What is the reason for a gear-shifting car not moving?
3 Answers
The reasons for a gear-shifting car not moving are functional obstacles and transmission failure. The specific details are as follows: Functional obstacles: Generally, the inspection starts from the driving wheels, through the rear axle to the drive shaft, then to the transmission, and finally to the clutch. If the drive shaft rotates but the car does not move forward, the fault lies in the rear axle. Lift the rear axle and rotate one rear wheel; if the other rear wheel rotates in the opposite direction but the drive shaft does not rotate, it indicates that all the rivets of the driven bevel gear are sheared off. If the other rear wheel does not rotate, the half-shaft should be disassembled and inspected for breakage. Transmission failure: If the car starts in a certain gear but the drive shaft does not rotate, the fault is in the transmission. Remove the transmission cover and inspect whether the transmission shift fork is broken or whether the guide block fixing screws are loose. If the above inspections are normal, conduct a gear-shifting test. If the second shaft does not rotate when a certain gear is engaged, it means the half-round key of that gear's gear is sheared off.
I've encountered the situation where the car doesn't move after shifting gears several times, and each time I have to start checking from the basics. If it's a manual transmission car, the clutch might be the issue, such as not springing back after being pressed or severe wear causing the gears not to engage. The engine is still running but the wheels aren't moving, which means there's a problem with the drivetrain. Some older cars may have a broken differential causing this, and I've seen cases where the axle broke and jammed the car. First, try gently pressing the clutch and shifting gears again; if there's no response, don't force it. It's even more dangerous if the car rolls backward on a slope. The safest option is to turn on the hazard lights, pull over, and have a professional mechanic check it out. Developing a habit of checking the brakes and gear position before driving can save a lot of trouble.
When I was driving an automatic transmission car, I encountered a situation where it wouldn't move in D gear. At first, I thought the engine had stalled, but it was running fine. Later, I figured it might be due to low transmission fluid level or a blockage, preventing the pump from working properly. If the computer control module malfunctions, it could also get stuck in a certain gear. First, I should check if any warning lights are on the dashboard and try other gears like R or P to see if there's any response. Another issue could be if the tires are stuck or if there's an abnormality in the suspension system, the wheels might not turn at all. I recommend checking the transmission fluid during regular maintenance—don't overlook this detail. Also, always listen to the engine sound before driving and address any unusual noises promptly.
