What Causes an Automatic Transmission to Not Move When in Gear?
4 Answers
Automatic transmission not moving when in gear is caused by leakage in the automatic transmission oil pan, looseness in the linkage or cable between the manual valve operating handle and the rocker arm, or blockage in the oil pump intake filter screen. Leakage in the automatic transmission oil pan: If only a small amount of hydraulic oil flows from the pressure test hole of the main oil circuit, and the oil pressure is very low or almost nonexistent, it indicates leakage in the automatic transmission oil pan, causing the vehicle not to move. Open the oil pan and check if the oil pump intake filter screen is blocked. If there is no blockage, it means the oil pump is damaged or there is severe leakage in the main oil circuit, and the automatic transmission should be disassembled. Looseness in the linkage or cable between the manual valve operating handle and the rocker arm: If the linkage or cable between the manual valve operating handle and the rocker arm is loose, the manual valve remains in the neutral or parking position. If it is loose, reassemble it and readjust the position of the operating lever. Blockage in the oil pump intake filter screen: If there is some oil pressure in the main oil circuit when starting the cold engine, but the oil pressure drops significantly after the engine warms up, it indicates excessive wear in the oil pump, which should be replaced.
When you shift into gear but the car doesn't move, I've encountered this issue a few times myself, and it could be caused by various minor problems. The most common reasons are insufficient or dirty transmission fluid, where the fluid pressure isn't enough to engage the gears; if the engine stalls or the RPM is too low, the car simply lacks the power to move; sometimes, the braking system is stuck and not fully released, such as the handbrake not being disengaged or the brake pads sticking; faults in the drivetrain, like the drive shaft or clutch, can also block power. Additionally, the electronic control system might malfunction, such as a damaged gear sensor or the computer module misinterpreting signals. It's advisable to start with simple checks: ensure the gear is firmly engaged and no warning lights are illuminated on the dashboard; try pressing the accelerator again, and if that doesn't work, stop to inspect the brakes and fluid levels. Regular maintenance of the transmission and fluid changes can prevent such issues, and if the car doesn't move, it's important to consider the safety risks while driving.
I've seen quite a few cases where automatic transmission cars won't move after shifting gears, mostly due to transmission issues. Oil filter clogging affects pressure buildup, or internal valves getting stuck; engine problems like unstable idling can also hinder movement; electronic control system failures such as signal interruption in the shift module may cause the computer to not respond. Don't overlook easily neglected factors like brake pad sticking or oil pipe blockage, which can also immobilize the car. The key to repair lies in accurate diagnosis: use a scanner to read fault codes for electronic components; check if the fluid level and color are normal; if hardware is damaged, a major workshop repair is necessary. Address these issues promptly to avoid dangerous sudden breakdowns on highways.
An automatic transmission car not moving after shifting gears can be caused by various reasons. The transmission fluid may be insufficient or there could be a leak, resulting in inadequate pressure; if the engine stalls or has weak output power, the car won't move either; brake system issues such as the handbrake being stuck and not released are common mistakes; electronic sensor failures like a faulty gear position sensor can mislead the system. The simplest solution is to check if the gear is properly engaged, as sometimes operational errors prevent it from being fully locked in. After confirming, try pressing the accelerator gently to gradually increase speed.
