Why does the car start but won't move?
2 Answers
The reasons why a car starts but won't move are: Check if the handbrake is engaged. If it is, release it and shift gears again; Check if the car has stalled, which may indicate a transmission failure; Worn clutch plate: Needs replacement. Severe wear of the clutch plate causes loss of friction, making it unable to transmit the engine's power to the transmission, thus failing to establish effective power transmission; Low battery or expired battery life. A weak battery with insufficient power cannot drive the starter motor, resulting in insufficient motor speed. A dead battery is easy to check—just press the horn. It is recommended to replace the battery every 2 years. If you are unfamiliar with the operation when the car starts but won't move, it's best to seek rescue services for a jump-start, such as from a 4S shop, gas station, or insurance company. Free jump-start rescue services are often available during the car insurance coverage period. The reasons why a car won't start are: Dead battery; Spark plugs failing to ignite; Faulty starting circuit; Malfunction in the car's ignition system or fuel supply system; Starter motor not operating; Mechanical lock of the steering wheel stuck; Frozen exhaust pipe; Valves gummed up. Car ignition system: For a spark-ignition engine to operate normally, it must supply the spark plugs with sufficiently high-energy high-voltage electricity (approximately 15,000 to 30,000V) in the correct firing order for each cylinder, enabling the spark plugs to produce a strong enough spark to ignite the combustible mixture. Traditional ignition: The working process of a mechanical ignition system involves the crankshaft driving the distributor shaft to rotate. The cam on the distributor shaft turns, causing the primary contacts of the ignition coil to open and close, thereby generating high voltage.
I encountered a similar situation a few days ago, and it was really frustrating. The car could start but just wouldn't move. I tried shifting to D gear and pressing the accelerator all the way down, but there was no response. Later, I found out that the handbrake wasn't fully released and was stuck on the brake pads, which often happens after parking on a small slope. It could also be a gear issue—automatic cars won't move if left in P or N gear, so make sure to switch to D. Additionally, problems with the drivetrain, such as insufficient transmission fluid or worn-out clutches, can cause a loss of power. A friend of mine had a broken driveshaft—the engine ran, but the wheels wouldn't turn. If none of these are the issue, then you should check the electronic control unit (ECU), as sensor failures in modern cars can lock the vehicle. Remember not to force it, as it can damage the engine. It's best to pull over and call for roadside assistance.
