Transmission Problem #3 – Bad Automatic Transmission FluidĪs we mentioned above, dirty or contaminated transmission fluid can cause your car, truck, or SUV not to shift into gear. This is when the mechanic will complete a physical inspection to determine which part(s) need to be replaced. If the vehicle is starting, it’s likely not the brake switch. The first thing a professional mechanic will do to fix this issue is correctly diagnosing the root problem. However, if the vehicle is running and won’t go into gear, it might be the linkage cable that is loose, damaged, or disconnected. Some people call these parts the shift lock release.Ī brake switch fault will likely coincide with a failure to start. These systems are safety devices, which ensures the drive can’t start the vehicle while it’s in a forward or reverse gear. If you can’t physically shift the transmission into gear, or if you’re also having issues starting the vehicle, it might be caused by a damaged linkage cable, the shift interlock solenoid, or brake switch. Transmission Problem #2 - Faulty Linkage Cable or Brake Switch They’ll be able to come to your location, troubleshoot the issue, and complete a few diagnostic scans using advanced technical equipment to determine if this is a simple ‘loose or dirty wire issue’ or something more problematic. Unless you have experience with modern automotive electrical systems or can interpret an OBD-II diagnostic scanner, this is a job best left to a professional mobile mechanic. Sometimes a corroded, dirty, or loose wire will cause the vehicle not to shift into gear. As we stated above, all automatic transmissions utilize a series of sensors and electrical connections to communicate to the onboard computer. Transmission Problem #1 - Faulty Linkage or Sensor Connectionįile this one under ‘pesky electrical issues, as a leading reason why your car will not shift into drive. Let’s review three of the most common automatic transmission-related problems. Believe it or not, the least likely source of a transmission issue is mechanical damage of internal components. If there is debris in the system, it can clog the lines and disrupt efficiency. Most automatic transmissions today, even the CVT or Continuous Variable Transmission, depend on maintaining a proper fluid level and clean fluids – not only to supply the needed hydraulic pressure but to keep the transmission running cool. In many cases, a minor electrical glitch can disrupt the communication to the transmission – which prohibits it to engage. An electrical problem. Automatic transmissions depend on a series of sensors, switches, and electrical wiring to communicate with the vehicle’s onboard computer.When your car will not go into gear, or the vehicle will not move forward or in reverse when it’s in gear, the root issue is typically related to one of these three sources: We will discuss manual transmissions a bit later.Īn automatic transmission is a hydraulic unit, that is comprised of a series of lines, gears, and valve bodies that allow the system to gradually supply power from the engine to a torque converter, through the valve body, to the driveshaft and eventually - the axel. So – for this article, we’ll focus mainly on these types of gear drive systems. Your Car Won’t Go into Gear? How to Diagnose the IssueĪccording to CarMax – nearly 96 percent of all daily drivers are automatic transmissions. We will also list a few corrective actions you should take to get the issue resolved quickly, and hopefully – without putting a dent in your pocketbook. We will list a few of the most common reasons your transmission will not engage in any gear or why the transmission won’t shift. In the information below, we will outline the top three common reasons why your car won’t go into gear when the engine is running. When the transmission fails, it can be caused by a myriad of sources. Like most mechanical components that comprise the drivetrain, the transmission, whether it’s automatic, manual, or direct-drive is made up of several, individual parts, that must work together in a harmonious nature to propel your daily driver. Even worse, the new advancements in transmission technology can give experienced mechanics fits on trying to diagnose transmission problems and determine how to fix them. While technology has improved the reliability and longevity of most daily drivers, transmission problems can still cause us grief. They drive smoother, accelerate quicker, and navigate hazardous road conditions than ever before. The modern car, truck, and SUV is an engineering masterpiece.
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