Why does an automatic transmission car not move when shifted to D gear and accelerating?
3 Answers
The main reasons why an automatic transmission car does not move when shifted to D gear and accelerating are: 1. When the transmission shift valve position sensor signal is incorrect: it cannot sense which gear it is in. 2. Problems with the shift valve: the gear is not engaged properly, and the oil passage cannot open. Here are some additional explanations: 1. Automatic transmission cars usually use hydraulic transmission devices to replace the mechanical clutch of manual transmission cars, so there is no clutch pedal. When the engine speed is low, the torque transmitted by the fluid is limited and insufficient to propel the car forward. 2. When the shift lever is placed in the forward gear and the brake pedal is released, as the accelerator is pressed and the engine speed increases, the transmitted torque increases, pushing the car forward.
The car won't move when accelerating in D gear? This is quite common, I've seen many friends encounter it, mostly due to transmission issues. For example, insufficient or dirty automatic transmission fluid can cause clutch slippage, making the car slip when it should move forward. Sometimes it's simply forgetting to release the handbrake - the easiest thing to overlook, so first check if the handbrake warning light is on. Additionally, electronic control systems like the TCU (transmission control unit) might have a bug, causing incorrect signal transmission. I recommend first trying to restart the engine - minor glitches sometimes resolve themselves. If that doesn't work, check the fluid level with a dipstick or have the shop read the trouble codes. Don't ignore it, as repairs get expensive if it worsens. Most importantly, stay calm and pull over safely first.
I had the same issue last time - stepped on the gas in D gear but the car wouldn't budge, which really scared me. After checking, it turned out the handbrake was stuck and not fully released due to snow buildup on the brakes during winter. Always do a quick basic check: look for warning lights on the dashboard, like brake or engine fault icons. It could also be a transmission fluid leak or low fluid level, which is especially common in older cars. A simple test is to try other gears like R for reverse - if it still won't move, the problem might be inside the transmission or drive shaft. I immediately went to the shop for a fluid change, which only cost a few hundred bucks. Reminder to everyone: make it a habit to do a quick pre-drive inspection to avoid roadside emergencies.
