Sometimes drivers face an issue where a car fails to go into gear. Assuming that it’s not often, people who face this situation immediately conclude that it is a transmission problem. However, there can be reasons other than a malfunctioning transmission system. It is recommended to take your car to a service centre to get the problem professionally diagnosed and resolved.
Below you will find some major reasons why a car won’t shift gears that may help you determine that it’s the time to take your car to an auto service centre.
5 REASONS WHY YOUR CAR WON’T GO INTO GEAR
Read on to acquire knowledge about why your car gear is not working properly and what needs to be checked and fixed:
TRANSMISSION FLUID ISSUES
The main reason the car won’t go into gear is that the level of car transmission fluid in the vehicle is lower or higher than the required limit. If the level is low despite regular maintenance, there may be a leak. Whereas, excessive transmission fluid may result in trouble shifting gears and gear slippage.
Transmission fluid, therefore, is important to ensure that the car’s moving parts are properly lubricated for functioning.
Similarly, dirty or burnt transmission fluid is also a reason the car won’t go into gear properly.
How to fix this issue
To fix this issue, check the fluid and if found dirty, change the car transmission fluid. You can check the transmission oil by its colour, smell and consistency. The colour of the oil becomes blackish and it will start smelling like a burnt fluid. This will indicate that the fluid should be changed immediately.
MALFUNCTIONING SHIFT LOCK RELEASE
In automatic transmission cars, the shift knob is locked when the vehicle is parked, until the driver’s foot is on the brake and the engine is started. This prevents accidental gear shifts in the car in the absence of the driver.
However, in some cases, the shift lock gets stuck and fails to disengage properly which is why automatic cars won’t shift gears. Most modern cars with automatic shifters have a ‘shift lock’ or ‘shift release’ switch somewhere near the shifter. It might sometimes be hidden under a small trim piece that you will have to remove with a small screwdriver or key. You can shift into drive by sticking the key in to release the lock.
How to fix this issue
For resolving a stuck gear shift, attempt to bypass the shift interlock solenoid. To disengage the safety lock, start the vehicle and maintain pressure on the brake pedal as you shift into reverse or drive. You can find more instructions on how to perform this bypass in the guide for car gear stuck in park mode.
CLUTCH FAILURE
In all stick-shift cars, there is a master cylinder that is responsible to put the motion of the clutch pedal into the movement of the vehicle. This is done when the clutch pedal releases and engages the clutch in manual transmission. The master cylinder uses hydraulic fluid to function; even a bit of leak of the fluid into the system can cause the clutch pedal to stop functioning and the car won’t go into gear. Another sign of a bad car clutch is when the clutch pedals fall to the floor.
You may have to hard press the clutch due to the following reasons:
- Require more transmission fluid
- Failed clutch master cylinder
- Misaligned clutch housing
- Broken clutch wire
- Bad clutch release bearing
- Disconnected plate or disk
How to fix this issue
To fix a malfunctioning car clutch, consult a professional mechanic. They will assess the issue, replace worn components if necessary, and ensure proper clutch operation for optimal vehicle performance.
TORN SHIFT LINKAGE WIRE
Due to rubbing against the sharp metal edges of the frame of the car, the cables and wires can sometimes get pinched off or ruptured. In case it’s the linkage cable to the clutch that has broken off, the car won’t go into gear, of course, no matter what kind of transmission your ride is.
Here’s what various situations can indicate regarding the condition of your shift linkage wires:
- Inability to shift gears entirely: This could suggest a potential break in your horizontal shift cable.
- Ability to shift only into 3rd or 4th gear: This may indicate a potential issue with your vertical shift cable.
- Shifting gears without affecting transmission: This situation might point to the possibility of both cables being broken.
How to fix this issue
If you suspect a severed linkage cable, you might have to go underneath the car or locate the linkage in the engine bay to assess the situation. Once you locate it, trace the linkage from the shifter to the transmission. Ensure all components are securely connected and free from visible wear or damage.
Merely reconnecting the parts may not be sufficient; the linkage may require replacement parts or adjustments for proper functioning. For this purpose, get your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic to deal with the issue.
BAD TORQUE CONVERTER
Components like a pump, stator and turbine in a torque converter can become faulty which can cause slipping when the transmission shift gears. Therefore, it is important to inspect these elements as they can block the transmission from shifting altogether.
Regular automatic transmission maintenance can also help resolve minor problems that prevent your car from shifting gears properly.
How to fix this issue
Fixing a faulty torque converter is a difficult task that often requires expertise and specialised equipment. Therefore, it is advised to get this issue fixed by an auto expert.
Failed Clutch Packs
If you own a vehicle with an automatic transmission and encounter issues with your clutch pack, your car won’t go into gear when engine is running. Symptoms of clutch pack problems include transmission slippage, which manifests as your engine revving without a corresponding increase in vehicle speed during gear shifts or difficulties in getting your car moving after coming to a stop.
How to fix this issue
The sole solution to address this problem is to enlist a skilled mechanic for the replacement of the clutch pack. It’s essential to replace both plates and disks to maintain uniform quality and wear across these components.
Misaligned Gearbox
Manual transmissions are more prone to misaligned car gear problems, which, if left unattended, can lead to complete gear failure. Misalignment issues may arise due to factors like thermal expansion or other underlying problems such as imbalanced transmission fluid or clutch issues.
How to fix this issue
To fix a misaligned gearbox, you might have to adjust the clutch slightly or replace the worn clutch plate. However, a faulty gearbox might need the replacement of some worn-out car parts.
FAQs
WHY CAR JERK WHEN SHIFTING GEARS IN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION?
If your automatic transmission fluid is low or dirty, or if you have slipping clutch packs, bands, or weak and broken springs that cushion the clutch pack, it will cause an automatic transmission not to shift into high gears. Moreover, an engine running rough due to an ignition problem can cause jerks when the vehicle shift gears. Consequently, an AT specialist had the tools to diagnose and fix these problems.
WHY DOES MY CAR TURN OFF WHEN I SWITCH GEARS?
Your car won’t move in gear and will turn off when switching them if the torque converter is broken or bad. It is because the vehicle won’t be able to maintain the necessary power at low speeds or when idle, causing the engine to shut off.
WHY IS MY AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NOT CHANGING GEARS?
At times, your automatic car won’t shift gears because of the malfunctioning engine control module. Other symptoms include bad internal connections, worn-out sensors, and faulty solenoids. Get your car checked out by an experienced mechanic who can understand the car’s electrical system.
MY CAR WON’T MOVE IN GEAR IN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION?
If your car won’t move in gear in automatic transmission regardless of whichever gear you try, you may have weary clutches. Broken down clutches make the transmission unresponsive. Another reason why your car goes in gear but won’t move is that the transmission gear is stuck in two gears at the same time and is unable to move. Of course, the shift mechanism can malfunction at any time that prevents you from putting your vehicle into gear.
Now you know when your car won’t shift gears properly, either you are driving a manual or automatic transmission. However, you can easily avoid car transmission problems by keeping up regularly with the maintenance checklist.
If you can easily resolve minor transmission problems then better buy auto parts and accessories to get the job done. Else take your vehicle to an auto service centre.
In case, if the problem with the transmission gearbox is beyond repair, then you may consider buying a used car in the UAE.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on different parts, their functions, repair guides and more.
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