So, your truck won’t move in any gear, and it has an automatic transmission? If you are facing similar issues, it’s time to assume some severe problem cooking under the hood. A variety of factors can be triggering these problems. Depending on the factors causing these issues, you will notice different symptoms.
These situations have to be addressed in different ways. But it would be best if you got your truck professionally checked. You may start panicking when your vehicle won’t move in any gear, and the automatic transmission lets you down. Luckily, there are simple methods to diagnose and repair these troubles.
Knowing how automatic transmission functions may help you understand a few of the transmission problems that commonly arise in trucks. An automatic transmission relies on sensors to note a need for a gear shift. Thanks to this multi-speed transmission, there is no need for driver input when changing the gears.
A gearbox or transmission is tasked with transferring power to the drive wheels from the truck’s engine. If the transmission and its parts are faulty, the truck won’t move in any gear.
The most prevalent form of an automatic gearbox in a truck shifts gears using hydraulic power. An automatic transmission is made up of the following gears:
Before delving into possible remedies for your truck’s transmission problems, it’s critical to identify the variables that cause these problems. Here are the main elements to take into consideration:
As with other solvents of your truck, the gearbox is susceptible to leaks.
In reality, it is one of the most typical answers to why a truck won’t move in any gear, especially automatic transmissions. If the fluid level falls below a certain level, the car will continue to move while in the drive. However, you cannot reverse.
If these incidents occur regularly, there is a good possibility of a leak in the transmission.
On average, fixing a transmission fluid leak will cost anywhere between $150 to $200. Minor repairs are included in this measurement, like setting the gasket, drain plugs, seals, pan bolts, or changing the fluid lines.
If the clutch fails to function correctly, the vehicle transmission will most likely fail. Steel plates and friction plates make up the clutch. These plates deteriorate with time. As a result, adequate pressure cannot be applied to the planetary gears – they decide which equipment your truck will stay in.
In this case, you must replace the clutch plates right away. The typical cost of a clutch replacement is around $1,200 to $1,400. Parts might cost between $700 – $750, while labor could cost $500 and $650. However, depending on where you reside, the average clutch kit may be less expensive, costing approximately $800.
If your truck doesn’t move in any fear when the engine is hot, you may have a blocked filter problem at your hands. A whining sound frequently accompanies this condition. The engine may occasionally enable you to go for a brief distance before refusing to move again. This is usually an indication that the transmission is deteriorating.
When the gear change for the four-wheel-drive system is accidentally pushed into neutral, your truck will not move. Fortunately, you can inspect yourself and avoid having to pay for repairs.
The torque converter is an integral component of the powertrain system that transfers power from the transmission to the engine and wheels. If there are any faults, it can create significant complications such as the truck not moving in any gear, transmission sounds while starting the car, and stuttering when switching from one gear to another.
A broken or malfunctioning torque converter might cause transmission damage in your vehicle. Some of the signs of a fractured torque converter are as follows:
A torque converter will cost you from $100 to $600 on average. If you cannot perform the replacement yourself, mainly because it would entail dropping the gearbox, a professional repair procedure might cost between $500 to $1,000.
Transmission fluid transfers power; if there is a deficit of transmission fluid, necessary power cannot be supplied, hindering regular driving capacity. Thus, the truck won’t move in any gear, whether automatic transmission or manual.
A malfunctioning automatic gearbox valve body is another reason your truck won’t move in any gear. The mechanical powertrain valve body is a labyrinthine control center composed of solenoids, tunnels, and valves that convey the transmission fluid required for gear changes. If the transmission fluid distribution medium develops a fault, it will impede the passage of power from the gear system to various truck elements.
Suppose the truck has little to no power, but the engine is functioning correctly. In that case, the culprit might be internal transmission difficulties, dragging brakes resulting from a faulty brake line or caliper, or the trucks’ computer is regulating power due to a problem it has recognized. It does so to protect the engine. To locate the situation correctly, have the vehicle evaluated for trouble codes.
A check engine light isn’t just for the engine. It can also indicate transmission difficulties such as solenoid troubles, overheating, sliding transmission, speed sensors, and many more. Read the trouble codes to determine which circuits and sensors report a problem. Although not every sensor-related code will indicate an issue that has to be solved, they will provide a starting point for the investigation.
How will you diagnose problems with the truck’s gearbox system? If your truck’s transmission framework begins to fail, you will most likely experience the following indications and symptoms:
A common sign of transmission failure is that the truck will make a lot of noise when driving. When you notice such occurrences, you should inspect the transmission system.
Another typical indicator of transmission system problems is the vehicle rattling and grinding as you shift into gear.
Is it difficult for you to pack the truck? If this is the case, you should presume severe problems with the transmission system.
One other standard indicator of a malfunctioning transmission system is the gear dropping and popping. This is when your truck is calling for immediate attention.
Can you smell something burning whenever you try to put your truck in gear? If yes, assume there are significant problems with the transmission system. Typically, you would require a handful of spare parts to fix the issues.
When your truck doesn’t move in any gear, you are dealing with a severe automatic transmission problem within your vehicle. Or it can be due to an unmindful oversight.
These are the signs to look out for and what to do:
When diagnosing a truck that won’t shift, the first question to ask is, “Is the key inside the ignition?” Some may find this amusing, but many vehicles nowadays are so silent that you can’t tell if they’re operating or not. Your truck will not start if the key is not in the ignition.
Release the parking brake. Even if the truck is in drive, the parking brake stops it from moving. You’ll notice your vehicle resisting the forward momentum if you use a manual transmission. When you disconnect your truck, be sure no one is behind or in front of it.
A shifter is used in manual transmission vehicles. This isn’t always wholly engaged. This stops the car from shifting into gear. Shift gears by pressing the clutch pedal. Release the clutch pedal when the shifter is placed in gear.
Try using different gear. Begin in first gear and work your way down to the final gear. Put it in reverse and try again. This will allow you to properly examine the problem.
It might be a single defective gear rather than a complete transmission. It might be a problem with your truck’s transmission fluid levels. If there’s still no progress, seek the assistance of a technician.
You might have a damaged shifter if you’re unlucky, a disconnected shift linkage. When diagnosing a truck that won’t get into gear, these two are the most common problems.
A defective shifter tends to slip. You won’t shift correctly if your shift linkage is damaged or detached. Look beneath the truck to examine the condition. Get a certified technician to repair it for professional results.
You can assess a defective clutch plate in three ways:
Moving onto manual transmissions for a moment, this method can only work when you’re not using an automatic transmission. Engage the emergency or park brake to test this—place blocks beneath the front wheels. Release the clutch and shift to a higher gear. If the truck keeps running, the problem is a damaged clutch plate that requires replacement.
Note: Do not try this in a crowded area since your truck may suddenly lurch forward.
Ensure you have enough transmission fluid if your truck has an automatic transmission. Check the level of your transmission fluid. Insert the dipstick into the container of transmission fluid and examine the color, level, and odor. If your transmission fluid levels are low, add extra.
If the fluid seems black or dark brown, it indicates that the transmission fluid is old or has a problem with the transmission. Flush the system and recheck after 1000 miles. The situation is alarming if the fluid has a burnt smell.
For a truck that won’t shift into gear, you might need the help of a professional to locate anything. Chances are, the torque converter is bad. Put the vehicle into park. Place several wheel blocks on the ground. Ignite the engine and shift into Drive gear. Let go of the pedal. The torque converter is worn if the truck is slow or won’t shift into gear during this process.
Hire a tow truck to transport your vehicle to the nearest auto shop. Driving it in less-than-ideal conditions will result in more harm.
Once you’ve identified the symptoms of the complicated transmission system and the elements that contribute to the problem, it’s time to talk about possible solutions:
A truck equipped with an automatic transmission not shifting into any gear can become a pricey problem to solve. In some cases, you may have to replace the whole transmission. Check out a few preventive measures that can keep these issues at bay.
A truck won’t move in any gear and features an automatic transmission is a tricky vehicle to run. These simple tips and tricks will help you resolve the more common problems and avoid them. Take good care of your vehicle to keep it in perfect operating condition as your life and safety depend on it.
Here are some popular FAQs:
One possibility is there isn’t enough transmission fluid. Inspect the fluid level regularly to know when it is low and can refill it.
Some indicators indicate that your gearbox needs to be replaced: burning smell, the CEL remaining illuminated, trouble switching gears, a dragging clutch, and leaking fluids. If you observe these symptoms, you should have your vehicle inspected right away.
It might be attributed to various causes, including poor maintenance and extreme gas mileage. Regular check-ups would help a lot in preventing this.
This might be a problem with the gearbox control solenoid. Bring your truck to a mechanic’s and have the damaged parts checked. If required, replace them.
19. Splitters separate the nine gears of commercial vehicles. The 19th gear is reverse. Pickup trucks have four to seven speeds, plus reverse. Meanwhile, CVT gearboxes do not have gears. They may, in theory, have an endless count of gears.
Every year, make it a point to cleanse your whole transmission system. This removes the old transmission fluid, allowing you to replace it with a fresh bottle. When diagnosing a truck that won’t shift, it was discovered that old or unclean transmission fluid contributed to shifting difficulties.