Why does the automatic transmission not move when shifted to D gear?
4 Answers
Automatic transmission not moving when shifted to D gear may be caused by damage to the shift control mechanism of the automatic transmission. Although the shift lever has been moved to D gear, the actual control mechanism does not respond, resulting in the car being unable to move forward. In such cases, the shift control mechanism of the automatic transmission should be inspected. Automatic transmissions have internal shift control mechanisms that do not require driver intervention for shifting. Problems with the shift control mechanism can lead to situations where the transmission does not move in D gear or R gear. The shift control mechanism of an automatic transmission is called the valve body, which contains oil passages, numerous solenoid valves, and the transmission control computer. If the valve body is damaged, the replacement cost can be very high. Most automatic transmission failures are caused by improper operation or inadequate maintenance. Automatic transmission fluid needs to be replaced regularly; failure to do so over a long period may result in damage to the transmission's control mechanism.
I've seen this issue quite a few times. It's really frustrating when the car doesn't move in D gear, mainly caused by some common problems. It could be insufficient transmission fluid due to leaks or not changing the oil for a long time, affecting power transmission. Or the control module might be damaged, disrupting shift signals. Sometimes it's a torque converter failure preventing power transfer. There are also cases where electronic sensors malfunction, like wheel speed sensors sending wrong data. Don't overlook simple causes either - incomplete brake release or loose gearshift linkage can trigger this too. I recommend first checking fluid levels to ensure adequate oil; if you can't handle it yourself, have a professional shop inspect it to prevent more serious wear. Don't delay, as this problem directly threatens driving safety - having issues on highways could be disastrous.
The automatic transmission doesn't move when shifted to D gear, and I've thought about it many times. The root cause mostly lies in the drivetrain, such as abnormal operation of the oil pump failing to supply sufficient pressure. Faults in the electronic control system are also quite common, where short circuits in the computer module or sensors can lead to misjudged signals. Mechanically, internal gear wear or chain breakage can directly halt the vehicle. Additionally, driving habits have a significant impact, like frequent hard acceleration or neglecting maintenance. When encountering this issue, don't panic immediately; try shifting to other gears to see if they work normally. If R or N gears still function, the problem might be limited to the D gear path. Addressing it promptly can save a lot of money, as delaying repairs could cost thousands to fix the transmission.
When the car doesn't move in D gear, experience tells me to check the brake system first. If the brake isn't released or is stuck, it can cause the transmission to lock. It could also be due to deteriorated transmission fluid, leading to insufficient lubrication. Simply put, low fluid level or leakage is often the first suspect. Don't underestimate this issue—early intervention can prevent major repairs. Remember to change the fluid regularly according to the manual's mileage.
