Q: Car not changing gears

asked by on March 22, 2016

The car won't change gears. I think it is the transmission.

The first thing to check is the fluid level. Your car does not have a dipstick, it will need to be jacked up to do this. Is your Check Engine Light on? Some transmission trouble codes will put it in a “limp” mode. It will default to a single gear, usually third. Try manually shifting it. If it is in limp mode, it might shift into second with the shifter in the first gear position. Don’t assume the transmission will need totally replaced. There are sensors, and other components like the valve body that can be repaired without transmission removal. The dealer or a reputable transmission shop is your best bet. A mechanic from YourMechanic can come out and do a basic inspection to give you a better idea of what you might need before having the car towed.

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