Having a car that won’t move in gear can be a frustrating and potentially costly problem. If you find yourself in this situation, take the time to troubleshoot what’s causing the issue before attempting to make any major repairs. In this article, we’ll cover how to troubleshoot a car that won’t move in gear, including checking the clutch, transmission fluid level, and other mechanical and electrical issues.
Check the Clutch
The first step in troubleshooting your car is to check the clutch. If it is not working properly or worn out, it could prevent your vehicle from moving when shifted into gear.
Inspect the Clutch Pedal
When pressed down, one way to check if your clutch is working properly is by inspecting its pedal for excessive wear or slippage. If you notice any signs of wear on the pedal or any slippage while pressing it, you may need to replace it with a new one before attempting to drive again.
Check Clutch Linkage
Another way to check if your clutch is working correctly is by inspecting its linkage for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Look underneath your vehicle to check to see if the linkage is connected properly and that all moving parts move freely. If any of these components appear worn or damaged, you may need to replace them before attempting to drive again.
Check Transmission Fluid Level
Another possible cause of your car not moving in gear could be inadequate transmission fluid. Before attempting any repairs, make sure to check the level and condition of the transmission fluid. If it is low, fill it with a transmission-specific fluid until it reaches the proper level.
Check for Other Mechanical Issues
If you have checked your clutch and transmission fluid levels but still find that your car won’t move in gear, other mechanical issues may prevent it.
Look at the Engine Mounts
One way to check for mechanical issues is by inspecting the engine mounts for signs of wear or damage, such as broken bolts or loose connections. If any problems are found with engine mounts, they should be replaced before continuing with troubleshooting your car’s inability to move when shifted into gear.
Inspect Universal Joints and Drive Shafts
Another potential issue could be related to your car’s universal joints and drive shafts. Inspect for signs of wear or damage, such as broken bolts, excessive vibration, or poor alignment. If any of these issues are present, they should be replaced before attempting to drive again.
Consider Electrical Issues
If you have ruled out all mechanical issues but still find that your car won’t move when shifted into gear, the issue could be electrical. Check the battery connections and wiring harnesses for any signs of corrosion or damage that could be causing an electrical fault. It is also important to check the operation of your starter motor as well as any other related components to ensure they are working correctly and not preventing your car from being able to move when shifted into gear.
Conclusion
Troubleshooting a car that will only move when shifted into gear can be challenging if you know where to start looking for potential causes of the problem. This article discussed troubleshooting a car that won’t move in gear by checking the clutch, transmission fluid level, and other mechanical and electrical issues. If you find yourself in this situation, properly diagnose what’s causing it before attempting any repairs so that you can get your car back on the road quickly and safely.
