What to Do When the Automatic P Gear Won't Move?
2 Answers
Solutions for when the automatic transmission P gear won't move include: 1. Start the vehicle and shift into another gear; 2. Press the brake pedal to switch gears. Reasons why the automatic transmission P gear won't move are: 1. Not pressing the brake—shifting into P gear requires pressing the brake; 2. The car is turned off; 3. Insufficient transmission fluid; 4. Not pressing the gear lock. The P gear in an automatic transmission is the parking gear, and its working principle is: When the gear lever is in the P position, the parking lock mechanism locks the transmission output shaft, providing braking force even on flat ground without pressing the brake. Other gears in an automatic transmission are: 1. R is the reverse gear; 2. N is the neutral gear; 3. D is the drive gear, also known as the forward gear; 4. L is the low gear.
My automatic transmission has been running for eight years, and I've encountered the P gear getting stuck several times. First, don't force it—check if the brake pedal is fully pressed, as the P gear lock won't release without the brake engaged. If the brake is pressed but nothing happens, try restarting the engine; sometimes the onboard computer acts up. Also, a locked steering wheel can affect the gear lever—try turning the steering wheel slightly while pulling the lever. Some cars experience particularly stubborn P gear locks when parked on slopes. In such cases, first engage the handbrake firmly, release the foot brake to let the car settle slightly, then press the brake again to shift. If all else fails, locate the emergency release hole near the gear shift panel—insert a coin to force an unlock, but be sure to visit a repair shop afterward to check the electrical system properly.