Car Engine Starts but Does Not Move: Troubleshooting Guide

Introduction

When you turn the key and your car engine starts but doesn’t move, it can be a frustrating and confusing experience. There are several possible causes for this issue, and it’s important to troubleshoot the problem in order to find the best solution. In this guide, we will explore the most common reasons why a car engine starts but does not move and provide step-by-step instructions on how to troubleshoot and fix the problem.

Common Causes

There are several common causes for a car engine to start but not move, including:

1. Transmission Issues

Transmission problems are one of the most common causes of a car engine starting but not moving. The transmission is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels, and if there is a problem with the transmission, the car will not be able to move. Some of the most common transmission issues that can cause this problem include:

* **Slipping Transmission:** A slipping transmission occurs when the transmission is unable to hold the car in gear. This can be caused by worn clutch plates or a low level of transmission fluid.
* **Broken Driveshaft:** The driveshaft is a rotating shaft that connects the transmission to the wheels. If the driveshaft is broken, the car will not be able to move.
* **Damaged CV Joints:** CV joints are universal joints that allow the driveshaft to rotate at different angles. If a CV joint is damaged, it can cause the driveshaft to bind, which will prevent the car from moving.

2. Differential Problems

The differential is a component of the drivetrain that allows the wheels to turn at different speeds. If there is a problem with the differential, the car may not be able to move. Some of the most common differential problems that can cause this issue include:

* **Open Differential:** An open differential allows the wheels to spin freely, which can make it difficult for the car to move on slippery surfaces.
* **Locked Differential:** A locked differential prevents the wheels from spinning independently, which can make it difficult to turn the car.
* **Damaged Differential Gears:** Damaged differential gears can cause the differential to slip or lock, which can prevent the car from moving.

3. Axle Problems

The axles are the shafts that connect the wheels to the differential. If there is a problem with an axle, the car may not be able to move. Some of the most common axle problems that can cause this issue include:

* **Broken Axle:** A broken axle will prevent the wheel from turning.
* **Damaged Axle Bearings:** Damaged axle bearings can cause the axle to bind, which will prevent the wheel from turning.
* **Loose Axle Nuts:** Loose axle nuts can allow the axle to move out of alignment, which can prevent the wheel from turning.

4. Brake Problems

Brake problems can also cause a car engine to start but not move. If the brakes are applied, the car will not be able to move. Some of the most common brake problems that can cause this issue include:

* **Stuck Brake Calipers:** Stuck brake calipers will prevent the brake pads from releasing, which will keep the brakes applied.
* **Frozen Brake Lines:** Frozen brake lines will prevent brake fluid from flowing to the brake calipers, which will keep the brakes applied.
* **Damaged Brake Master Cylinder:** A damaged brake master cylinder will not be able to generate enough pressure to apply the brakes, which will allow the car to move even if the brakes are applied.

5. Electrical Problems

Electrical problems can also cause a car engine to start but not move. If there is a problem with the electrical system, the car may not be able to get power to the transmission or the brakes. Some of the most common electrical problems that can cause this issue include:

* **Dead Battery:** A dead battery will not be able to provide power to the starter motor, which will prevent the engine from starting.
* **Faulty Starter Motor:** A faulty starter motor will not be able to engage the flywheel, which will prevent the engine from starting.
* **Damaged Wiring:** Damaged wiring can prevent power from reaching the transmission or the brakes, which will prevent the car from moving.

Troubleshooting Steps

If your car engine starts but does not move, it is important to troubleshoot the problem in order to find the best solution. The following steps will help you troubleshoot the problem:

1. Check the Transmission Fluid

The first step is to check the transmission fluid level. If the transmission fluid is low, it can cause the transmission to slip, which will prevent the car from moving. You can check the transmission fluid level by following these steps:

* Park the car on a level surface and turn off the engine.
* Open the hood and locate the transmission dipstick. The dipstick will usually have a red or orange handle.
* Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag.
* Reinsert the dipstick and pull it out again.
* The transmission fluid level should be between the “full” and “add” marks on the dipstick. If the transmission fluid level is low, add transmission fluid until it reaches the “full” mark.

2. Check the Brakes

The next step is to check the brakes. If the brakes are applied, the car will not be able to move. You can check the brakes by following these steps:

* Park the car on a level surface and turn off the engine.
* Open the hood and locate the brake fluid reservoir. The brake fluid reservoir will usually have a black or blue cap.
* Check the brake fluid level. The brake fluid level should be between the “min” and “max” marks on the reservoir. If the brake fluid level is low, add brake fluid until it reaches the “max” mark.
* Pump the brake pedal several times. The brake pedal should feel firm and responsive. If the brake pedal feels spongy or mushy, there may be a problem with the brakes.

3. Check the Electrical System

The next step is to check the electrical system. If there is a problem with the electrical system, the car may not be able to get power to the transmission or the brakes. You can check the electrical system by following these steps:

* Start the car engine.
* Turn on the headlights and the air conditioner.
* Check the voltage gauge. The voltage gauge should read between 12 and 14 volts. If the voltage gauge reads below 12 volts, there may be a problem with the battery or the alternator.
* Check the fuses. The fuses are located in the fuse box. The fuse box is usually located under the hood or in the passenger compartment. Check the fuses for any blown fuses. If you find a blown fuse, replace it with a new fuse of the same amperage.

4. Have the Car Inspected by a Mechanic

If you are unable to find the problem yourself, you should have the car inspected by a mechanic. The mechanic will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the best solution.

Conclusion

If your car engine starts but does not move, it can be a frustrating and confusing experience. However, by following the troubleshooting steps in this guide, you can find the best solution and get your car moving again.