Car Won’t Move in Drive: Bad Transmission Relay
Introduction
When your car won’t move in drive, it can be a very frustrating experience. One of the potential causes of this problem is a bad transmission relay. The transmission relay is an electrical component that sends power to the transmission, allowing it to shift gears. If the relay is faulty, it can prevent the transmission from engaging, which will cause your car to not move.
Symptoms of a Bad Transmission Relay
There are several symptoms that may indicate a bad transmission relay. These symptoms include:
* The car won’t move in drive
* The car hesitates or jerks when shifting gears
* The transmission warning light is on
* The check engine light is on
Diagnosing a Bad Transmission Relay
If you suspect that your car’s transmission relay may be bad, there are a few things you can do to diagnose the problem. First, check the transmission fluid level. If the fluid level is low, it can cause the transmission to overheat and damage the relay. Next, check the electrical connections to the relay. Make sure that the wires are properly connected and that there is no corrosion or damage.
If you are comfortable working on your own car, you can also test the transmission relay using a multimeter. To do this, disconnect the electrical connector from the relay and set the multimeter to the ohms setting. Touch the probes of the multimeter to the terminals of the relay. If the relay is good, the multimeter will read close to zero ohms. If the relay is bad, the multimeter will read infinity ohms.
Replacing a Bad Transmission Relay
If you have determined that the transmission relay is bad, you will need to replace it. Replacing a transmission relay is a relatively simple task that can be completed in about 30 minutes.
To replace the transmission relay, follow these steps:
1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
2. Locate the transmission relay. The relay is usually located in the engine compartment, near the transmission.
3. Disconnect the electrical connector from the relay.
4. Remove the relay from its mounting bracket.
5. Install the new relay in the mounting bracket.
6. Connect the electrical connector to the relay.
7. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
Conclusion
If your car won’t move in drive, a bad transmission relay may be the cause. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can diagnose and replace the relay yourself, saving you time and money.
