What to Do When the D Gear of an Automatic Car Gets Stuck?
2 Answers
First, start the vehicle by turning on the ignition. Press the brake pedal firmly and then shift the gear. After that, you can shift into other gears. When parking, always ensure the vehicle comes to a complete stop before shifting into D gear; otherwise, it can easily result in the D gear getting stuck.
When encountering a stuck D gear while driving, as a car enthusiast, I would first explore the possible causes: It might be that the brake interlock system isn't triggered, requiring you to press the brake pedal firmly to unlock the gearshift lever. If the pedal isn't pressed deep enough or if there's a fault with the brake switch, the gear will remain locked. Try repeatedly pressing the brake to see if it releases, or gently wiggle the gear lever left and right—avoid using excessive force to prevent damaging internal mechanisms. Another common issue could be mechanical jamming or electronic faults inside the transmission, which may require restarting the engine: turn off and restart to try releasing the lock. If none of these work, find a safe place to park and avoid forcing the gear, as this could damage the transmission. Immediately call roadside assistance or visit a professional repair shop to inspect the brake system and locking mechanism—this is a matter of driving safety and should never be delayed.
