Q: Car does not move

asked by on September 15, 2017

transmission made no noise no smoke the gear stick moves with ease but just wont drive or reverse the rpm moves when i give it gas but only up to 4000 rpm and my dsc is off

My car has 127000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Transmission Fluid Service $140.08 - $502.73 Get a Quote

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.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

What is the supplemental restraint system (SRS)?
Your Altima is equipped with a number of different safety systems and equipment. The seat belts are the most important, but you also have a supplemental restraint system (SRS). There are actually four subsystems that make up the SRS. Driver...
Car won't pick up speed
A number of things could be causing this issue. Some possible problem parts would include throttle cables, computers, fuel or ignition issues, or even something as simple as a sensor. My best recommendation would be to have your vehicle thoroughly...
Knocking sound
Hello. It sounds like there is something broken in the engine internally. A push rod could be bent, a lifter could be stuck, or the engine bearing could be messed up. Have your vehicle's noise inspected (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-making-a-noise-inspection) by a certified...
Loud engine noise
If you are hearing a rattling noise on start up and for a couple of minutes that then goes away, then the variable valve timing actuators are at fault. The manufacturer is working on a replacement now, and will issue...
Car makes noise when taking off fast
You may need to have the engine mounts inspected to see if one is broken. This would be why you hear it in drive and not reverse; the engine may be moving and causing the noise. Have the noise checked...
Check Engine Light is on - codes P0313, P0299, P0304
Hi there. Based on what you've described, this could be a combination of faults between 2 or more things; however, I don't believe the coils and spark plugs are at fault. One of the codes is set during a low...
My car stalled and will not start.
Hi Heidi, Unfortunately, Your Mechanic does not provide engine replacement services. However, we do not know if your engine truly needs to be replaced. As such, a proper inspection by a qualified technician will uncover what is causing the no...
Was going up a hill and the car started to hesitate to get acceleration and the muffler is shaking now when idle
This may be related to many different things that can cause the engine to struggle. One possibility may be a sign of a clogged catalytic converter. As you may already know, the catalytic converter converts toxic exhaust gases into less...
Hello, so i have a 1994 mazda b3000 v6. It is a 3 liter engine. my tranny wont shift into any gear when i put it in the "overdrive
Hello. A bubble in your transmission fluid will not cause the same effects as a bubble in a brake line would. You may have faulty torque converter clutch solenoid or a shift solenoid causing the vehicle to not go in...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy if You Live Close to the Ocean
If If you live close to the ocean, your vehicle is going to be far more vulnerable to rust than if you lived further inland. And the fact is, when it comes to resisting rust, not all vehicles are created...
Ten Sports Cars That Double as Good Daily Drivers
The best daily driver is a car that's reliable, usable, and still fun to drive. Popular daily sports cars include the BMW M3, Subaru WRX, and VW GTI.
Top Automotive News & Stories: October 1-7
BMW i5 images leak, an ultra-lux Jeep, hydrogen-fueled Colorado ZH2, Fisker's electric future, record plug-in sales, NHTSA Road to Zero, and more.