Due to technological advances, automatic transmissions are becoming more and more common in automobiles in our market, and we are becoming more and more accustomed to seeing them. They are comfortable and efficient and allow additional driving aids to be implemented.
The advantage of vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions or gearboxes is that they operate without the need for driver intervention; the shift is activated by the speed of the vehicle. However, malfunctions can occur that prevent the vehicle from operating properly in certain situations. I am often asked why the car won’t move in any gear automatic transmission, and the answer is always the same.
When a car won’t move in any gear automatic transmission, there are a variety of causes for this to occur, including problems with the automatic transmission unit and low transmission fluid levels, a faulty torque converter, faulty clutches, and valve body problems.
Why Does An Automatic Car Won’T Move In Any Gear?
There are many reasons, such as a clogged fuel filter or a fault in the electrical system, that can cause an automatic car not to move in any gear.
Not Enough Transmission Fluid
It is also possible for an out-of-range (low or high) oil level inside the torque converter gearbox to cause overall malfunction of the torque converter gearbox. When the oil level in the pump is insufficient or excessive, the pump may provide insufficient or excessive hydraulic pressure, resulting in slow, incorrect, or irregular gear shifting.
Faulty Transmission Control Module
The transmission control module (TCM) is a vital component of any vehicle with an automatic transmission system. Instead of relying on hydraulic or mechanical control of a transmission system, newer vehicles use a transmission control module.
A car’s transmission control module will most likely never need to be changed, but if you have a faulty transmission control module, it will need to be replaced (or fixed) as soon as possible.
This module is essentially a computer that relays information to and from other computer systems throughout the car. The main function of the transmission control module is to help the automatic transmission select the most appropriate gear at any given time.
Driving performance and fuel efficiency will be at their peak levels as a result.
A Bad Torque Converter
It can be difficult to identify a transmission problem as a problem with the torque converter, but there are some signs to look for.
Overheating, slipping, shuddering, fluid fouling, high stall speeds, and strange sounds are signs of a malfunctioning torque converter, as are other symptoms.
In most cases, the torque converter will not be the cause of the problem, so don’t jump to conclusions until you check the transmission first.
Defective Or Worn Clutches
Defective or worn clutches are also a reason why an automatic car won’t move.
When a clutch starts to fail due to wear, it no longer grips sufficiently and slips on the engine flywheel.
To check that this is indeed the problem, just drive in high gear (low revs) and accelerate hard.
If we see that the engine revolutions increase but the speed does not increase accordingly, it means that the clutch is slipping.
Problems With The Valve Body
The valve body is a part of an automatic transmission that aids in the gear shifting process. But, like any mechanical device, problems can affect the valve body.
Symptoms of valve body failure
Noises and/or thuds: Many of the symptoms are simply related to noises or knocking when you shift gears. If you hear knocking noises when downshifting, shifting gears, or driving in reverse, it is a symptom of a defective valve body.
Shift lever: Another symptom would be if the shift lever slips a lot when you try to change gears. If the valve body is functioning properly, the shift lever would not slip so easily.
Low shifting: Another symptom of valve body failure is the feeling that either reversing or driving maneuvers are performed more slowly. These are all signs of a faulty valve body in your automatic transmission system.
Final Thoughts – Car Won’t Move in Any Gear
Automatic transmission operation is affected by driving habits, so we suggest you be aware of this to prolong its life by following a few simple steps:
- Check the operation of the automatic transmission once a year, or sooner if you detect any oil leaks, sudden speed changes or if you discover that the car is moving forward in your gear while you rev the engine.
- After the first 50,000 miles, the transmission oil should be changed every 20,000 miles or once a year (whichever comes first), and the interval varies depending on whether the vehicle’s drivability has deteriorated or if the engine has overheated.
- If the automatic transmission uses synthetic oil, the interval between oil changes may be extended, as synthetic oils have a considerably longer service life.
- Perform a test to check the operation of the automatic transmission, as well as for leaks and debris in the crankcase, among other things.
- Proper maintenance of your automatic transmission will save you from having to make costly repairs in the future.
