7 Culprits for Car Engine Not Starting

Car starts but won't move? Join Gartz to learn about 7 common reasons why your car won't move even though the engine is turned on, along with detailed solutions.

Introduce

You get in your car, start the engine and everything seems to work fine, but when you put it in gear the car won't move? This is not an uncommon situation, especially in cars with automatic transmissions. The car start but not run can originate from technical faults related to the transmission system, gearbox or internal lubricants.

Gartz will help you analyze7 most common causes, along with effective solutions to avoid serious and costly problems.

1. Internal damage to the gearbox

The gearbox is where power is transmitted from the engine to the wheels. WhenClutch or gears inside the transmission are worn, broken or slipping, the power transmission will be interrupted. In this situation, although the engine is still running, the rotational force is not transmitted to the drive shaft, causing the vehicle to not move.

Solution:
Take your car to a transmission repair shop for an internal inspection. If the problem is severe, the transmission assembly or the entire system may need to be replaced.

2. Lack or wrong type of gearbox oil

Gear oil has the task oflubricates, cools and pressurizes the hydraulic system for gear shifting. If the oil is depleted, degraded or the wrong type is used for the gearbox, the internal pressure will not be enough to transmit power, causing the vehicle to not move even when in gear.

Solution:

Check the transmission oil level and quality.
Replace withGartz standard gear oilwith each vehicle type such as ATF G4, G6, CVT Gold, 9G-HP...
Use Gartz circulating oil changerto ensure all old oil and dirt inside is replaced.

3. Pressure control valve (solenoid) failure

The solenoid valve is an electronic control device in the automatic transmission, which is responsible for opening and closing the flow of oil, helping the vehicle to shift gears smoothly. If the valve is stuck, burned or contaminated, the transmission willnot receiving correct signal, causing the vehicle to not move even in D gear.

Solution:
Use specialized diagnostic equipment to determine the fault. If the valve is faulty, it should be replaced or thoroughly cleaned depending on the condition.

4. Broken drive shaft or loose clutch

The drive shaft (or axle) transmits power from the transmission to the wheels. When the shaft isfracture or dislocationDue to strong impact, worn bearings or incorrect assembly, the force transmitted from the engine cannot reach the wheels, causing the vehicle to "freeze".

Solution:
Check the undercarriage area. If a loose or broken axle is found, replace it immediately to avoid an accident or further damage.

5. Transmission control module (TCM) failure

The TCM (Transmission Control Module) is the “brain” of the transmission. It receives signals from the accelerator pedal, sensors and ECU to control the gear shifting process. WhenTCM error, circuit burn or power loss, the gearbox will not work, resulting in the vehicle not being able to move even though it starts normally.

Solution:

Use diagnostic equipment to check for error codes.
Update software or replace TCM if necessary.
Gartz recommends periodic inspection of the transmission electrical system to prevent damage.

6. Damaged clutch or clutch (manual transmission)

With manual transmission, ifburnt, worn clutch plate or broken clutch cable, the force from the engine will not be transmitted to the gearbox. Even if the car is in gear, it will not move.

Solution:
Remove the clutch for inspection and replace if heavy wear, blackening or loss of grip is detected. Use high quality components to ensure durability.

7. The gear lever is not in the correct position.

This is a simple but common mistake. With automatic transmission vehicles, if the gear lever has not been shifted fromP (Parking) sang D (Drive)or the driver forgotbrake, the transmission will not receive the signal to start the transmission.

Solution:

Check the gear position and make sure the brake is applied.
If the gear lever is stuck or the button is broken, it should be repaired promptly to avoid a repeat of this situation.

Gartz – Comprehensive solutions for gearboxes and engines

Gartz is a brand of transmission oil and transmission care additives developed in Singapore according to German technology standards. We provide comprehensive solutions for vehicles from popular to high-end, especially:

ATF G4, G6, CVT Gold, 6HP, 8HP, 9G-HP– suitable for each specific type of gearbox.
Gearbox cleaning and restoration additives– protect, prevent dirt, prolong life.
Gartz machine circulating oil change service– optimal efficiency, deep cleaning, keeps the gearbox running smoothly.

Conclude

Car start but not runis a warning sign that the transmission system is having problems. Early detection and treatment will help youAvoid serious damage, save costs and ensure safetywhen in circulation.

Let Gartz accompany you in yourmaintenance - care - gearbox restorationwith optimal, precise and professional solutions.