What causes the car not to move when in D gear?
2 Answers
The reasons why the car does not move when in D gear are as follows: Torque converter lock-up: The torque converter shaft is locked, causing the fuel injection pump to stop working. Oil passage blockage: The lubrication oil passage is blocked, resulting in insufficient lubrication and burning out the planetary carrier. Oil pump shaft fracture: The oil pump shaft is broken, causing the oil pump to stop working or the differential to lack oil and burn out. Transmission oil pan damage: The transmission oil pan is damaged, causing all the transmission oil to leak out and leading to vehicle issues. Shift cable loosening: The linkage or cable between the shift control handle and the manual valve rocker arm is loose, keeping the manual valve in the neutral or parking position.
The other day I encountered a situation where the car didn't move when in D gear. I had just started the engine, shifted into gear, but the car wouldn't budge at all, making me sweat with anxiety. Later, I realized I had forgotten to release the handbrake—of course, it wouldn't move with the handbrake engaged. Another time, the engine wasn't fully started, and shifting gears had no effect. If these simple issues are ruled out, it might be an internal transmission problem, such as insufficient oil pressure or a faulty solenoid valve, which can interrupt power delivery. Sometimes, the electronic control system acting up can also cause this—try restarting the engine. It's advisable to first check the handbrake and neutral gear status. If that doesn't work, don't force it—pull over safely and head to a repair shop immediately, as safety should never be taken lightly.
