Q: RPM increasing but car won't drive

asked by on March 05, 2017

The was a slight noisy sound when I started driving off. Then within minutes the RPM would start Erving without cause, the car seems to be stuck in gears. But it would not accelerate or move when it was in drive and I would press the accelerator. Even when pressing the acceslarator to maximum it would only move maybe 10mpb while the rpm kept increasing even after letting go of the accelerator. I don't see any leaks in the driveway and no prior warning signs.

My car has 60000 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.

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