My car gear does not engage to drive position.
My car is a Nissan Altima, 2006 model with 4 cylinder engine, i have been having this gear issue for the past one year now. Though i use the car once in awhile. The problem is that, the automatic gear does not shift when i try to engage to drive position, until i had to do it manually. But sometimes, the gear complies and shifts to drive position.
Another problem is, when i stop the the car while the gear is on drive position, the engine will be vibrating, but when i return the gear to neutral position, the engine tends to stabilize and runs smoothly. thanks
Another problem is, when i stop the the car while the gear is on drive position, the engine will be vibrating, but when i return the gear to neutral position, the engine tends to stabilize and runs smoothly. thanks
My car has 152 miles.
My
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there:
Sometimes this issue is caused by a faulty shift solenoid attached to the transmission; while in other instances, it can be caused by low transmission fluid or other damage inside the transmission. The best thing to do is have a professional mechanic complete a car is hard to shift inspection, so they can determine what is causing this problem and recommend the right repairs.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
The main reason the car won`t go into gear is that the level of transmission fluid in the vehicle is lower than required. If the level is low despite regular maintenance, there may be a leak. Transmission fluid, therefore, is important to ensure that the car`s moving parts are properly lubricated for functioning.
The number one cause is the clutch components have worn out and no longer have enough friction material to overcome the weight of the vehicle. A second possibility is the transmission can be stuck in two gears at the same time and it won`t move. The shift mechanism can malfunction and keep you from selecting a gear.
Press the Clutch Pedal Down More
If you have a manual transmission, try to press the clutch pedal all the way down to the floor before trying to change gears. As the friction disc down, you have to press the pedal further and further down to move it away from the flywheel.
One reason why an automatic transmission isn`t shifting into gear has to do with the fluid. If it`s not at the right level or the incorrect type has been used, then it`ll affect the gears. Another big reason has to do with the ECM possibly going bad.
This could likely be due to a faulty computer that controls the transmission, a faulty transmission solenoid, or another issue with your transmission. If there is an issue with your solenoid you could be experiencing slipping gears or a transmission that won`t shift into gear properly at all.
Transmission Issues
Transmission is most likely to be the culprit for the car wont move in drive but will in reverse issue. When the vehicle does not function in one or more gears, you should check the gear shifter. The gear cable could be stretched further than the normal length and will need adjustment.
Turn off your vehicle`s ignition and wait patiently for 5 to 10 seconds. Start the engine and allow it to idle for several seconds. Switch off the ignition and wait patiently for another 30 to 40 seconds. Repeat these steps 2 to 3 times in order to reset your vehicle`s transmission control module.
But a blown fuse No. 38 becomes a likely candidate causing a loss of power to the transmission solenoids.
Worn Transmission Fluid (Automatic Transmission)
Over time, the transmission fluid gathers dirt and grime. This can cause the engine to run roughly, stall or fail to accelerate when you press down on the gas pedal. You may need to have a transmission fluid change before more damage is done.
The Average Cost for Automatic Transmission Solenoind Replacement Is $75 to $450, Depending on if You Go to the Mechanic or DIY.
You most likely have a faulty brake light switch. While it seems like your transmission and brake lights aren`t related, they are; there`s a switch attached to the brake pedal which activates your lights when depressed, and the same switch activates a solenoid on your shifter to allow you to shift out of park.
You most likely have a faulty brake light switch. While it seems like your transmission and brake lights aren`t related, they are; there`s a switch attached to the brake pedal which activates your lights when depressed, and the same switch activates a solenoid on your shifter to allow you to shift out of park.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
My car gear does not engage to drive position.
ANSWER : Hi there:
Sometimes this issue is caused by a faulty shift solenoid attached to the transmission; while in other instances, it can be caused by low transmission fluid or other damage inside the transmission. The best thing to do is have a professional mechanic complete a car is hard to shift inspection, so they can determine what is causing this problem and recommend the right repairs.
Read Full Q/A … : My car gear does not engage to drive position.
My manual car won’t go into gear, it turns on and the clutch goes down perfectly fine. It happened after my gears grinded, the car
ANSWER : If the clutch mechanism is releasing properly, and the shift linkage is not malfunctioning, your transmission will have to be removed from the vehicle and inspected. Once a transmission has been removed from a vehicle, if the problem is a broken or worn part or parts, and the transmission has 100,000 miles or more, the most cost effective approach is to just simply rebuild the whole transmission. There are transmission rebuild kits that are sold just for this purpose. Rebuilding a transmission is no big deal and is indeed easier in many respects than rebuilding an engine. You can rebuild your transmission right in your own garage. You can NOT rebuild an engine in your own garage due to the highly specialized, and extremely costly, machine shop equipment required. Occasionally, mobile mechanics will take on a transmission rebuild job especially as once the mechanic removes the transmission from the vehicle, it is just simply a modular unit that can be easily transported to a mechanic’s shop and rebuilt right there and then returned to your vehicle. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
Read Full Q/A … : My car gear does not engage to drive position.
When I’m driving, sometimes the car over revs and jerks when I shift gears after the cars been on for a while
ANSWER : Hi There,
What you are describing may be a result of a faulty speed sensor, potentially low transmission fluid or a even a faulty transmission control solenoid. As your vehicle travels down the road, the computer analyzes data being sent by vehicle speed sensors and engine speed sensors. Based on this information, the Engine Control Unit (ECU), or the Transmission Control Unit (TCM), executes the appropriate upshifts and downshifts by sending a signal to one of several shift solenoids. These transmission solenoids have spring-loaded plungers inside them, which are wrapped with wire. When this coil of wire receives an electrical charge from the TCM / ECU, it causes these plungers to open, allowing transmission fluid to flow into the valve body and pressurize the desired clutches and bands. When this happens, the transmission changes gears and you continue down the road. The computer controls the transmission solenoid in several ways. If the vehicle is equipped with a dedicated Transmission Control Unit, it can open or close the hydraulic circuit using a direct 12v signal. In some cases, the Engine Control Unit (ECU) can control the solenoid’s plunger by turning the ground circuit on and off. I would recommend having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your transmission.
What you are describing may be a result of a faulty speed sensor, potentially low transmission fluid or a even a faulty transmission control solenoid. As your vehicle travels down the road, the computer analyzes data being sent by vehicle speed sensors and engine speed sensors. Based on this information, the Engine Control Unit (ECU), or the Transmission Control Unit (TCM), executes the appropriate upshifts and downshifts by sending a signal to one of several shift solenoids. These transmission solenoids have spring-loaded plungers inside them, which are wrapped with wire. When this coil of wire receives an electrical charge from the TCM / ECU, it causes these plungers to open, allowing transmission fluid to flow into the valve body and pressurize the desired clutches and bands. When this happens, the transmission changes gears and you continue down the road. The computer controls the transmission solenoid in several ways. If the vehicle is equipped with a dedicated Transmission Control Unit, it can open or close the hydraulic circuit using a direct 12v signal. In some cases, the Engine Control Unit (ECU) can control the solenoid’s plunger by turning the ground circuit on and off. I would recommend having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your transmission.
Read Full Q/A … : My car gear does not engage to drive position.
Car only drives in first and reverse
ANSWER : What you are describing may be a result of a faulty speed sensor, potentially low transmission fluid or a even a faulty transmission control solenoid. As your vehicle travels down the road, the computer analyzes data being sent by vehicle speed sensors and engine speed sensors. Based on this information, the Engine Control Unit (ECU), or the Transmission Control Unit (TCM), executes the appropriate upshifts and downshifts by sending a signal to one of several shift solenoids. These transmission solenoids have spring-loaded plungers inside them, which are wrapped with wire. When this coil of wire receives an electrical charge from the TCM / ECU, it causes these plungers to open, allowing transmission fluid to flow into the valve body and pressurize the desired clutches and bands. When this happens, the transmission changes gears and you continue down the road. The computer controls the transmission solenoid in several ways. If the vehicle is equipped with a dedicated Transmission Control Unit, it can open or close the hydraulic circuit using a direct 12v signal. In some cases, the Engine Control Unit (ECU) can control the solenoid’s plunger by turning the ground circuit on and off. When this is not working properly, this can cause a jerking reaction, a delay in shifting or in some cases may cause the transmission to hesitate in shifting gears. I would recommend having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your transmission.
Read Full Q/A … : My car gear does not engage to drive position.
Car won’t go into gear. 2002 Audi A4 Quattro
ANSWER : Hi there – Your symptoms describe the behavior to expect when your clutch hydraulics go out (clutch master and clutch slave cylinders). Check your clutch fluid level – it may be low. If the fluid level is low, this usually means your clutch slave cylinder has worn out, not unusual with your mileage, and should be replaced. I recommend a malfunctioning clutch inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.
Read Full Q/A … : My car gear does not engage to drive position.
While driving my drive decided not engage when I had to stop
ANSWER : Hello. The traction light is like a check engine light for your steering and suspension system. A technician could use a scan tool to pull any error codes to help pinpoint which component is faulty. I believe the problem your vehicle is having is a faulty shift solenoid. The transmission control module sends a signal to the shift solenoid for the shift solenoid to control the transmission shifting. By you paddle shifting you are basically bypassing the shift solenoid because you are controlling the transmission shifting yourself. If the shift solenoid fails completely you will not even be able to use the paddle shift function. It will be best to have your vehicle inspected by technician as soon as possible. You’re able to find a technician for transmission diagnosis here https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/not-able-to-change-gears-inspection
Read Full Q/A … : My car gear does not engage to drive position.
I was driving had my car on gear and lost acceleration. I pushed the clutch in and put on gear but only grind but won’t move?
ANSWER : If the clutch lever, on the transmission, is functioning something has mechanically failed in the clutch and/or the transmission. If the clutch failed, and you heard gears grinding, as you tried to shift the transmission, some damage may have been done to the transmission. Even if just the clutch has failed, the engine and transmission will have to be separated to find the cause of the failure and worn out or broken parts will likely have to be replaced . To request an inspection, the recommended service is clutch system diagnostic. If you request that diagnostic, the responding certified mechanic will evaluate what you have and let you know of your repair options and costs. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
Read Full Q/A … : My car gear does not engage to drive position.
Gear selector cable/linkage loose, car will not start
ANSWER : Hi there – based on your description, I believe part of the gear selector cable/linkage is no longer anchored or connected. Besides the "free movement" of the shifter as you describe, it is also not registering properly with the neutral safety switch – which prevents engine start. I would recommend having a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic examine your Saturns shifter mechanism. S/he will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.
Read Full Q/A … : My car gear does not engage to drive position.
