As you get ready to head off somewhere, you start your engine and move your car from Park into Drive or Reverse. But, nothing happens? You change gears again to try a different approach—still nothing. If your car won’t move in any gear and have an automatic transmission, you may be confused about what to do next. Show Auto Repairs Are EXPENSIVE
Not only is the situation frustrating, you have somewhere to be, and now your car won’t move, but you do not know why your car has retired itself to that parking spot. If you do not know what to do next and are already stressing about budgeting for repairs, take a breather and read this article. We will explore some of the causes why your car won’t move in any gear and what to do if you have an automatic transmission system. What to do When Your Car Won’t MoveIf you have a car that won’t move when trying to put it into gear, then you may have a serious transmission problem, or it could be due to a simple oversight. Here is what to look for or do:
An Automatic Transmission SystemUnderstanding how an automatic transmission system works may help you understand some transmission problems associated with it. An automatic transmission uses sensors to determine when the gears should shift. This multi-speed transmission means that driver input is not necessary to change the gears when driving normally. A transmission or gearbox is responsible for transferring power from the car’s engine to the drive wheels. If your transmission and its components have a fault or are not working (including the computers and sensors), then your car won’t move in any gear, and you cannot drive anywhere. The most common type of automatic transmission in a vehicle uses hydraulic power to shift the gears. The following gears make up an automatic transmission:
Common Automatic Transmission ProblemsBelow are some of the most common problems you may experience with a bad automatic transmission.
Why Your Car Won’t Move in Any GearNow that we know about some of the common problems associated with a transmission let’s explore why your car won’t move in any gear with an automatic transmission. Transmission Fluid LeakThe most common reason why your car won’t move with an automatic transmission is that the transmission fluid is low. On average, an automatic transmission has a capacity of 8 to 16 quarts of transmission fluid. If two or more quarts of this fluid leak out, then the system cannot develop the hydraulic pressure the transmission needs to function. The following is an indication that your transmission is leaking fluid:
On average, to fix a transmission fluid leak, you will need to budget for between $150 and $200. This will include small repairs, such as fixing the gasket, pan bolts, drain plugs, seals, or replacing the fluid lines. A Clogged FilterIf your car won’t move in any gear after it has stopped moving when hot, then you may be dealing with a clogged filter. A whining sound often accompanies this problem. Sometimes the engine may allow you to move for a very short distance before the car won’t move again. This normally indicates that the transmission is wearing out. Gear Shift Quick CheckSometimes your vehicle will not move if the gear shift for the four-wheel-drive control has been accidentally knocked into neutral. Luckily, you can check yourself, and you will not have to pay for any repairs. Worn Out Clutch PlateI am sure when you think about a clutch, you only think of a manual transmission. However, an automatic transmission also has a clutch system. If your car won’t move, regardless of which gear you try, or the transmission is becoming unresponsive, then you may have worn clutches. The clutch is made up of friction plates and steel plates. Over time, these plates wear down. This means proper pressure cannot be placed onto the planetary gears (they determine which gear you are in). If your transmission fluid levels are correct, but your automatic transmission is slipping, then you may need to replace your car’s clutch kit. When your transmission slips, it causes the engine to rev up; however, the car won’t move in any gear in accordance with the engine. The average clutch replacement cost is between $1,200 to $1,400. Of this amount, the parts may cost between $700 and $750, and labor may average between $500 and $650. However, depending on where you live, the average clutch kit could cost less at around $800. Bad Torque ConverterA torque converter is known as hydraulic coupling – a type of fluid coupling. It generates rotating mechanical power to the rotating driven load from the engine. Basically, it is the alternative to a mechanical clutch. If your car won’t move, and you have tried every gear possible, then you may have a failed torque converter. Many torque converter failures are caused by excessive friction. This means the torque converter’s needle bearings are damaged. A faulty clutch solenoid or faulty seals could also be to blame for a failed torque converter. A damaged or failed torque converter can damage your vehicle’s transmission. Below are some of the symptoms of a damaged torque converter:
On average, you could expect to pay between $100 and $600 for a torque converter. If you cannot handle the replacement yourself, especially since it would mean dropping the transmission yourself, then a professional repair job could cost between $500 and $1,000. How to Avoid Transmission ProblemsJust like with any moving parts on a vehicle, over time, the transmission parts can wear out. Since prevention is better than cure, you can avoid being caught in a situation where your car won’t move in any gear by properly maintaining your transmission. Ensure you always have transmission fluid by checking the levels regularly and doing a transmission flush at the intervals your manufacturer recommends. You also need to ensure that you use the correct transmission fluid for your car when you change the fluid. You will find that some problems are more expensive to repair than others. Suppose your stranded car is more than a simple oversight but rather an expensive repair that needs towing and professional assistance. In that case, it is sometimes better to avoid the repair completely and replace the car itself with another. Should you decide to sell your car, contact Cash Cars Buyer. They will pay you for your car, as it is, and you can move onto newer and better transport. What causes an automatic car not to move in drive?If when you put your vehicle into gear and it won't move, this may be a problem with low transmission fluid due to a leak, the shifter, shifter cable, or it could even be a problem in the valve body of your automatic transmission.
What can cause a car not to move?5 Reasons Why Your Car Won't Move When You Rev the Engine in Salem, OR. Blown Transmission.. Bad Transmission Fluid (Automatic Transmission Only) ... . Worn Clutch Disc (Manual Transmission Only) ... . Parking Brake is Engaged. ... . You're Not in Gear. Ok, these first two may seem kind of obvious, but they're important. ... . Why is my car revving up but not moving?Worn Transmission Fluid (Automatic Transmission)
Over time, the transmission fluid gathers dirt and grime. This can cause the engine to run roughly, stall or fail to accelerate when you press down on the gas pedal. You may need to have a transmission fluid change before more damage is done.
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