What to Do When the Car Can Start but Won't Move?
2 Answers
Solutions for when the car can start but won't move: It might be due to the lack of automatic transmission fluid (ATF). If there's no ATF, there will be no fluid to drive the torque converter, making the car unable to move. Automatic transmission fluid, also known as ATF, can be used as power steering fluid but must not be used as clutch fluid. Its function is to build oil pressure through the oil pump to control the clutch and brake, enabling the automatic transmission to output power as required. The internal structure of an automatic transmission is quite complex, and for these tightly fitted components to operate normally, ATF plays a crucial role. Therefore, during regular car maintenance, besides changing the engine oil, it's absolutely essential not to forget to replace the ATF at fixed intervals.
As someone who often tinkers with cars, I remember one winter morning when the car wouldn't move after starting—turned out the transmission was stuck in Park. Usually in such cases, the engine runs but the car doesn't move, mostly due to a transmission issue or a broken clutch in manual transmissions. I suggest you first try turning the steering wheel slightly to ensure the gear lever is in the correct position (for automatics, shift to Drive or Reverse; for manuals, gently press the clutch). If that doesn't work, don't force it, as you might damage more parts. Other possible causes include a detached driveshaft or locked brakes—simply check if the wheels are hot or if there's debris stuck. Safety first—get it checked by a professional. To prevent such issues, regularly maintain your transmission fluid.
