Car Won’t Move in Any Gear: Automatic Transmission Linkage

Introduction

If your car won’t move in any gear, there could be a problem with the transmission linkage. The transmission linkage is a mechanical connection between the gear shift lever and the transmission. When you move the gear shift lever, the linkage moves a lever on the transmission, which in turn changes the gears inside the transmission.

There are two main types of transmission linkage: mechanical and hydraulic. Mechanical linkage uses a series of rods and levers to connect the gear shift lever to the transmission. Hydraulic linkage uses a fluid-filled tube to connect the gear shift lever to the transmission. Both types of linkage can fail, but mechanical linkage is more likely to fail than hydraulic linkage.

Symptoms of a Bad Transmission Linkage

There are several symptoms that may indicate a bad transmission linkage, including:

• The car won’t move in any gear
• The car moves in only some gears
• The gear shift lever feels loose or sloppy
• There is a grinding noise when you shift gears
• The car jerks or hesitates when you shift gears

Causes of a Bad Transmission Linkage

There are several things that can cause the transmission linkage to fail, including:

• Wear and tear
• Corrosion
• Damage from an accident
• Defective parts

Diagnosing a Bad Transmission Linkage

To diagnose a bad transmission linkage, your mechanic will look for the following:

• Loose or disconnected linkage
• Bent or damaged linkage
• Worn or damaged linkage components

Your mechanic may also use a diagnostic scan tool to check for any trouble codes related to the transmission linkage.

Repairing a Bad Transmission Linkage

The repair for a bad transmission linkage will depend on the specific problem. In some cases, the linkage can be repaired by simply adjusting or tightening it. In other cases, the linkage may need to be replaced. If the linkage is damaged, it may be necessary to replace the entire transmission.

Preventing a Bad Transmission Linkage

There are several things you can do to prevent the transmission linkage from failing, including:

• Avoid shifting gears too quickly or abruptly
• Don’t put your car in park while it’s still moving
• Have your transmission serviced regularly by a qualified mechanic
• Inspect the transmission linkage periodically for any signs of damage or wear

Conclusion

If your car won’t move in any gear, it could be a sign of a bad transmission linkage. The transmission linkage is a mechanical connection between the gear shift lever and the transmission. There are several things that can cause the transmission linkage to fail, including wear and tear, corrosion, damage from an accident, and defective parts. To diagnose a bad transmission linkage, your mechanic will look for loose or disconnected linkage, bent or damaged linkage, and worn or damaged linkage components. The repair for a bad transmission linkage will depend on the specific problem.