Car Won’t Move in Any Gear (Automatic Transmission)

Causes

• Low transmission fluid level: This is the most common cause of an automatic transmission not moving in any gear. When the fluid level is low, the transmission cannot properly engage the gears, which prevents the car from moving.
• Dirty or contaminated transmission fluid: Over time, transmission fluid can become dirty or contaminated with metal shavings and other debris. This can cause the transmission to slip or not engage properly, which can prevent the car from moving in any gear.
• Faulty transmission filter: The transmission filter helps to keep the transmission fluid clean. A clogged or dirty filter can restrict the flow of fluid, which can cause the transmission to malfunction and prevent the car from moving.
• Faulty transmission pump: The transmission pump is responsible for circulating the transmission fluid throughout the transmission. A faulty pump can prevent the transmission from getting the fluid it needs to function properly, which can cause the car to not move in any gear.
• Damaged transmission gears: The gears in the transmission can become damaged over time, which can prevent the transmission from engaging the gears properly. This can cause the car to not move in any gear.
• Faulty transmission control module (TCM): The TCM is the computer that controls the transmission. A faulty TCM can send incorrect signals to the transmission, which can cause the transmission to malfunction and prevent the car from moving in any gear.

Diagnosis

To diagnose the problem, a mechanic will typically start by checking the transmission fluid level and condition. They will also check for any leaks in the transmission system. If the fluid level is low or dirty, the mechanic will replace the fluid and filter. If there is a leak, the mechanic will repair the leak and replace the lost fluid.

If the fluid level and condition are good, the mechanic will then check the transmission pump and gears. They will also check the TCM for any faults. If any of these components are found to be faulty, the mechanic will replace the faulty component.

Repair

The cost of repairing an automatic transmission that won’t move in any gear will vary depending on the cause of the problem. If the problem is simply a low fluid level, the repair will be relatively inexpensive. However, if the problem is more serious, such as a damaged gear or a faulty TCM, the repair could be more expensive.

In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the entire transmission. This is typically the most expensive option, but it may be the only option if the transmission is severely damaged.

Prevention

There are a few things you can do to help prevent your automatic transmission from failing:

* Regularly check the transmission fluid level and condition.
* Change the transmission fluid and filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
* Avoid overloading your car.
* Don’t tow heavy loads with your car.
* Have your car serviced regularly by a qualified mechanic.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your automatic transmission in good working order and prevent it from failing.