold start performance of the oil. Using oil with a lower number before W makes it easier to start the engine in cold weather. 20 in 0W-20 represents the viscosity characteristics of the oil at high temperatures. High-viscosity oil may be more suitable for high-speed driving or heavy-duty vehicles.

Why doesn't Audi have an RS8?

In fact, this car does exist. In the Audi Forum, the RS8 prototype is parked on the second floor. It is based on the S8 and still uses a 4.0 V8 engine, but the exact maximum power output is unknown (likely exceeding 600 horsepower). Here is some relevant information: 1. Audi: A German luxury car brand with a logo featuring four interlocking rings. Currently a subsidiary of Volkswagen Group. On December 20, 2018, Audi ranked 51st in the 2018 World's 500 Most Influential Brands list. 2. Main models: The main models include Audi A1, Audi A3, Audi A4, Audi A5, Audi A6, Audi A7, Audi A8, Audi Q1, Audi Q2, Audi Q3, Audi Q5, Audi Q7, Audi Q8, Audi TT, Audi R8, as well as the S and RS performance series.

Why are used MG7 cars so cheap?

Due to issues with the brand itself, the resale value is poor. Below are the detailed explanations: 1. MG7 resale value: Currently, in the used car market, the resale rates for the first five years of the MG7 are 51.73%, 45.73%, 40.09%, 34.79%, and 29.81% respectively. According to statistics from the China Automobile Dealers Association, the average first-year resale rate for used cars in China is 70%, and the average third-year resale rate is 60%. The MG7's resale rate for the first three years is below the average, making it a car with extremely poor resale value. The resale rate of a vehicle is an important indicator for consumers to assess cost-effectiveness before purchasing. 2. MG (Morris Garages): MG is a century-old British sports car brand. MG, short for Morris Garages, was established in Oxford, UK, in 1924. The Encyclopædia Britannica uses MG to define sports cars. The history of MG is one of the most significant parts of the development of the British and even the global automotive industry.

What causes the abnormal noise at the moment of starting a 2009 Highlander?

Reasons for abnormal noise at the moment of starting a 2009 Highlander: Engine mount rubber aging or loosening: The engine mount rubber is the rubber block placed between the engine and the vehicle frame. Its function is to reduce the vibration and buffering during engine operation and to secure the engine. Once the engine mount rubber ages or loosens, the engine will shake, and in severe cases, a "clicking" abnormal noise may occur. Excessively rich air-fuel mixture: When the engine's air-fuel mixture is too rich, the symptoms include difficulty accelerating after starting, uneven engine operation; black smoke from the exhaust pipe, accompanied by a clicking noise from the engine, sometimes backfiring; reduced engine power and increased fuel consumption. "Piston slap" abnormal noise: Due to poor lubrication conditions, excessive wear of the piston and cylinder wall leads to the clearance fit tolerance between the piston and cylinder wall exceeding the normal range. When the engine is running, the piston skirt impacts the cylinder wall, producing a crisp "clicking" sound, which is usually more noticeable at idle or low-speed operation.

Trending Ranking

How to Program a Car Key?

What is the Difference Between Car Paint Protection Film and Color Change Film?

When to Renew an Expired Driver's License?

What are the models with rotary engines?

Where is the switch to open the front hood of the Audi A4?

Can You Still Drive If the Car's Radiator Is Leaking?

What is the reason why the Cruze is difficult to start after stalling when hot?

What is the reason for one headlight of the Audi A6L being on and the other off?

Can You Still Drive When Volkswagen Detects Pressure Loss?

How many seconds does it take for the Lexus ES200 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h?

More Forum Discussions

Which country does HiPhi belong to?

What is the fuel consumption of the Borgward BX5?

How many kilometers for the first maintenance of Audi A4L?

Does the New X-Trail Have a Four-Cylinder Model?

Help

Cookie

Cookie Settings

© 2025 Servanan International Pte. Ltd.