Q: Car doesn't move at all when iI engage the gear in both drive and reverse, rather shows W on the dashboard for gear position 2001 Volvo S80

asked by on February 10, 2017

I asked my mechanic to change the the ATF when i started hearing a slightly foreign sound when ever i enagaged the gear, immediately he did that according him the car stopped moving both back and fort

My car has 140000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Gears slipping when accelerating Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hi there - the "W" displayed on the instrument cluster means that "Winter mode" is selected. This means that 2nd or even 3rd gear starts are invoked (rather than 1st) in order to get away from a dead stop in snow or icy conditions. This does mean you accelerate slowly, but should not mean you can’t move at all. if checking with your mechanic who did the transmission flush doesn’t resolve the problem, I recommend a transmission 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.

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

When should the airbag system be serviced?
The airbag system in your vehicle does not need routine maintenance. The system was designed to always be operational. To determine when the airbag system in your vehicle needs to be serviced. Looks for indications on the dashboard that there...
Door not closing.
Ford actually issued a recall regarding faulty door latches. I suggest calling your local Ford dealer with the VIN of your vehicle to see if it is covered. If not, a trained mechanic, like one from YourMechanic, can install a...
Car hard to control
There appears to be a lot of problems with that year Pathfinder, and Nissan has generated a Technical Service Bulletin that indicated a problem with the rear upper and lower link bushings that need to be replaced. I would recommend...
Overcharging 18volts +
The shop was correct about how the ECU controls the field current of the alternator which will cause the alternator to charge the batteries. If the wire on pin 57, the dark green with orange stripe wire at the ECU,...
Bad control arm bushings--how to recognize
The control arm (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-control-arm-assembly) does what it says - it controls the wheel. There are two parts down and one part where the wheel is and it has a top and bottom. So if the bushings go bad, you get...
Variable valve timing solenoid
Hi there. From the description you have provided, Check Engine Light on, being told VVT (variable valve timing) solenoid is bad, cracked valve cover, and now needs an engine is all questionable. Ford and their "5.4L VVT issues". I have...
Lost trailer brakes & lighting due to improper installation
It is possible an independent mechanic may be able to devise a fix for the wiring issue (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/electric-problems-inspection) that the dealer would be restricted from doing as it may require modifications. One thing to consider though, modifications to the truck...
Knock sensor P0332 2004 Chevrolet Express 2500
Hi there - the P0332 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0330-obd-ii-trouble-code-knock-sensor-2-circuit-malfunction-bank-2-by-spencer-clayton) problem code indicates a "low signal", which can mean a bad knock sensor, but it can also mean "no signal", as in, a wiring problem. Check the connections to the sensor for good connectivity,...
False "open rear access door open" msg. And lights aren't coming on inside when rear door really does open? Can this be reset
Hi Jasmine. Thanks for contacting us today. In most cases, this error message is activated when there is a failure of the rear door sensor. Sometimes an exposed electrical wire that is connected to the sensor can cause this to...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a Dog Trainer
If If you are a dog trainer, you expect a lot from your vehicle. You want a ride that is safe, roomy, and of course, dog friendly, since your training operation will often mean that you need to transport the...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Kickdown Cable
If you feel that your car's transmission is shifting roughly, too fast, or too slow, you may need to replace the kickdown cable.
How to Use Autostick
Autostick gives drivers with automatic transmissions the feel of a manual car. It allows the driver to upshift and downshift for extra control.