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What is the situation when an automatic transmission car cannot shift gears?

4 Answers
Shaun
07/29/25 10:36pm

Here are the specific reasons and solutions for an automatic transmission car not being able to shift gears: 1. Internal failure of the gear shift lever assembly. Solution: Repair the gear shift lever assembly. 2. Failure of the P-gear lock solenoid valve inside the gear shift lever and failure of the brake switch. Solution: Repair the solenoid valve and brake switch. Here are some additional information: 1. Looking down at the gear lever while shifting. 2. Driving in low gear for a long time. High gear is more fuel-efficient than low gear. Therefore, you should shift up in time after starting. 3. The clutch pedal is not fully depressed when shifting, causing gear damage. In addition, when the clutch is not in use, the foot should not be placed on the clutch, as this will cause excessive wear of the release bearing. 4. The direction deviates when shifting. 5. Forcing the gear lever when it cannot shift at once. 6. Shaking the gear lever back and forth when it is in neutral. This can cause unnecessary wear of parts and affect the timing of shifting. 7. Skipping gears when shifting up. Shifting up should be done step by step to prevent the car's power from being discontinuous, while shifting down can skip gears. 8. Engaging reverse gear before the car comes to a complete stop. This can easily cause gear damage.

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DelGabriella
08/15/25 11:38pm

I had a headache with this issue last time too. My automatic transmission car couldn't shift gears, and after checking around, I found out it was a faulty gear position sensor - the electronic signal couldn't be transmitted. After replacement, it worked normally. Common issues like dirty or insufficient transmission fluid can also cause this - low oil pressure will make it stuck, so older cars need regular fluid checks. Also, if the brake pedal isn't fully depressed, the safety lock will prevent gear shifting, which is easy to overlook. Electronic control problems like battery aging or poor wiring connections can also cause trouble - I recommend directly testing the voltage. Gear shifting failure is serious - always ensure smooth shifting before driving. If you notice abnormalities, don't force it - get it inspected immediately to avoid transmission failure. That time it cost me over 800 to replace the parts. Regular maintenance can prevent many such failures.

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McJayla
10/18/25 3:49am

I remember one time when I was driving an automatic car, I couldn't get it into D gear no matter what, almost causing a big problem. A friend said it might be because the gear lock wasn't released, stuck in P gear and unable to shift down, so I needed to check the parking lever or brake switch and try pressing the brake again. It could also be an issue with the fuel system—dirty transmission fluid can clog internal valves, and changing the oil might solve it. Electronic module failures can cause this too, with sensor malfunctions making the computer misjudge the gear position. I think for minor issues, it's best to troubleshoot myself first, like checking if the battery terminals are loose, but for major problems, it's better to send it for repairs. Don't delay fixing it, because if you can't shift gears on the road, it's dangerous—turn on the hazard lights and pull over safely. Regular oil changes and battery checks can help prevent this issue.

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Alexia
12/01/25 4:29am

Failure to engage gears in automatic transmission vehicles can stem from several common causes. A damaged or unresponsive gear selector may prevent electronic signals from transmitting, leading to jamming. Internal hydraulic system failures in the transmission, such as a malfunctioning oil pump resulting in insufficient pressure for gear changes, may require component replacement. Issues with the control module, like a faulty computer board, can disrupt signal reception and control operations. Safety mechanisms, such as not pressing the brake pedal, may activate a lock to prevent gear shifts and avoid accidents. It's advisable to first check simple factors like stable battery voltage and corroded connectors. In case of malfunction, immediately stop the vehicle and avoid forcing gear engagement to prevent transmission damage. Regular maintenance, such as changing transmission fluid every two years, can prevent most issues.

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