Car Won’t Go Into Gear When Engine Running Automatic

Causes

There are a few possible causes for why your car won’t go into gear when the engine is running and in automatic transmission:

Low transmission fluid: This is the most common cause of transmission problems. If the fluid level is low, the transmission will not be able to properly engage the gears.
Dirty transmission fluid: Over time, transmission fluid can become dirty and contaminated with metal shavings and other debris. This can cause the transmission to slip and not engage the gears properly.
Worn transmission components: With age and use, transmission components can wear out and fail. This can cause the transmission to slip and not engage the gears properly.
Faulty shift linkage: The shift linkage is the mechanism that connects the gear selector to the transmission. If the shift linkage is faulty, it will not be able to properly engage the gears.
Faulty transmission control module: The transmission control module (TCM) is the computer that controls the transmission. If the TCM is faulty, it may not be able to properly engage the gears.

Symptoms

The following are some of the symptoms that may indicate that your car has a transmission problem:

The car won’t go into gear when the engine is running and in automatic transmission.
The car slips out of gear when driving.
The car hesitates when shifting gears.
The car makes a grinding noise when shifting gears.
The car has a transmission fluid leak.

Diagnosis

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it is important to have your car diagnosed by a qualified mechanic. The mechanic will be able to determine the cause of the problem and recommend the appropriate repairs.

Repairs

The repairs for a transmission problem will vary depending on the cause of the problem. Some common repairs include:

Replacing the transmission fluid
Cleaning the transmission
Replacing worn transmission components
Replacing the shift linkage
Replacing the transmission control module

Prevention

There are a few things you can do to help prevent transmission problems:

Check the transmission fluid level and condition regularly.
Have the transmission serviced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Avoid driving in harsh conditions, such as off-roading or towing heavy loads.

Conclusion

If your car won’t go into gear when the engine is running and in automatic transmission, it is important to have it diagnosed by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. The sooner the problem is diagnosed, the sooner it can be repaired and you can get back on the road.