Updated at: 27-07-2023 - By: Lucas

Just imagine getting into your car, starting the motor, and shifting gears from Park to Drive or Reverse but nothing occurs. You’re in a hurry to get somewhere. As a result, you may be unsure of how to proceed in such a predicament. Your automatic-transmission car won’t move forward in any gear? We have a few solutions for you here on this page.

With an automatic gearbox, we’ll look into why your car won’t shift into any gear, what causes this problem, and how to solve it.

What is Automatic Transmission?

Modern cars include automatic transmissions, which do not require the driver’s input to shift ratios while driving. Auto-gearing, as the name suggests, makes driving more convenient than with a typical manual transmission.

Why Your Automatic Transmission Car Won’t Move in Any Gear

Car Wont Move In Any Gear Automatic Transmission

Among the possible causes of a vehicle that won’t start and has an automatic transmission are the following:

1. Faulty Automatic Transmission Control Unit

This is a typical explanation for why an automated vehicle will not shift into any gear. Automatic transmission control units that are malfunctioning can be easily identified since the dashboard will show a different gear than the shifter actually is in.

2. Bad Torque Converter

The transmission’s torque converter is a critical component for transferring power from the transmission to the vehicle’s wheels and engine. If a problem arises, the automobile may not move in any gear, make sounds when starting, or stall when shifting from one gear to another if the automatic transmission malfunctions.

3. Worn Clutches

Vehicle power transmission is controlled by the clutch, which can get broken with time and no longer function properly. Cars with automatic transmissions are particularly vulnerable to faulty or damaged clutches. Symptoms of a problem with the clutches include difficulty shifting gears, a jerky shift in gear, and a sound when shifting ratios.

4. Insufficient Transmission Fluid

If your car’s transmission fluid runs low, the gear system won’t be able to give the power it needs to move, and this could result in the vehicle not moving at all.

5. Defective Automatic Transmission Valve Body

In addition to a bad automatic transmission valve body, your car may not shift into any gears at all. The valve body of an automated transmission is a maze of valves, solenoids, and passageways that control the flow of transmission fluid during gear shifting. Any problem with the transmission fluid distribution medium could cause your automobile to be unable to shift into any gear, as it serves as a conduit for the transmission fluid to be distributed to various components of the vehicle.

How Do I Fix My Automatic Transmission Car Not Moving in Any Gear

Unfortunately, replacing the transmission is the only option for a car that won’t shift into any gear, especially if it has an automatic transmission. As with any car, older models can be repaired, but it’s always best to replace the entire vehicle.

How to Prevent Automatic Transmission Problems and Avoid My Car Not Moving in Any Gear

Car Wont Move In Any Gear Automatic Transmission-3

It can be a costly problem to have your automatic transmission car not move in any gear, necessitating the replacement of the complete transmission. It’s possible that your car will be damaged in an accident like this.

  • In winter, always warm up your car before accelerating. It takes some time for the transmission system to warm up and perform at optimum capacity, so while you wait, it’s best to operate in first gear so that the engine speed does not increase.
  • Before you move the car, switch the transmission shifter to all modes and stay in the mode for 5 – 10 seconds each. This will allow oil to enter all the hydraulic channels in the transmission system.
  • Check the level and quality of transmission oil in your vehicle regularly. If you notice that the transmission fluid level is low, top it up. Also, the presence of wear and tear deposits in the form of metal shavings indicates the need to replace the oil.
  • Avoid towing other vehicles or trailers. In extreme cases, only tow for a short distance. This is because automatic transmissions are designed to work with certain vehicle weights. Towing a large vehicle will lead to a significant increase in mass and cause your car not to move in any gear.
  • Change the transmission fluid when due. The appropriate oil change interval will be indicated in your car’s manual. On average, however, you should change the transmission fluid every 60 – 100 thousand kilometers, or 37,000 – 62,000 miles.

FAQs

What Causes Automatic Cars Not to Change Gears?

The transmission fluid level could be too low as a possible cause. Check the fluid level on a regular basis and top it out as needed.

What Are the Signs Your Automatic Transmission is Going Out?

Here are a few warning indications that your automatic transmission is about to fail:

  • Grinding noises when shifting gears
  • Burning odor
  • Transmission warning light
  • Delayed shifting of gears
  • Transmission fluid leakage

All of these indicators indicate to a transmission issue that has to be addressed right once.

How Do You Diagnose an Automatic Transmission Problem?

Your transmission may need to be replaced if one or more of these symptoms occurs. a dragging clutch, a burning smell, and fluid leaks. Signs like this should prompt you to get your car looked out right away.

Why Is My Transmission Not Engaging?

Many reasons could be at play, including a high gas mileage and a lack of upkeep. In order to prevent this, it is important to get regular checkups.

Why Is My Car Not Moving When I Put It in Gear?

This could be caused by a low transmission fluid level or a broken clutch.

Why Does My Automatic Transmission Go Into Gear but Won’t Move?

Transmission control solenoid failure could be to blame for this. It’s best to take it to a mechanic to get it fixed or replaced if necessary.

Conclusion

If you follow the methods outlined above, you can keep your automatic transmission car from stalling out in any gear, even if it has a worn out transmission.